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Modeling metabolizable energy utilization in broiler breeder pullets
N K Sakomura1, R Silva, H P Couto
1Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Campus de Jaboticabal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil. sakomura@fcav.unesp.br
Poultry Science
|April 23, 2003
Summary
New models predict the metabolizable energy (ME) needs for broiler breeder pullets. These models account for temperature and weight gain, offering a more accurate way to feed young birds.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Nutrition
- Energy Metabolism
Background:
- Accurate estimation of nutrient requirements is crucial for optimal growth and health in broiler breeder pullets.
- The factorial method is a common approach for determining energy requirements, but requires precise inputs for maintenance and growth.
- Environmental temperature significantly influences the energy demands of poultry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate models for predicting the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements of broiler breeder pullets.
- To assess the impact of environmental temperature on maintenance ME requirements.
- To evaluate the accuracy of the developed models against breeder recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the factorial method to determine ME requirements.
- Employed the comparative slaughter technique in controlled environmental rooms (15, 22, 30°C) to assess maintenance ME requirements.
- Calculated energy requirements for weight gain based on body energy content and utilization efficiency.
- Developed two ME requirement models for different age groups (3-8, 9-14, 15-20 weeks).
- Validated the models through a feeding trial comparing predicted energy intake with breeder recommendations.
Main Results:
- Developed age-specific ME requirement models incorporating body weight, temperature, and daily weight gain.
- Models indicated that temperature significantly affects maintenance ME requirements.
- Feeding trials showed that the developed models predicted energy intakes that supported body weights close to, or slightly below, breeder recommendations.
- One model (Model 2) demonstrated the best prediction accuracy for ME requirements and resulted in body weights closest to the standard recommendation.
Conclusions:
- The developed factorial models provide a more accurate estimation of ME requirements for broiler breeder pullets compared to general breeder recommendations.
- Environmental temperature is a key factor to consider in ME requirement calculations for pullets.
- Model 2 offers a reliable tool for optimizing feeding strategies and managing body weight in broiler breeder pullets.