Energy and nitrogen retention and loss in broiler chickens genetically selected for leanness and fatness

1. A breeding programme based on the assessment of the body fat content of broilers by measurement of plasma very low density lipoprotein concentration has resulted in 2 lines with significantly different body fat contents. 2. Energy and nitrogen intake and retention were measured in 63- to 70-d-old females from each line during 5-d periods of indirect chamber calorimetry. Results obtained by this technique were compared with results from a previously published growth trial incorporating carcase analysis at 49 d. 3. Body weight, metabolisable energy intake, heat production, energy retention and efficiency of energy retention did not differ significantly between the fat and lean lines. 4. The proportion of energy retained as crude protein and the efficiency of crude protein retention were significantly greater in the lean line. 5. In terms of whole-body energy and nitrogen exchanges, the essential difference between the lines was therefore in the partition of the same quantity of retained energy between fat and protein deposition. 6. The results were consistent with a higher rate of breakdown of amino acids in the fat line; because heat production did not also increase, a greater proportion of retained energy therefore became available for storage as fat.