Age and dietary energy effect on broiler abdominal fat deposition

Three trials were conducted to determine when abdominal fat is deposited in relation to age and dietary energy level for broilers. Results show that the amount of abdominal fat as a percentage of body weight increased as age (36 to 54 days) and dietary energy level (3100 to 3325 metabolizable energy kcal/kg) increased. During the 36 to 54-day period, the weight of the broilers increased 75% for males and 72% for females. During the 36 to 54-day period, abdominal fat expressed as a percentage of body weight increased 23% for males and 38% for females.