Effect of Protein and Energy-reduced or Protein-reduced Diet on Mortality and Performance of Broiler Chickens Reared at a High-altitude Area

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of reducing dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP and amino acids) or decreasing only dietary CP [and amino acids, except first limiting amino acids (i.e. lysine, methionine+cystine, and threonine)] on mortality and performance of broilers raised in a farm 1,700 m above sea level. Two hundred and fifty-two Ross 308 male broiler chicks were distributed into 3 treatments with 6 replicates per each from 1 to 38 d of age. Dietary treatments were: control) a diet met or exceeded nutritional recommendations; DMC) a diet with the dilution of ME and CP (and amino acids), and DC) a diet with the dilution of CP (and amino acids, except lysine, methionine+cystine, and threonine). Mortality was higher in control compared to that of other treatments from 25 to 38 and 1 to 38 d of age. There was a higher relative weight of the right ventricle in control compared to that in DMC, and DC was being intermediate. During 1 to 38 d of age, control and DC improved average daily gain and adjusted feed conversion ratio compared to those of DMC. But in respect of the unadjusted feed conversion ratio and European poultry efficiency factor, DC improved these parameters compared to those of other treatments. In conclusion, decreasing CP content without any reductions in ME, lysine, methionine+cystine, and threonine concentration reduces mortality and enhances European poultry efficiency factor without any negative effects on feed efficiency or weight gain in broilers reared at a high-altitude area.

Keywords


Aviagen. 2019. Ross 308 Broiler Nutrition Specifications. Aviagen Ltd., Newbridge, UK.
Behrooj N, Khajali F & Hassanpour H. 2012. Feeding reduced-protein diets to broilers subjected to hypobaric hypoxia is associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome. British Poultry Science, 53: 658-664. DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2012.727082
Buys N, Buyse J, Hassanzadeh M & Decuypere E. 1998a. Intermittent lighting reduces the incidence of ascites in broilers: an interaction with protein content of feed on performance and the endocrine system. Poultry Science, 77: 54-61. DOI: 10.1093/ps/77.1.54
Buys N, Sceele CW, Kwakernaak C & Decuypere E. 1998b. Performance and physiological variables in broiler chicken lines differing in susceptibility to the ascites syndrome: 2. Effect of ambient temperature on partial efficiencies of protein and fat retention and plasma hormone concentrations. British Poultry Science, 40: 140-144. DOI: 10.1080/00071669987980
Julian RJ, McMillan I & Quinton M. 1989. The effect of cold and dietary energy on right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular failure and ascites in meat-type chickens. Avian Pathology, 18: 675-684. DOI: 10.1080/03079458908418641
Khajali F, Moghaddam MH & Hassanpour H. 2014. An L-Arginine supplement improves broiler hypertensive response and gut function in broiler chickens reared at high altitude. International Journal of Biometeorology, 58: 1175-1179. DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0710-7
Khajali F & Wideman RF. 2016. Nutritional approaches to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 100: 3-14. DOI: 10.1111/ jpn.12315
Leeson S, Diaz GJ & Summers JD. 1996. Poultry metabolic disorders and mycotoxins. University Books Publishing, Ontario, Canada.
Machin M, Simoyi MF, Blemings KP & Klandorf H. 2004. Increased dietary protein elevates plasma uric acid and is associated with decreased oxidative stress in rapidly-growing broilers. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B, 137: 383-390. DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2004. 01.002
Maxwell MH & Robertson GW. 1998. UK survey of broiler ascites and sudden death syndromes in 1993. British Poultry Science, 39: 203-215. DOI: 10.1080/00071669889132
SAS (Statistical Analysis System). 2001. SAS/STAT 8.0 User’s Guide. SAS Institute Inc. Cary, North Carolina.