Studies on the daily protein and amino acid needs of broiler breeder hens

Abstract

Feeding trials were conducted with broiler breeder hens to determine optimum daily intake of protein for maximum performance. Pullets were grown to 24 weeks of age on limited feed intake to maintain the body weight within the limits suggested by the breeder. A controlled-feeding system was used during the laying period with step-wise increase in calorie intakes. In the first study corn-soybean type diets were used to supply 14 to 22 grams of protein/day in 2 gram increments. In the second study daily protein intakes of 14.5 to 24 grams were compared. In addition, diets supplying 14.5 and 16 grams of protein daily were also fed with an additional 200 mg/day of lysine and methionine. The results of these studies suggest that the protein requirement of broiler breeder hens fed corn-soybean meal diets without supplemental amino acids is 20-22 grams per day.