REDUCED PROTEIN DIETS CAN REDUCE PRODUCTION COST WHILE ENSURING OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE IN BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study evaluated the growth performance, costs benefit, and gross margins of broiler chickens fed a reduced protein diet with amino acid supplementation from 14 to 42 days post-hatch. Two hundred one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were assigned to a Completely Randomized Design with four dietary treatments: a control diet and three reduced protein diets (-1% protein, -2% protein, -3% protein), each with five replicates of ten birds. The diets were supplemented with methionine, lysine, and threonine. The results showed that weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly influenced by dietary protein levels (P < 0.05). Growth performance was similar with a protein reduction of up to 2%, but a further reduction to 3% resulted in significant decline. Cost analysis indicated that feed prices decreased with lower protein levels. Although overall expenses were not significantly impacted, gross margins were better among birds fed the 2% reduced protein diet compared to those fed the 3% reduction. In conclusion, reducing protein in broiler diets by up to 2% with the supplementation of only the three limiting amino acids (methionine, lysine and threonine) supports optimal growth performance while reducing production costs.