Abstract:
The ideal protein (IP) concept is becoming popular as a mean of increasing the
utilization efficiency of dietary proteins by poultry. The objective of this study was to
evaluate the performance of broiler chicks fed four diets having two IP s and two lysine
levels. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in 2 x 2 factorial
arrangement. Treatment factors were two IP (NRC or Illinois University chick protein;
1IUCP) and two lysine levels (1 or 1.25%). For both IP s, the levels of other essential
amino acids (AA) were adjusted according to the level of lysine used; either 1 or
1.25%.Rations were formulated using linear model based computer software. From
day 21 to 42, seventy two chicks in 24 pens received one of the above four diets ad
libitum. Growth parameters such as live weight on day 42, weight gain from day 21-42,
feed intake, water intake were not significantly affected (P>0.05) either by the IP or by
the lysine levels used. However, birds fed IUCP were heavier on day 42 and gained
I more weight between day 21-42 but consumed more feed compared to birds given NRC
IP. Similarly, birds fed AA profiles based on 1.25% lysine gave numerically higher
performance parameters and ingested lesser amount of feed compared to the birds who
received 1% lysine. Consequently, FCR of the birds fed 1.25 lysine based IP was
I significantly (P<0.05) lower ((2.1) than that of the birds fed 1% lysine (2.4). Water
intake, water to feed ratio, dressing percentage and internal organ weights were not
affected either by the AA profile or lysi ne level used. There was no significant IP x
lysine level interactions with respect to any of the parameters tested. It was concluded
that use IP formulated based on of 1.25 % dietary lysine increases FCR of broiler
chicken.
