Broiler weight gain and carcass composition when fed diets varying in amino acid balance, dietary energy, and protein level.

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chicks where diet composition varied with respect to dietary protein, energy, and essential amino acid (EAA) balance. Birds fed diets varying widely in EAA balance and protein and energy levels performed differently with respect to percentage carcass fat and protein. The absolute carcass protein deposition remained relatively constant between treatments, but body fat content varied depending on level of energy intake. Although abdominal fat content varied with level of dietary protein and energy, these values did not correlate well with total carcass fat deposition. Carcass fat deposition correlated well with dietary energy intake, which in turn appeared to be influenced by birds eating to satisfy their EAA requirement. With diets of similar EAA balance, birds appeared to have similar EAA intakes rather than similar energy intakes. Birds fed diets with similar EAA levels, but varying widely in level of nonessential amino acids, energy, or both consumed similar amounts of feed and deposited similar amounts of carcass protein. The present data suggest that level and balance of EAA can have a significant effect on feed intake, thereby influencing weight gain and carcass composition.