Long-term feeding effects of dietary protein levels on egg production, immunocompetence and plasma amino acids of laying hens in subtropical condition.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of protein levels on production performance, immune response, liver triglyceride and plasma amino acids profile of laying hens during 21-48 weeks of age. Two groups of commercial hens (Babcock B-308) were fed with diets with different crude protein levels (14% and 18% CP). The high protein diet (18% CP) significantly increased production performance, essential amino acid intake, spleen weight (% of body weight), ND-titre (haemagglutination-inhibition test), serum albumin (g/dl), serum alpha-globulin and plasma essential amino acids (except histidine) and decreased liver triglyceride (mg/g liver) in relation to the low protein diet (14% CP). In long-term effect, therefore, this study suggested that adequate dietary condition of amino acids, particularly methionine and branch-chain amino acids is necessary for sustaining normal immunocompetence and achieving maximum production performance.