Effect of dietary energy levels on productivity, fat deposition, and biochemical parameters of Woorimatdag1 breeder pullets

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate effects of apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) levels in diets on productivity, fat deposition, and biochemical parameters of Woorimatdag1 (WMD1) breeder pullets. Methods A total of 240 four-week-old WMD1 breeder pullets were divided into four dietary groups with five replicates (12 birds per replicate). These groups had the following dietary energy levels: standard metabolizable energy (SME), SME-200, SME-100, and SME+100 (diets containing 2,800, 2,600, 2,700, and 2,900 kcal AMEn/kg, respectively). These pullets were provided with diets and water ad libitum until 16 weeks old. Results Weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in SME-100, SME, and SME+100 groups than in the SME-200 group. SME+100 and SME groups exhibited significantly (p<0.05) improved feed conversion ratio compared to the SME-200 group. Laying ages of 30% egg production occurred significantly (p<0.05) earlier in SME-100, SME, and SME+100 groups than in the SME-200 group. SME and SME+100 groups had significantly (p<0.05) higher liver fat (%) than the SME-200 group. Additionally, the SME+100 group had higher (p<0.05) abdominal fat (%) than other groups. However, blood parameters were not significantly different among dietary groups. Conclusion SME-100 (2,700 kcal AMEn/kg) might be suitable for improving productivity and fat deposition of WMD1 breeder pullets.

Keywords

• biochemical parameters
• fat deposition
• metabolizable energy
• productivity
• woorimatdag breeders