<b>Metabolizable energy levels and energy:protein ratio for birds broilers of slow growth raised in free range system</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i1.248

Abstract

Metabolizable energy levels and energy:protein ratio for birds broilers of slow growth raised in free range system. Three trials were conducted to determine the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements and the energy to protein ratio (E:P) for slow growth female broilers raised in free range system in the starter, grower and final phase. A completely randomized design was used with five levels of ME (treatments) and four replications of 20 birds per experimental unit. The levels of ME varied in the starter phase from 2600 to 3200 kcal kg^-1, in the grower phase from 2700 to 3300 kcal kg^-1, and in the final phase from 2800 to 3400 kcal kg^-1. The crude protein and other nutrients were maintained at the same level in all diets. The E:P ratio and the ME level that provide the best performance and carcass characteristics for ISA Label females were 128 and 2750 (starter), 147 and 2850 (grower) and 172 and 3100 kcal of ME kg^-1 of diet (final).