Phase-Feeding Supports Maximum Growth Performance of Broiler Chicks from Forty-three to Seventy-one Days of Age

Abstract

Phase-feeding (PF) was tested to evaluate its efficacy compared with NRC recommendations for broilers. Two modified PF regimens were also tested that involved lowering amino acid requirements predicted by PF linear regression equations by 10% (PF10) and increasing the slope of the linear regression equations by 15% (PF15). Experimental diets were fed from 43 to 71 d. Broilers fed the NRC regimen were given a single diet throughout the experiment, whereas PF, PF10, and PF15 were tested with a series of four diets (43 to 50 d, 50 to 57 d, 57 to 64 d, and 64 to 71 d). At 71 d, no differences (P < 0.05) in weight gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency were observed among treatments. Intake of crude protein, digestible lysine, sulfur amino acids (SAA), and threonine were decreased (P < 0.05) by PF, PF10, and PF15 relative to that of broilers fed the NRC diet. Gain per unit digestible lysine and threonine intake were increased (P < 0.05) by PF, PF10, and PF15, and gain per unit digestible SAA intake was increased (P < 0.05) by PF10 and PF15 relative to broilers fed the NRC diet. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carcass, breast, wing, or leg yield, but abdominal fat was increased (P < 0.05) by the PF10 regimen relative to that of broilers fed the NRC diet. Economic analysis indicated that PF and PF10 may lower the cost of feed consumed and the cost per unit weight gain or breast yield relative to broilers fed the NRC diet.