Utilization of High-Oil Corn in Diets for Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Two trials of similar experimental design were conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler chicken on diets containing high oil corn (HOC) or yellow dent corn (YDC). Diets contained fixed levels of 0, 2, 4, and 6% supplemental poultry oil and were formulated to optimum nutrient density; therefore, diets containing HOC were higher in energy than diets with YDC. Mail broilers fed diets with HOC weighed more and were more efficient in converting their feed to gain than those fed diets with YDC; however, the energy utilization of each diet was similar. There were no significant differences in dressing percentage between birds fed diets with HOC or YDC; however, birds fed diets with HOC had less (P≤.05) abdominal fat than those fed diets with YDC. Drip loss during cooking of thigh meat was less (P≤.05) in broilers fed diets with HOC. Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue was affected by both source of corn and level of supplemental poultry oil; both sources of corn influenced fatty acid composition in a similar manner. Results indicate that HOC can support good performance of broiler chickens with the capability of providing higher energy diets without increasing the level of supplemental fats.