Protein Restriction and Growth in Roaster Chicks

Le résumé fourni par la source

The effects of diets absent or low in protein upon early growth and subsequent recovery were studied in 864 roaster pullet chicks. Two diets consisting of 0% and 8% protein were fed for four different time intervals starting from day of hatch and lasting either 4, 8, 12, or 16 days. At the end of each period of protein restriction the chicks were placed on a 23% protein diet until they were 84 days of age. The 23% protein diet was also fed to a control group for the entire 84-day study period. Throughout the experiment, growth rate and feed consumption were monitored. During the restriction periods the chicks fed 0% protein experienced a slight weight loss (P<.05), with the changes being greater as the period of zero protein intake was extended. The chicks in all four treatments fed the 8% protein diets showed a reduced but consistent weight gain. Weight gain was lowest (P<.05) for the treatments fed the 0% protein diet and highest (P<.05) for the treatment fed the control diet. The body weights of the treatments fed 0% protein for 4 days and 8% protein for 4 and 8 days were not different (P>.05) from the control treatment at 84 days, indicating compensatory gains; however, the remaining treatments weighed significantly less. These results suggest that a diet devoid or low in protein, when fed during the first weeks of growth, has potential short term deleterious effects upon the body weight of the chick.

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