Characterization of the Response of Broiler Chickens to Diets Varying in Nutrient Density Content

Studies have been conducted to examine the response of broilers to diets varying in nutrient density. Constant energy:nutrient ratios were maintained in diets for growing broilers fed 2970 to 3740 M.E. kcal./kg. and measurements made of weight gain, feed consumption, efficiency of feed utilization, calorie:gain ratios, and various carcass characteristics. Growth rate and efficiency of feed utilization were almost direct functions of the dietary nutrient density level. Broilers offered higher energy diets consumed a greater number of calories but converted these to gain with little impairment in caloric efficiency. Regression analyses were used to derive equations for predicting changes in feed consumption and growth rate associated with changes in dietary nutrient density level.