Broiler Performance, Yield, and Bone Characteristics as Affected by Starter Diet Fat Level

Lard has become more available as a cheaper fat source for increasing the energy of broiler starter diets. Non-isocaloric starter diets were formulated to contain either 0, 3, or 7% added lard, with megacaloric percentages of all major nutrients held constant. Broilers received either 0, 3, or 7% added lard in starter diets to 10 days of age (S1), when they were changed to either 3 or 7% added lard starter diets (S2). At 21 days of age, all birds were changed to a common grower diet. Body weights (BW) and calorie conversions (CC) at 42 days of age were determined. Carcass yield was determined on day 44. Fat-free bone ash fat S1 diets increased BW in males and females. The S1 and S2 diets had no effect on CC, percentage fat pad and carcass yield increased in males. Lard added at the 3 or 7% levels to broiler starter diets between 11 and 21 days of age may be a cost-effective energy source with no adverse effect on 42-day BW and carcass fat at 44 days.