The Effects of Low Protein Finisher Diets on Broiler Males’ Performance and Abdominal Fat

Four isocaloric (3250 kcal/kg metabolizable energy finisher diets were fed to 860 broiler males at 9, 12, 15, and 18% protein from 42 to 49 days of age. Body weight gains from 42 to 49 days were directly proportional to dietary protein level. Birds fed 18% protein diets were significantly more efficient in finisher feed conversion and total feed conversion than birds on 9 and 12% protein. There was no significant difference in finisher feed conversion and total feed conversion between 15 and 18% protein and between 12 and 15% protein. Birds fed 9 and 15% protein diets had significantly more percent fat than birds fed 12 and 18% protein diets.