An Application of Response Surface Methodology to Research in Poultry Nutrition

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is an experimental procedure for exploring and examining the nature of responses obtained from the simultaneous variation of quantitative factors. The method has been used only to a limited extent in poultry research. Statistical procedures were discussed for fitting a response surface to experimental data. An outline was made of the mathematical process for finding the stationary point, yield at the stationary point and nature of the response surface. A poultry example was given which involved the investigation of the protein and energy requirements of Japanese quail. The advantage of RSM was shown when it was determined by RSM procedures that the optimum response for body weight was out of the exploratory region covered in the first trial. A second trial was then conducted based on the levels of protein and energy predicted to give an optimum body weight. Optimum responses were shown for both body weight and feed conversion. Examination of the responses by three dimensional figures and computer plotting of contours was shown. The RSM procedure appears to offer an efficient method for examining the requirements and relationships of nutrients for poultry.