Evaluation of a prediction equation of crude protein for broiler breeder hens

The objective of this study was to evaluated a crude protein requirement equation elaborated for broiler breeders. The experiment was conducted with 60031-weeks old Hubbard HI-Y broiler breeders in a completely randomized experiment with three treatments and five replications. The treatments were: T1-Crude protein supply according to lineage recommendation manual (control), T2-Crude protein supply according to a prediction equation adjusted in function of the performance data of the standard treatment, and T3-Crude protein supply according to the prediction equation adjusted in function of the performance data of each experimental unit. The prediction equation was : CP = 2.282W(0,75) + 0.356G + 0.262 EM, where CP is crude protein requirement (g/bird/day), W is body weight (kg), G is weight gain (g/day) and EM is egg mass (g/day). Birds feed according to the equation had lower protein intake (20.8 g/day) compared to those of the standard treatment (23.8 g/day), this leading to lower weight which reflected in chick weight. Feeding according to the equation provided better results as concerned to protein efficiency. It was concluded that the protein levels recommended through the equation were not sufficient for providing minimum protein requirements for broiler breeders.