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Effect of Constant and Cyclic Environmental Temperatures, Dietary protein, and Amino Acid Levels on Broiler Performance

Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; Phone: (612) 624-6263; FAX: (612) 625-5789

Correspondence: Craig N. Coon

The research was conducted to evaluate the concept of increasing dietary protein and amino acids in broiler grower diets to compensate for reduced feed intake caused by hot constant temperatures or hot cyclic temperatures in the environment. Broilers were housed at two constant temperatures and one cyclic temperature from 21 to 49 days of age. Regression analysis indicated the performance of the heat-stressed broilers was dependent upon temperature rather than protein and amino acid intake. The research indicates that heat-stressed 21 to 49-day-old broilers should be fed diets that contain between 90 to 100% NRC (1994) recommended levels of amino acids and protein when diets contain 3250 kcal ME/kg. Nutritionists should not try to compensate for a decreased intake in hot temperatures by increasing the concentration of protein and amino acids.

Key Words: Amino acids • broilers • constant • cyclic • hot environmental temperatures • protein