Optimization of dietary protein concentration for minimising nitrogen excretion and economising on feed cost

Abstract

The feed cost, which accounts for more than 70% production cost of poultry is increasing over the years making the enterprise lesser remunerative for the farmers. The rise in cost of protein supplements like soyabean meal is particularly very high in the recent few years. Further, for meeting the requirements of all the essential amino acids, the poultry diets are formulated using the conventional protein meals, which often result in excess feeding of certain amino acids leading to increased nitrogen excretion and environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need for exploring ways for minimizing feed cost and optimizing protein nutrition through strategic supplementation of synthetic amino acids, protein degrading enzymes and use of alternate low-cost protein meals in the diet of chickens.