Phenotypic profiles of broiler stocks fed two levels of methionine and lysine.
A phenotypic profile was compiled for eight commercial broiler stocks fed diets containing two levels of methionine and lysine. Stock by diet interactions were unimportant for most traits, although differences among stocks were somewhat magnified when they were fed the lower levels of methionine and lysine. Feed efficiency (body weight/feed consumption) to a fixed age was negatively associated with body weight, feed intake, frequency of leg disorders, and size of the abdominal fat pad. Its association with immunological and physiological traits varied with the environment. Apparent improvements in performance may be partially attributed to increases in growth rate, which have enabled broilers to reach market age at earlier ages.
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001831:Body Temperature; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D008239:Lysine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008715:Methionine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009522:Newcastle disease virus / Q000276:immunology; D010641:Phenotype; D014611:Vaccination / Q000662:veterinary
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D008715:Methionine; D008239:Lysine