Effect of Lysine Supplementation in Low Protein Diets on the Performance of Growing Broilers

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of lysine supplementation in low protein diets on the performance of growing broilers. Six broiler starter diets designated as A, B, C, D, E and F were formulated in such a way that diets A & B had CP 23%, diets C & D had CP level 21%, while diets E & F had CP 19%. Each pair of diets was supplemented with two levels of lysine i.e. 1.1 and 1.2%. These experimental diets were fed to the birds from day 0 to 28. Results indicated that both CP and lysine levels had significant effect on mean body weight gains. Maximum average weight gain (1244 gms) was observed in birds fed diets with 19% CP and 1.2% lysine. It was observed that there were significant differences in feed intake among diets. Minimum feed consumption (1900.24 gms) was observed in birds fed on diet containing 23% CP and 1.1% lysine. Protein and lysine levels had non-significant effect on the mean FCR of the diets. It was concluded that CP levels in the diets of the broilers could be reduced from 23 to 19%, when considering in terms of FCR, provided that their lysine levels are higher than NRC recommended levels.