Broiler compound feed prices have fluctuated over the last few months in part due to soya meal prices. Fig. 1 shows monthly soya bean prices for 2003 and 2004. When raw material prices increase it is tempting to consider controlling the cost of the finished feed by reducing nutrient levels in the diet. Protein is a major contributor to this cost. In this article we explore the effect of reducing protein levels to control feed cost on biological and financial performance. The graph of results from a recent trial (see Fig. 2) demonstrates the effect of increasing protein levels (available amino acids) in the diet on Ross 308 male growth and FCR to 41 days of age. The control treatment was formulated to meet the current Ross 308 recommendations, whilethe protein level in the other treatment was formulated to achieve 85% of the control diet.
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