Objective: This study aimed to investigate effects of apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) levels in diets on productivity, fat deposition, and biochemical parameters of Woorimatdag1 (WMD1) breeder pullets.
Methods: A total of 240 four-week-old WMD1 breeder pullets were divided into four dietary groups with five replicates (12 birds per replicate). These groups had the following dietary energy levels: standard ME (SME), SME-200, SME-100, and SME+100 (diets containing 2,800, 2,600, 2,700, and 2,900 kcal AMEn/kg, respectively). These pullets were provided with diets and water ad libitum until 16 weeks old.
Results: Weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SME-100, SME, and SME+100 groups than in the SME-200 group. SME+100 and SME groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio compared to the SME-200 group. Laying ages of 30% egg production occurred significantly (p < 0.05) earlier in SME-100, SME, and SME+100 groups than in the SME-200 group. SME and SME+100 groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher liver fat (%) than the SME-200 group. Additionally, the SME+100 group had higher (p < 0.05) abdominal fat (%) than other groups. However, blood parameters were not significantly different among dietary groups.
Conclusion: SME-100 (2,700 kcal AMEn/kg) might be suitable for improving productivity and fat deposition of WMD1 breeder pullets.
Keywords: Biochemical Parameters; Fat Deposition; Metabolizable Energy; Productivity; Woorimatdag Breeders.