Poultry growth rates

Eolacia requirements are related to the type and level of production. The more rapid the growth or production rates, the greater the need for folacia owiag to its role ia DNA syathesis. la poultry, the requirement for egg hatchabiUty is higher than for production (88). In swiae, foHc acid supplemeatatioa has beea showa to iacrease fertility and growth rates (89). 

In many countries it is difficult to obtain slow-growing broiler strains. As a result, most producers are using those breeds that have been selected for rapid growth rate and high feed conversion efficiency. Fortunately, many poultry-breeding companies have an increased interest in the development of slow-growing strains suitable for organic production systems (Katz, 1995 Saveur, 1997). 

Deeb, N., Shlosberg, A. andCahaner, A. (2002) Genotype-by-environment interaction with broiler genotypes differing in growth rate. 4. Association between responses to heat stress and to cold-induced ascites. Poultry Science 81,1454—1462. 

Evaluations of spent bleaching clay as a feed supplement indicate that, for poultry diets, inclusion rates of up to 7.5% spent clay in diets produced no deleterious effects on feed intake, growth rate, or feed efficiency (101). These results suggest that spent clay could be added to poultry feed at 0.5-2.0% which is similar to the amount of bentonite clay currently used as a pellet binder in poultry diets. The metabolizable energy (ME) of spent clay was determined to be 2870 kcal/kg (dry matter basis) but would vary with oil content. Other studies have also demonstrated the feeding value of spent clay (102). 

Saponins are present in many pasture plants (Bondi et al., 1973). Appreciable quantities accumulate in some, especially in certain forage legumes. These compounds are probably involved in the condition known as ruminant bloat. By altering the surface tension of the ruminal contents, saponins cause gas formed in the rumen by anaerobic bacterial fermentation to be entrapped as a froth. When fed to cattle, saponins elicit characteristic symptoms of bloat. In mono-gastric animals, saponins are responsible for reduced growth rate and decrease in food consumption. Poultry are particularly sensitive to alfalfa that contains saponins. Swine are less sensitive (Applebaum and Birk, 1979). 

Lysine is one of the important amino acids with respect to production volume and annual growth rates. The single largest application of lysine is in the animal feed industry as it is the limiting amino acid while optimizing the growth and production of lean meat in cattle and poultry. The normal quantity of lysine in conventional feed stuff is usually lower than that required by animals. The direct addition of lysine increases the protein content of the feed and lowers the use of high protein feed and hence lowers the ammonia content in the excreta. 

L Chick edema disease is diaiacterized by BsUessnesSy anorexia, reduced growth rate, anemia, ventral edema, and decreased egg halcbabllity. Subcutaneous edema, hydropericardlian, and ascites occur in poultry because vascular integrity is lost... 

Arsanilic acid is added to swine and poultry feeds at a dosage rate of up to 100 ppm for growth-promoting purposes. It is also effective for prophylaxis and treatment of many outbreaks associated with E. coli infections in swine. To treat scour in swine, arsanilic acid is administered in the feed, at a level of 250 ppm for up to 3 weeks. Arsanilic acid may also be administered to poultry for treatment of coliform septicemia at a level of 250 ppm in the feed for 5-8 days. 

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