Comparison of Metabolizable Energy Values of Feed Ingredients for Chicks and Hens

Abstract

Nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy values were determined for 4-week old broiler chicks and 60-week old Leghorn hens. Feed ingredients tested included corn, wheat, barley, bailey hulls, wheat bran, alfalfa meal, fish meal, meat scraps, soybean meal, safflower meal and peas. Significant differences in energy values were obtained for most feeds with higher energy values resulting in 8 of 11 feeds when fed to hens. Hens in general utilized more energy than chicks when fed feed ingredients with higher fiber levels.