The Journal of Applied Poultry Research · 2003 · 27 citations · 10 references
AgricultureAnimal SciencesPoultry ScienceBroiler ProductionPoultry BreedingPoultry PhysiologyBroiler BreedingBroiler BreedsBroiler Growth PerformanceGrowth PerformanceGrowth PhysiologyPoultry ProductionBreed Differences In GrowthBroiler Growth RateComparative Growth AnalysisCost Of Gain AnalysisGrowth EfficiencyGrowth Parameters EstimationRichard's EquationSpecific Growth Rate
The objective of this study was to model the growth process, derive growth parameters in emus, compare the parameters using broilers as a benchmark, and identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of emu production. The Richard’s growth model fitted the weight and age data of emu and broilers very well with R2 estimates that were ≥99%. The mature weights of emus were estimated to be 49.5 kg, and broilers were estimated to be 4.6 kg. Lifetime absolute growth rate of emus was 68.4 g/d, and they matured 12.5 times slower than broilers. Inflection age and weight were 105 d and 9.8 kg, respectively, for emus and 36 d and 1.67 kg, respectively, for broilers. Because emus are slaughtered late, growth efficiency is poor, and the feed cost per kilogram of gain is high. Characterizing the growth process is a valuable strategy that could be used to selectively breed emus that grow and mature rapidly and have high gain to feed ratios.
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Samuel Brody, Henry A. Lardy · The Journal of Physical Chemistry · 1946 · 3.3K citations
Nutrient requirements of poultry
G.M. Pesti · Animal Feed Science and Technology · 1995 · 1.9K citations