©2007 Poultry Science Association, Inc. Response to Varying Dietary Energy and Protein With or Without Enzyme Supplementation on Growth and Performance of Leghorns: Growing Period

Bovans White Leghorn pullets were utilized to evaluate the use of an enzyme cocktail from 0 to 126 d of age. Dietary treatments varied in CP, ME, and enzyme (EZ) supplementation. Feed intake, BW gain, and feed conversion ratio data were gathered in addition to determining nutrient retention and digestibility during the trial. Cumulatively, feed consumption was decreased by EZ supplementation when added to a required ME diet. Body weight gains were similar across dietary treatments; however, cumulative feed conversion ratio was significantly improved with EZ supplementation. Interactions regarding nutrient retention and digestibility were numerous. Similar responses were noted for energy and protein retention values during the trial with changes in response to dietary treatments as the pullets aged. Compared with feeding an industry applicable diet (required ME/CP without EZ − $0.27/lb gain), all dietary treatments reduced production costs with significant reductions when reducing CP. Lowest feed cost ($)/lb gain and percent excreta N was feeding pullets a diet with reduced ME and CP supplemented with EZ ($0.262/lb gain; 5.19% N). Possible further reductions in ME or dietary CP, or both, with EZ supplementation may prove to be even more economical and environmentally friendly. Key words: dietary energy, protein, enzyme supplementation, pullet 2007 J. Appl. Poult. Res. 16:481–493 doi:10.3382/japr.2006-00082 DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM High egg production and laying efficiency are characteristic of the modern laying hen. Im-provements in efficiency must focus on maximiz-ing nutrient utilization from current and future feedstuffs [1]. The use of commercial enzyme