Abbreviation Key: FCR = feed conversion ratio; SHM = spent hen meal. Utilization of Spent Hen Meal in Diets for Broiler Chickens1

ABSTRACT Studies were conducted to evaluate spent hen meal (SHM) produced in commercial rendering plants as a nutrient source in diets for broiler chickens. Utilizing previously determined nutrient composition values, including digestible amino acid and TMEn content, diets were formulated to include 0, 5, 10, and 15 % of SHM from three different locations. In the first experiment, conducted in battery pens from 1 to 21 d posthatch, diets were formulated with digestible amino acid requirements set at 90, 95, or 100 % of NRC (1994) total amino acid requirements. In the second experi-ment, conducted in floor pens from 1 to 49 d posthatch, diets were formulated with digestible amino acid requirements set at 95 % of NRC (1994) total amino acid requirements. Samples of birds from the second experi