Effect of varying dietary lysine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary lysine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and eight (108) 1-d old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three dietarygroups (T1 = 0.20%, T2 = 0.40%, T3=0.60% lysine inclusion) of thirty-six birds replicated six times. The experiment lasted for six weeks. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio at the finisher phase. Birds fed T2 and T 3 had improved crude protein digestibility (P < 0.05) compared to those fed T1.Moreover, birds fed T2 had a significantly higher thighweight (P <0.05). Conclusively, birds on T3 had better performance in terms of total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Although, high level of lysine in feed adequate in crude protein beyond 0.40% may not translate to higher thigh yield.Keywords: Carcass; Growth; Lysine; Nutrient retention; Organ weight