Architecture of broiler breeder energy partitioning models

A robust model that estimates the ME intake over broiler breeder lifetime is essential for formulating diets with optimum nutrient levels. The experiment was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories, which were designed with 2 levels of cumulative BW gain in prepubertal growth phase and 5 levels of timing of growth around puberty. This study investigated the effect of growth pattern on energy efficiency of birds and tested the effects of dividing data into daily, 4-d, weekly, 2-wk, and 3-wk periods and the inclusion of random terms associated with individual maintenance ME and ADG requirements, and age on ME partitioning model fit and predictive performance. Model [I] was: MEI_d = a × BW^b + c × ADG_p + d × ADG_n + e × EM + ε, where MEI_d was daily ME intake (kcal/d); BW in kg; ADG_p was positive ADG; ADG_n was negative ADG (g/d); EM was egg mass (g/d); ε was the model residual. Models [II to IV] were nonlinear mixed models based on the model [I] with inclusion of a random term for individual maintenance requirement, age, and ADG, respectively. Model [II] – 3 wk was chosen as the most parsimonious based on lower autocorrelation bias, closer fit of the estimates to the actual data (lower model MSE and closer R² to 1), and greater predictive performance among the models. Estimated ME partitioned to maintenance in model [II] – 3 wk was 100.47 ± 7.43 kcal/kg^0.56, and the ME requirement for ADG_p, ADG_n, and EM were 3.49 ± 0.37; 3.16 ± 3.91; and 2.96 ± 0.13 kcal/g, respectively. Standard treatment had lower residual heat production (RHP; -0.68 kcal/kg BW^0.56) than high early growth treatment (0.79 kcal/kg BW^0.56), indicating greater efficiency in utilizing the ME consumed. Including random term associated with individual maintenance ME in a 3-wk chunk size provided a robust, biologically sound life-time energy partitioning model for breeders.