Effect of Age on the Response of Chickens to Dietary Protein and Fat

Abstract

A high level of protein and the presence of corn oil in the diet of growing female chickens each increased body weights, decreased the size and lipid content of the liver, and decreased the incorporation of sodium acetate-1-C¹⁴ into liver lipids. The changes in liver lipid content were largely a reflection of changes in the level of glycerides and cholesterol esters in this organ. Generally, these measures were not significantly affected by diet after the birds reached sexual maturity. The analysis of eggs, plasma, heart, liver and depot fat from mature birds showed that the fatty acid content of these sites was altered little by protein level. Adding corn oil to the diet increased the level of linoleic acid in these sites and decreased the palmitoleic and oleic acid content. Egg weights and egg production were not significantly influenced by dietary protein level. However, higher values for these measurements were noted when corn oil was added to the diet.