# Validation with the Dynamic Prediction Model of Protein and Amino Acid Requirements for Growth Performance and Health in Layer Chicks

## TL;DR

This study validated a dynamic model for predicting protein and amino acid needs in young chickens, showing it supports healthy growth and reduces feed waste.

## Contribution

The study validates a dynamic prediction model for layer chicks' protein and amino acid requirements, demonstrating its effectiveness in feed optimization.

## Key findings

- The 100% model diet had no adverse effects on growth performance or health compared to the standard diet.
- The model diet reduced nutrient waste while supporting organ and intestinal development in chicks.
- The 90% model diet negatively impacted feed intake and growth, while the 110% model increased feed intake.

## Abstract

Precision feeding needs dynamic feed formulations that are produced by adjusting the dietary ingredients based on the specific nutritional requirements of animals. Providing precise nutrition for chickens at different life stages can achieve a balance between their nutritional supply and demand, effectively improving feed utilization and reducing costs. This study validated the dynamic prediction model established for the protein and amino acid nutritional requirements of Jing Tint 6 layer chicks aged 0–6 weeks. The results show that dietary supplementation with a 100% model diet formulated based on the prediction model had no adverse effect growth performance and health status when compared to the basal diet formulated according to the feeding standards for layer chicks. Additionally, the 100% model diet appears to be advantageous for the growth and development of both the bursa and small intestine in these chicks. Moreover, diets formulated based on the prediction model provided more precise nutritional levels of supplemented protein and amino acids, thereby minimizing the waste of these nutrients. These findings indicate that the model effectively predicts the nutritional requirements of Jing Tint 6 layer chicks and holds promise for efficient applications in optimizing feed formulations to enhance economic outcomes within the poultry industry.

This study evaluated an established dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid nutritional requirements on growth performance and health in layer chicks. A total of 288 one-day-old healthy Jing Tint 6 chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 6 replicates of 12 chicks each. The chicks in the four groups were fed a basal diet (BD) according to the feeding standards and a model diet (MD) based on the dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid values at 90%, 100%, or 110% for 6 weeks. The results showed that, compared to the BD, the 110% MD increased (p < 0.05) the FI and the 100% MD had no effect (p > 0.05) on FI, BWG, and FCR of chicks throughout the entire feeding phase. The 90% MD, however, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) FI and BWG, while also increasing (p < 0.05) FCR during the 3–6- and 0–6-week periods. Additionally, compared to the BD, the 100% MD had a lower (p < 0.05) intake of crude protein, methionine, lysine, and threonine than that of the BD. Both the 100% and 110% MDs increased (p < 0.05) bursa weight and its index at the 2nd week, while the 90% MD reduced (p < 0.05) the weights of the liver, spleen, and pancreas at the 6th week when compared to the BD. Moreover, the 100% MD increased (p < 0.05) the weights of the duodenum and jejunum, while the 90% MD decreased (p < 0.05) jejunum and ileum length at the 2nd or 6th week. Furthermore, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in serum ALT, AST, BUN, and UA between the 100% MD and BD groups. In conclusion, the dynamic prediction model can minimize protein waste while supporting healthy growth and development in layer chicks.