Project Number: 3625-31000-003-12
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 22, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
Determine the apparent metabolizable energy content of various corn co-products generated from the wet- and dry-milling industry and relate these values to chemical analysis of each ingredient in an effort to develop a metabolizable prediction equation based upon chemical analysis.

Approach:
Fifteen different corn milling co-products will be selected based on: availability, practicality of use, and range of nutrient composition, to determine apparent digestible and metabolizable energy concentration in broilers at approxiamtely 4 weeks of age. In addition, the determined apparent metabolizable energy concentrations will be analyzed by stepwise regression analysis to each ingredient's chemical composition to develop a metabolizable energy prediction equation. For the determination of apparent digestible and metabolizable energy concentration, broilers will be randomly assigned to experimental diets along with a basal diet to determine energy concentration of the co-product according to the difference method. Birds will be adapted to the experimental diet for a minimum of 7 days, followed by a 4-day total period. Energy balance will be conducted by typical nutrient balance procedures. There will be 8 replications for each co-product. All data will be analyzed using the GLM procedures of SAS with the effects of dietary treatment on the dependent variables of digestible and metabolizable energy. This data is of critical value to the poultry industry as feed grain (corn) prices are at historical highs and there is an abundance of higher fiber (reduced starch) corn co-products available for use by the broiler industry. To date, no research has been conducted in this area by any ARS or SAES, but is vitally needed by the industry.