Comparative study on the energy utilization of pigeons, guinea-fowls and broiler chicks

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to compare the energy utilization of pigeons, guinea-fowls and domestic chickens (n=5 birds per treatment). After 48 h starvation birds were force fed by the experimental diets and excreta were collected during the following 48 h. Endogenous energy losses (EEL) were determined using fasted animals. Different species excreted different (P<0.001) amounts of EEL, which was the lowest for pigeons and the highest for broiler chicks. Nitrogen correction of EEL (EELn) reduced the differences between pigeons and guinea-fowls but the value for broilers remained significantly (P<0.001) higher. The same tendency was found when the endogenous energy excretion of birds on body weight basis were compared. Apparent and true metabolizable energy values, corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn and TMEn) of experimental diets were significantly higher (P<0.001) when they were determined with pigeons. No consistent differences in the energy utilization between chicks and guinea-fowls were obtained.