Chicks need more arginine for immunity than for growth
715 broiler chicks were fed 80–120% of the recommended arginine at two protein levels for 21 days. Low arginine and low protein reduced growth, thymus and spleen weight and the Newcastle antibody response. The arginine needed for best immunity (107% of NRC) was higher than for best growth (101%) or feed efficiency (103%).
Practical takeawayIn starter diets, setting arginine slightly above the standard recommendation supports immunity, especially in high-protein diets.
Original article
- Authors
- R. Jahanian
- Title
- Immunological responses as affected by dietary protein and arginine concentrations in starting broiler chicks
- Published in
- Poultry Science, 88: 1818–1824
- Year
- 2009
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