Effects of dietary crude protein levels on ammonia emission, litter and manure composition, N losses, and water intake in broiler breeders

This study determined the effects of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels on ammonia emission (NH(3)), litter and manure composition, nitrogen (N) losses, and water intake in broiler breeders. A total of 480 females and 64 males (Ross 308) 20 wk of age were randomly allotted to 2 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 30 females and 4 males per replicate. Birds were fed either high CP (CPh) or low CP diets (CPl) supplemented with free amino acids (AA). Both diets consisted of 3 sub-diets; 1 for each phase of the laying period. Diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and calculated CP content of the CPl diets was 15 g/kg lower than the CPh diets (Breeder 1 (23 to 34 wk): 135 vs. 150, Breeder 2 (35 to 46 wk): 125 vs. 140 and Breeder 3 (47 to 60 wk of age): 115 vs. 130 g/kg, respectively). Pens consisted of an elevated slatted floor (25% of the floor surface) and a litter floor. Water and feed intake were recorded daily. Litter (floor) and manure (below slatted floor) composition and ammonia concentration were measured at 34, 44, and 54 wk of age. Ammonia concentration was measured using a flux chamber on top of the litter or manure. Estimated N losses were calculated. Dietary protein level did not affect water intake and dry matter (DM) content of the litter or manure. Compared to birds fed the CPh diets, the litter and manure samples of broiler breeders fed the CPl had 8% lower total-N and 13% lower ammonia-N content resulting in a 9% lower ammonia concentration, 9% lower ammonia emission, and 11% lower total-N losses. In conclusion, this study shows that reducing CP level in the diet of broiler breeders reduces ammonia emission and total N-losses from litter and manure.