broiler chickens, cultivars of maize, digestibility, AMEN
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine nutrients digestibility and energy utilization of nine maize cultivars (Opoka, Boruta, Nysa, Smok, Pioneer PR39H64, Monada, Rustika Eurostar, Pionier G12, Arobase) in broiler chickens. Cultivars differed in a content of CP and EE. In vivo digestibility was measured by a standard method on ninety 42 days old broilers. CP digestibility was calculated using the α-amino nitrogen method. Furthermore, digestible energy (DE) and apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN) as well as nitrogen balance and retention were determined. Maize grain nutritive value and energy utilization in broiler chickens depended on the cultivars. The cultivars characterized by higher content of CP and EE had higher digestibility coeffi cient of these nutrients. The cultivar did not infl uence nitrogen balance and retention. It is recommended to take into a consideration the maize grain cultivars and their chemical composition when a broiler diet is being composed.
