Program 1: Maternal programming and amino acid precision feeding

Program Overview

Why is the Program work important?

Dietary amino acids (AAs) and protein have long been central to research in poultry nutrition. The complexity of studying 20 proteinogenic amino acids and their interactions under an unlimited array of environmental circumstances in an animal which is genetically evolving continuously, require constant revision of even the most fundamental concepts.

Program 1 will re-define the role of dietary protein and amino acids and deliver some of the missing links to improve amino acid formulation in chicken meat production from broiler breeders to the fork.

Program aim

To advance amino acid formulation in chicken meat production involving broiler breeder diets, in ovo interventions, gut healthy microbiota balance and starter-grower diets to improve growth uniformity.

Program focus

The Maternal programming and amino acid precision feeding program will:

Assess the effect of reducing dietary CP in broiler breeder diets on gut and immune system development and performance of the broiler progeny.
Test potential in ovo AA supplements aiming at embryonic development of the digestive system including gut-associated immune responses.
Study synergies between maternal programming, in ovo and early-feeding programs on the performance and health of broiler progeny.
Identify potential requirements or Lys ratio related to EAA and NEAA in low CP diets.
Study specific EAA and NEAA requirements early in life to optimize gut and immune development.
Determine dietary AA requirements of a healthy microbiota.