Effect of genetic line, sex of birds and the type of bioassay on the metabolisable energy value of maize

1. Experiments were conducted to determine the differences in the energy utilisation of adult hens and cockerels of a layer (Rhode Island Red) and a broiler line (Cornish). The effect of 2 different precision-feeding methodologies (wet and dry-feeding) were also compared. Birds were fasted for 24 h, precision fed with 35 g dry or 33.5 g wet corn and fasted for a further 48 h period. Excreta were collected during this period. 2. Non of the parameters (method, sex, line) had a significant effect on the ME content of maize. However, a significant interaction was found between the sex of the birds and the methodology used. Females of both genetic lines utilised the energy content of maize more efficiently than males. The opposite was found when the wet precision-feeding method was used. 3. Weight loss and endogenous energy excretions (EEL) of birds were also effected by sex and genotype. Cockerels of both lines had significantly greater EEL than females. However, since hens lost less nitrogen, the nitrogen corrected EEL (EELn) was higher for the hens.