In the production of broiler compound premix feed, amino acid balance is a core element in improving feed utilization. Broiler growth requires a variety of essential amino acids, among which the supply of limiting amino acids such as methionine, lysine, threonine, and tryptophan directly affects protein synthesis efficiency. If a certain essential amino acid is insufficient in the feed, other amino acids, even if present in sufficient quantities, cannot be fully utilized, leading to decreased protein utilization and even metabolic disorders. Therefore, the scientific formulation of broiler compound premix feed must start with amino acid balance, achieving precise nutrient supply through raw material selection, formula optimization, and process control.
Raw material selection is the foundation for achieving amino acid balance. The amino acid composition of different feed ingredients varies significantly. For example, soybean meal is rich in lysine but deficient in methionine, while corn is the opposite. Animal-based ingredients such as fishmeal have an amino acid composition closer to broiler requirements, but are more expensive. Therefore, compound premix feed needs to achieve a comprehensive supply of amino acids through the complementary combination of various raw materials. For example, combining soybean meal with plant-based raw materials such as corn and rapeseed meal can partially compensate for the amino acid deficiencies of a single ingredient. Simultaneously, adding synthetic amino acids such as lysine and methionine can specifically supplement limiting amino acids, further improving the precision of the formulation.
Formulation design must be guided by the nutritional needs of broilers. The amino acid requirements of broilers differ at different growth stages. Chicks have higher requirements for essential amino acids such as methionine and lysine to support rapid muscle and bone development; during the fattening period, the energy-to-protein ratio needs to be balanced to avoid excessive amino acids leading to metabolic burden. Therefore, the formulation of compound premixed feed needs to be dynamically adjusted according to the broiler growth curve to ensure that the supply and demand of amino acids at each stage match. In addition, the formulation design must also consider the synergistic effects of other nutrients. For example, vitamin B12 and choline can promote the utilization of methionine, avoiding the impact of a single nutrient deficiency on amino acid balance.
Amino acid balance and energy supply need to be optimized synergistically. The energy level in the feed directly affects the feed intake of broilers, which in turn affects the intake of amino acids. If energy is insufficient, broilers will increase feed intake to meet their energy needs, which may lead to excessive amino acid intake; if energy is too high, it may inhibit feed intake, resulting in amino acid deficiency. Therefore, the formulation of compound premixed feed requires adjusting the energy-to-protein ratio to ensure broilers ingest adequate amino acids while meeting their energy needs. For example, using the "ideal protein" model, with lysine as a benchmark, to determine the proportions of other essential amino acids can achieve efficient amino acid utilization.
Feed processing technology has a significant impact on amino acid balance. High-temperature pelleting and extrusion processes can lead to the degradation of some amino acids, especially heat-sensitive amino acids such as lysine and threonine. Therefore, temperature and time must be controlled during processing to minimize amino acid loss. For example, using low-temperature pelleting technology or adding amino acid preservatives can effectively retain the active ingredients in the feed. Furthermore, the uniformity of feed mixing directly affects amino acid balance; optimizing the mixing process is necessary to ensure uniform distribution of components and avoid localized high or low concentrations that could affect nutrient absorption after broiler consumption.
Assessing amino acid balance requires a combination of feeding trials and testing techniques. Testing the amino acid content in feed ingredients and finished products can provide a preliminary assessment of the formulation's rationality; however, actual effectiveness needs to be verified through feeding trials. For example, observing indicators such as broiler growth rate and feed conversion ratio can determine whether the amino acid balance meets the requirements. Meanwhile, blood biochemical indicators such as plasma amino acid concentration and urea nitrogen levels can also provide a scientific basis for assessing amino acid balance. Through continuous optimization of formulation and processing, the amino acid balance level of compound premixed feed can be gradually improved.
Amino acid balance in broiler compound premix feed is key to improving feed utilization. By scientifically selecting raw materials, precisely designing formulations, synergistically optimizing energy and amino acid supply, controlling processing techniques, and combining feeding trials and testing technologies to evaluate the effects, efficient nutrient supply for broilers can be achieved. This not only helps reduce feed costs but also reduces nitrogen emissions, improves farming efficiency, and provides strong support for the sustainable development of the broiler industry.
