A study of nutritional problems affecting the smallholder broiler industry in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Nutrition deficiencies of lysine and methionine were investigated as possible factors in the poor performance of the smallholder broiler industry in Papua New Guinea. The commercial feed used by the growers was supplemented with lysine, methionine or lysine plus methionine at levels of 5, 10 and 20% of the requirements. Significant responses of body weight and feed conversion ratio were achieved with lysine and lysine plus methionine supplementations. Methionine supplementations alone did not improve performance. No significant effects on feathering were noted.