The pattern of protein and energy retention and the chemical composition of the body in White Leghorn pullets.

The change of body composition, energy content and energy and protein balance was studied in White Leghorn pullets from hatching to 140 days of age. The animals received corn, soybean meal and fish meal based diets ensuring maximal growth. Correlations were established between ingested feed and body weight gain both from the point of view of quantity and quality, determining the content of protein, fat, ash, water and energy in the total body and in feathers, separately. On the basis of digestibility and comparative slaughtering the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and for protein and fat retention were calculated. The obtained results can be utilised to develop a mathematical model for energy and protein retention in growing White Leghorn pullets.