Studies on protein and energy requirements of Emu chicks

A study was conducted to evaluate the dietary protein and energy requirements of emu chicks considering age. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment with 20 and 22 per cent protein level each at two energy levels of 2600 and 2800 Kcal/kg ME was designed. Sixteen emu chicks of 2 weeks old were randomly allotted to four test diets consisting 4 chicks in each. All birds were raised on floor brooding. Test diets were formulated by altering proportion of maize, soybean, deoiled, rice bran and by adding sawdust to attain required levels of protein and energy. The influence of test diets on emus was assessed in terms of body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. Body weight gains in emu chicks were significantly (P<0.05) higher on diet with 20 per cent protein than with 22 per cent. Diet containing 2800 Kcal/kg ME with 20 percent protein supported higher weight gains in emu chicks. Feed intake and feed efficiency in emu chicks was unaffected irrespective of protein and energy levels. Feed cost per kilogram of body weight gain on diet with 20 per cent protein was significantly (P<0.01) lower than with 22 per cent. It can be concluded that a dietary level of 20 per cent protein with 2800 Kcal/kg ME was found to be ideal for optimum growth in emu chicks.