Levels of metabolizable energy (ME) of 2,900, 3,100 and 3,300 kcal and energy to protein ratio (EM: PB) of 128, 148, 168 and 188 kcal/%CP were evaluated with male broiler chicks from 22 to 42 days of age, assigned to a completely randomized 3 x 4 factorial design, where each treatment had four replications of 18 birds. Increasing the ME: CP ratio resulted in linear decreasing effect on feed intake, live weight, weight gain, crude protein intake, energy intake, carcass weight, breast meat weight, drumsticks weight and linearly increased abdominal fat percentage within each level of energy. The 148 ME:CP ratio (20,95% CP) in the level of 3100 kcal ME met the broilers requirements to optimum growth from 22 to 42 days of age, while 188 ME:CP ratio was inadequate. Because of the high costs, decreasing EM: PB ratio must be evaluated to optimize a production system where the carcass quality is also considered.
abdominal fat; broiler male chicks; carcass weight; performance
