Modelling the optimal lysine to threonine ratio in growing chickens depending on age and efficiency of dietary amino acid utilisation

1. Experiments were conducted to establish the requirements and optimal dietary ratio of lysine to threonine for fast growing male chickens (genotype Ross 308) depending on age, daily protein deposition and of dietary amino acid efficiency. 2. A total of 216 growing chickens were utilised in nitrogen-balance studies in three age periods (10 to 25 d; 30 to 45 d; 50 to 65 d) using graded levels of protein supply (60 to 360 g/kg crude protein) in lysine or threonine limiting diets. 3. Supplementation of crystalline amino acids (L-Lys, L-Thr, DL-Met and L-Arg) provided the following amino acid ratios: lysine limiting diets (Lys:Met + Cys:Thr:Arg = 1 : 1.01 : 0.91 : 1.14), threonine limiting diets (Lys : Met + Cys : Thr : Arg = 1 : 0.85 : 0.54 : 1.16). 4. The principles of the diet dilution technique using an exponential function were applied for the modelling of lysine and threonine requirements. For equal daily protein deposition, optimal lysine to threonine ratios 1 : 0.69 (10 to 25 d), 1 : 0.70 (30 to 45 d) and 1 : 0.74 (50 to 65 d) were established. 5. For the commercial growth period of fast growing chickens, the derived optimal lysine to threonine ratio was constant (1 : 0.69). The applied modelling procedure gave conclusions for quantitative requirements and optimal dietary lysine:threonine ratios in line with actual recommendations.