The broiler chicken industry is transitioning from the older apparent metabolizable energy system to a more accurate net energy system for measuring feed value. According to Gram Research analysis of this review, the net energy system better accounts for energy lost as body heat during digestion, potentially improving feed efficiency. However, farms must understand new terminology, learn how different feeds affect chicken metabolism, and use correct calculation formulas to successfully implement this change.
The chicken farming industry is making a big shift in how it measures the energy value of chicken feed. Instead of using an older system called apparent metabolizable energy (AME), farms are moving toward a newer system called net energy (NE). According to Gram Research analysis, this change could help farms use feed more efficiently and reduce waste. However, making this switch isn’t simple. Farmers need to understand new terms, learn how different feeds affect chicken body heat, and use the right math formulas. This review looks at the real-world challenges farms face when switching to the new system and explains what they need to know to make it work.
Key Statistics
A 2026 review in Animal Nutrition examined the practical challenges broiler chicken farms face when switching from the apparent metabolizable energy system to the more accurate net energy system for feed formulation.
The net energy system accounts for heat increment, the energy chickens lose as body heat during digestion, which the older apparent metabolizable energy system does not measure accurately.
Feed additives can change how much energy chickens extract from their food, but current net energy equations do not always account for these changes, requiring farms to use additional calculations.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How chicken farms can switch from the old way of measuring feed energy (AME system) to a newer, more accurate way (NE system) and what challenges they’ll face doing it.
- Who participated: This is a review article that examined existing research and industry practices rather than testing actual chickens or farms. It focused on the broiler chicken industry, which raises chickens for meat.
- Key finding: The net energy system is more accurate than the old system, but farms need to understand new terms, how feed affects chicken body heat, and how to use the right calculation formulas to make the switch successfully.
- What it means for you: If you work in chicken farming or care about food production efficiency, this research shows that switching to the new energy system could improve how farms use feed and reduce waste. However, farms will need training and clear guidelines to make the change work properly.
The Research Details
This is a review article, which means the researchers didn’t conduct new experiments. Instead, they looked at existing research and industry knowledge about how chicken farms measure feed energy. They focused on practical problems that farms face in the real world, not just the science behind the energy systems. The review examined different terms used in feed energy measurement, how chicken bodies produce heat when digesting food, and the math formulas farms use to calculate feed energy values.
Understanding how to switch from the old system to the new system is important because it affects how farms feed chickens and how much feed they waste. A better system could help farms save money and resources. However, the switch won’t work unless farmers understand the practical steps involved and have clear guidance on how to use the new system correctly.
As a review article, this research summarizes existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental data. The value of this work depends on how well the authors understood the industry challenges and whether they accurately represented current research. Since it focuses on practical implementation rather than just theory, it should be useful for farmers and feed companies making real-world decisions.
What the Results Show
The review identifies several key challenges farms face when switching to the net energy system. First, there are many different terms and definitions related to metabolizable energy, and farmers need to understand what each one means and how they differ. Second, the amount of heat a chicken’s body produces when digesting food (called heat increment) varies depending on the type of feed and other factors. Farms need to know how to account for this heat production when calculating the true energy value of their feed. Third, different feed additives can change how much energy chickens get from their food, and the current formulas don’t always account for these changes accurately.
The review also discusses the specific equations that farms should use when calculating net energy values. It explains which formulas are most reliable and how to use them correctly. The authors emphasize that farms need clear, practical guidance on how to transition from the old system to the new one. They also note that feed companies and nutritionists will need training to help farms make this switch successfully.
The net energy system is more advanced than the older apparent metabolizable energy system because it accounts for the energy that chickens lose as body heat during digestion. Previous research has shown that this more accurate measurement can help farms use feed more efficiently. This review builds on that research by focusing on the practical steps needed to actually implement the new system in real farms, rather than just explaining why it’s better in theory.
This is a review article that summarizes existing research rather than testing new ideas with actual chickens or farms. The review doesn’t provide new experimental data to prove that switching to the net energy system will definitely improve farm efficiency. The practical challenges farms face may vary depending on their size, location, and resources. The review may not address all the specific barriers that different farms encounter when trying to make this change.
The Bottom Line
Farms considering switching to the net energy system should: (1) invest in training for their staff and nutritionists on the new terminology and formulas, (2) work with feed companies to get accurate net energy values for their ingredients, and (3) start with a pilot program on a small scale before switching their entire operation. These recommendations are based on the practical challenges identified in this review, though farms should also consult with their own nutritionists and industry experts.
Chicken farmers, feed companies, and agricultural nutritionists should pay attention to this research. Anyone involved in raising chickens for meat production will eventually need to understand the net energy system. However, small farms with limited resources may need more support and training than large operations to make this transition successfully.
The switch to the net energy system is already happening in the industry, so farms should begin preparing now. Understanding the new system and training staff may take several months. Seeing real improvements in feed efficiency could take 6 to 12 months after fully implementing the new system, depending on how well farms execute the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apparent metabolizable energy and net energy in chicken feed?
Apparent metabolizable energy measures the energy in feed that chickens can use, but it doesn’t account for energy lost as body heat during digestion. Net energy subtracts this heat loss, giving a more accurate picture of usable energy available to the chicken.
Why are chicken farms switching to the net energy system?
The net energy system is more accurate and can help farms use feed more efficiently and reduce waste. It provides a better measurement of the actual energy chickens get from their food, which can improve farm profitability.
What challenges do farms face when switching to net energy?
Farms must learn new terminology, understand how different feeds produce different amounts of body heat, and use correct mathematical formulas. Staff and nutritionists need training, and feed companies must provide accurate net energy values for ingredients.
How long does it take to see benefits from switching to net energy?
Farms may need 6 to 12 months after fully implementing the net energy system to see real improvements in feed efficiency and cost savings, depending on how well they execute the transition.
Do feed additives affect net energy calculations?
Yes, feed additives can change how much energy chickens extract from food, but current net energy equations often don’t account for these changes. Farms may need to make additional calculations when using additives.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you manage a chicken farm, track your feed conversion ratio (the amount of feed needed to produce one pound of chicken meat) before and after switching to the net energy system. Record this weekly to see if your efficiency improves.
- Start by learning the new net energy terminology and formulas. Use a farm management app to calculate net energy values for your current feed ingredients. Compare these values to your old apparent metabolizable energy values to understand the differences.
- Set up a monthly review process to compare your feed costs and chicken growth rates before and after the switch. Track which feed ingredients give you the best net energy value for your money. Adjust your feed formulas based on these results to continuously improve efficiency.
This article reviews research on feed energy systems for chicken farming. It is intended for educational purposes and to inform industry professionals about practical implementation challenges. Farmers should consult with their own agricultural nutritionists, veterinarians, and feed suppliers before making changes to their feeding programs. Individual farm results may vary based on specific conditions, management practices, and resources. This review does not constitute professional agricultural or veterinary advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.