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Fighting Cocks: Why They Need More Than Just Protein (EP.1)
“Booster and Nok Bin” By Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompoth Weerakul (DVM)
This article discusses the precautions regarding protein requirements and the importance of healthy fats. It is divided into two parts:
EP 1: Protein and Amino Acids in Fighting Cocks—How much is enough? Is Whey Protein viable?
Many fighting cock breeders apply the principles of sports science and bodybuilding to their birds. This is a positive development backed by extensive research. In humans, protein is used significantly to build muscle and repair tissues. Whey protein, in particular, is often used to replace other protein sources due to its efficient absorption and utilization. However, even hydrolyzed or isolate forms are not considered "complete" enough on their own to fully develop an athlete—or a fighting cock—nor to provide maximum health benefits.
The Benefits of Protein in Fighting Cocks
During the growth stage, muscle cells are developing and multiplying. This period determines the number of muscle fibers each bird and each muscle group will have. Cocks that receive adequate protein exhibit better growth rates because they possess a higher volume of muscle cells. When these cells expand (hypertrophy), the overall muscle mass and weight surpass those of birds with protein deficiencies.
Comparing Human Standards
In humans, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is at least 0.8 g/kg of body weight (often rounded to 1 g/kg). Protein should account for 10–35% of total energy intake (Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025). For a 19-year-old human aiming for muscle enhancement, consuming 0.5–3.5 g/kg can increase muscle size. Some reports (Nutrition Review, 2020) suggest that even 0.1 g/kg can maintain balance and promote growth.
However, high protein intake does not always equate to better growth; it can even lead to a decline. For instance, some reports indicate that 1.3 g/kg might slow growth rates, though it remains suitable for those undergoing intense training to strengthen muscles. Therefore, high protein must be paired with appropriate exercise to maximize muscle growth. Some studies recommend an optimal level of 1.5–1.6 g/kg combined with heavy exercise for maximum benefit (Sports Medicine, 2022), while others suggest a range of 1.2–1.6 g/kg. Conversely, several reports argue that protein levels should remain lower, adhering strictly to RDA guidelines.
Protein needs also depend on age, sex, exercise, and health. In children, requirements vary by age group (4–9, 9–13, and 14–18 years). Excessive protein in children does not result in larger muscles; there is an "optimal point" for maximum benefit, similar to adults (Nutrition, 2021). Excess protein can also cause liver and kidney issues (refer to the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences).
Protein Requirements in Fighting Cocks
The human example is relevant because fighting cocks follow a similar physiological pattern. Providing protein beyond what is necessary does not result in a better growth rate; there is a "sweet spot" for maximum efficiency.
Hatch to 3 weeks: Requires ~23% protein.
3–6 weeks: Requires ~20% protein.
Up to 17–18 weeks: Requires ~17–18% protein.
19 weeks onwards: Requirements drop to 16%, or even as low as 12–14%.
Molting Period: Requires an increase to 20% (NRCS, 1994).
However, practical farm requirements and various recommendations often trend higher. When assessed similarly to humans, the recommended maintenance amount for chickens is roughly 1.6 g/kg. For muscle growth, one must add: (Daily Gain × 0.18), as muscle is 18% protein. To be even more precise, one must account for feathers, which are 82% protein and make up 7% of total body weight. The calculation becomes: (Daily Gain × 0.82 × 0.07).
In short, the total protein requirement for growth is the sum of these parts, which is quite high. Approximately 61% of dietary protein is directed toward growth.
The Importance of Amino Acids
Protein levels may be insufficient if amino acid profiles are unbalanced or the protein source is of poor quality (Applegate, 2008). Dozier et al. (2008) suggested that essential amino acids—specifically Methionine, Lysine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Valine, and Arginine—should be provided in higher amounts than NRCS recommendations.
This means the quantity of protein alone is not enough; one must focus on the optimum balance of essential amino acids first (Kamran et al., 2004; Applegate, 2008). Critical amino acids include Arginine, Threonine, Lysine, Methionine, and Tryptophan. While some amino acids can be synthesized from others, an excess of one can disrupt the balance of others, leading to deficiency or even toxicity. Precise calculation is vital.
Amino acids must be at an optimal level. Excess protein is processed by the liver (resulting in green droppings) and excreted as urate salts via the kidneys (white droppings/urea), creating nitrogenous waste that harms health. It is better to provide moderate protein with a complete amino acid profile than excessive, unbalanced protein.
Furthermore, Kamran et al. (2004) noted that if a bird receives sufficient amino acids and Metabolizable Energy (ME), excessive protein should be avoided. We can maintain birds on lower protein levels if the quality is high. Since chickens cannot synthesize certain amino acids as mammals do, supplementation becomes necessary.
Why Whey Protein?
Many believe whey protein helps because it is easily absorbed and utilized. It is broken down into amino acids, reassembled into protein structures, and converted into enzymes, hormones, and cellular components. However, this does not mean whey protein contains every amino acid in the necessary quantities, especially those the body cannot produce. Protein supplements should therefore be fortified to ensure a complete profile.
To be continued... EP 2: What to supplement if not just protein?
Ingredients of Booster and Nok Bin:
Whey protein isolate (USA), Autolyzed yeast extract (Germany), Medium chain monoglyceride; Lauric acid (Netherlands), B-carotene, Arginine, Omega 3-6, Astaxanthin, L-carnitine, Soybean hulls, Soybean meal, Rice bran oil, Rice bran, Coconut oil, Chicory pulp, Cane molasses, Limestone, Salt, Yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Streptococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis), Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, D3, K), Propionic acid, Nicotinamide, D-Panthenol, L-Lysine hydrochloride, Calcium pantothenate, Choline chloride, Colloidal silica, Pantothenic acid, Folic acid, Methionine, Pyridoxine, Magnesium sulfate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Manganese, Cobalt, Zinc, Sodium selenite, and Inulin.
Product Characteristics:
Better and Faster Recovery: Enhances health restoration.
Essential Nutrients: Provides vitamins and nutrients necessary for recovery.
Organ Support: Contains nutrients to nourish the liver and kidneys.
Immune Boost: Stimulates immunity with Beta-glucans.
High Quality: Features Protein Isolate and Medium Chain Fatty Acids.
“Booster and Nok Bin” By Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompoth Weerakul (DVM)
This article discusses the precautions regarding protein requirements and the importance of healthy fats. It is divided into two parts:
EP 1: Protein and Amino Acids in Fighting Cocks—How much is enough? Is Whey Protein viable?
Many fighting cock breeders apply the principles of sports science and bodybuilding to their birds. This is a positive development backed by extensive research. In humans, protein is used significantly to build muscle and repair tissues. Whey protein, in particular, is often used to replace other protein sources due to its efficient absorption and utilization. However, even hydrolyzed or isolate forms are not considered "complete" enough on their own to fully develop an athlete—or a fighting cock—nor to provide maximum health benefits.
The Benefits of Protein in Fighting Cocks
During the growth stage, muscle cells are developing and multiplying. This period determines the number of muscle fibers each bird and each muscle group will have. Cocks that receive adequate protein exhibit better growth rates because they possess a higher volume of muscle cells. When these cells expand (hypertrophy), the overall muscle mass and weight surpass those of birds with protein deficiencies.
Comparing Human Standards
In humans, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is at least 0.8 g/kg of body weight (often rounded to 1 g/kg). Protein should account for 10–35% of total energy intake (Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025). For a 19-year-old human aiming for muscle enhancement, consuming 0.5–3.5 g/kg can increase muscle size. Some reports (Nutrition Review, 2020) suggest that even 0.1 g/kg can maintain balance and promote growth.
However, high protein intake does not always equate to better growth; it can even lead to a decline. For instance, some reports indicate that 1.3 g/kg might slow growth rates, though it remains suitable for those undergoing intense training to strengthen muscles. Therefore, high protein must be paired with appropriate exercise to maximize muscle growth. Some studies recommend an optimal level of 1.5–1.6 g/kg combined with heavy exercise for maximum benefit (Sports Medicine, 2022), while others suggest a range of 1.2–1.6 g/kg. Conversely, several reports argue that protein levels should remain lower, adhering strictly to RDA guidelines.
Protein needs also depend on age, sex, exercise, and health. In children, requirements vary by age group (4–9, 9–13, and 14–18 years). Excessive protein in children does not result in larger muscles; there is an "optimal point" for maximum benefit, similar to adults (Nutrition, 2021). Excess protein can also cause liver and kidney issues (refer to the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences).
Protein Requirements in Fighting Cocks
The human example is relevant because fighting cocks follow a similar physiological pattern. Providing protein beyond what is necessary does not result in a better growth rate; there is a "sweet spot" for maximum efficiency.
Hatch to 3 weeks: Requires ~23% protein.
3–6 weeks: Requires ~20% protein.
Up to 17–18 weeks: Requires ~17–18% protein.
19 weeks onwards: Requirements drop to 16%, or even as low as 12–14%.
Molting Period: Requires an increase to 20% (NRCS, 1994).
However, practical farm requirements and various recommendations often trend higher. When assessed similarly to humans, the recommended maintenance amount for chickens is roughly 1.6 g/kg. For muscle growth, one must add: (Daily Gain × 0.18), as muscle is 18% protein. To be even more precise, one must account for feathers, which are 82% protein and make up 7% of total body weight. The calculation becomes: (Daily Gain × 0.82 × 0.07).
In short, the total protein requirement for growth is the sum of these parts, which is quite high. Approximately 61% of dietary protein is directed toward growth.
The Importance of Amino Acids
Protein levels may be insufficient if amino acid profiles are unbalanced or the protein source is of poor quality (Applegate, 2008). Dozier et al. (2008) suggested that essential amino acids—specifically Methionine, Lysine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Valine, and Arginine—should be provided in higher amounts than NRCS recommendations.
This means the quantity of protein alone is not enough; one must focus on the optimum balance of essential amino acids first (Kamran et al., 2004; Applegate, 2008). Critical amino acids include Arginine, Threonine, Lysine, Methionine, and Tryptophan. While some amino acids can be synthesized from others, an excess of one can disrupt the balance of others, leading to deficiency or even toxicity. Precise calculation is vital.
Amino acids must be at an optimal level. Excess protein is processed by the liver (resulting in green droppings) and excreted as urate salts via the kidneys (white droppings/urea), creating nitrogenous waste that harms health. It is better to provide moderate protein with a complete amino acid profile than excessive, unbalanced protein.
Furthermore, Kamran et al. (2004) noted that if a bird receives sufficient amino acids and Metabolizable Energy (ME), excessive protein should be avoided. We can maintain birds on lower protein levels if the quality is high. Since chickens cannot synthesize certain amino acids as mammals do, supplementation becomes necessary.
Why Whey Protein?
Many believe whey protein helps because it is easily absorbed and utilized. It is broken down into amino acids, reassembled into protein structures, and converted into enzymes, hormones, and cellular components. However, this does not mean whey protein contains every amino acid in the necessary quantities, especially those the body cannot produce. Protein supplements should therefore be fortified to ensure a complete profile.
To be continued... EP 2: What to supplement if not just protein?
Ingredients of Booster and Nok Bin:
Whey protein isolate (USA), Autolyzed yeast extract (Germany), Medium chain monoglyceride; Lauric acid (Netherlands), B-carotene, Arginine, Omega 3-6, Astaxanthin, L-carnitine, Soybean hulls, Soybean meal, Rice bran oil, Rice bran, Coconut oil, Chicory pulp, Cane molasses, Limestone, Salt, Yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Streptococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis), Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, D3, K), Propionic acid, Nicotinamide, D-Panthenol, L-Lysine hydrochloride, Calcium pantothenate, Choline chloride, Colloidal silica, Pantothenic acid, Folic acid, Methionine, Pyridoxine, Magnesium sulfate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Manganese, Cobalt, Zinc, Sodium selenite, and Inulin.
Product Characteristics:
Better and Faster Recovery: Enhances health restoration.
Essential Nutrients: Provides vitamins and nutrients necessary for recovery.
Organ Support: Contains nutrients to nourish the liver and kidneys.
Immune Boost: Stimulates immunity with Beta-glucans.
High Quality: Features Protein Isolate and Medium Chain Fatty Acids.
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