scholarly journals Breed effects of three commercial broiler chickens reared in the tropics on performance, carcass, serum and haematological parameters

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-152
Author(s):  
R. Olajide ◽  
O. A. Laoye ◽  
O. J. Banjoko
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Blood Indices ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Finisher Diets

Performance and other parameters of broiler chickens could be influenced by the environment (feeds, housing, climate) and genetic potentials (breeds). Three hundred (300) broiler chicks comprising of one hundred each of the three breeds designated as A, B and C were used in a completely randomized design experiment which lasted for 56 days. Each breed represents a treatment with 5 replicates of 20 birds each. The birds were fed ad libitum with the same commercial starter and finisher diets throughout the period of the study; and water supplied free of choice. Average final body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, cost/kg feed and cost of feed/kg live weight gains at the starter and finisher phase were the performance parameters measured. Carcass, serum and haematological indices of these birds were also investigated. Proximate composition of the experimental starter and finisher diets indicated that both were adequately formulated for birds in the tropics under which the study was carried out. Results of the performance parameters showed that the values were similar for the starters and finishers except for highest (P<0.05) feed intake of 134.68g/b/d obtained for breed A compared with 112.01g/b/d and 106.69g/b/d respectively for breeds C and B at the finisher phase. The highest (P< 0.05) cost (N 210.94) of feed per kg live weight gain was obtained for breed A than N 196.10 and N 190.80 respectively for breeds B and C at the starter phase. The average cost of feed per kg live weight (1-8 weeks) were N 282.54, N 270.30 and N 269.28 respectively for breeds A, B and C; with breed C having the lowest cost. The dressed weights were 62.86, 67.29 and 67.84% for breeds A, B and C in the same order. The abdominal fat reduced (P < 0.05) from 1.52% in breed A to 1.02% and 0.77% in breeds B and C. Although the thighs were similar across the breeds, variations in the drumstick, 10.27g/kg breed A, 11.69g/kg breed B and 10.64g/kg breed C differed (P< 0.05). The breast increased (P< 0.05) from 18.62g/kg breed A to 20.36g/kg breed B and 21.95g/kg breed C. Globulin and neutrophils were the only blood indices which differed (P < 0.05) across the breeds at the starter phase. Breed C was considered the best of the 3 breeds in terms of performance, cost, carcass and health status indicated by blood indices; and could be recommended for commercial broiler production for better economic returns.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the performance characteristics, nutrient digestibility and carcass quality of broiler chickens fed Lacto acidophilus®as a replacement for a commercial antibiotic

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-174
Author(s):  
E. Opoola ◽  
C. Z. Kahuwai ◽  
T. S. Olugbemi
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Final Body Weight

An experiment was conducted to evaluate efficacy of Lacto acidophilus on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five (225), one day old chicks were purchased from local commercial hatchery and were randomly divided into 5 groups and each group had 3 replicates of 17 chicks in a completely randomized design. Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous (ME 2998kcal/ kg and CP 23.21%) broiler starter and finisher (ME 2990 kcal/ kg and CP 20.33%) experimental diets containing 0, 150, 200 and 250g Lacto acidophilus® for T1-T4 respectively and T5 containing Oxytetracycline were formulated. Broiler starter and finisher diets were fed from 0-3 and 4-7 weeks, respectively. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System and significant differences between treatments means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. There were significant (P<0.05) difference in final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain (ADWG), total feed intake (TFI), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed cost/kg gain across the treatment groups. It was observed that chickens fed dietary Oxytet (oxytetracycline) had the best results in terms of the final body weight, weight gain and ADWG but similar to those fed 150 and 200g Lacto acidophilus® addition levels. The percentage dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extracts (EE) and ash retention increased with increase in Lacto acidophilus® inclusion with exception for 250gLacto acidophilus® inclusion (CP, CF, EE). However, it was observed that chickens fed dietary levels of Lacto acidophilus® had the best live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage compared to the control group. It was concluded that chickens fe Lacto acidophilus® inclusion may as well compete favorably with antibiotics growth promoter fed chickens.     Une expérience a été menée pour évaluer l'efficacité de Lacto acidophilus sur la performance de croissance, les caractéristiques de la carcasse et la digestibilité nutritive des poulets de gril. Deux cent vingt-cinq (225), poussins d'un jour ont été achetés à l'écloserie commerciale locale et ont été répartis au hasard en 5 groupes et chaque groupe avait 3 répliques de 17 poussins dans une conception complètement randomisée. Cinq iso- caloriques et iso-azotés (le 'ME' 2998kcal/kg et le 'CP' 23.21%) démarreur et finisseur de poulet de gril (le 'ME' 2990 kcal/kg et le 'CP' 20.33%) des régimes expérimentaux contenant respectivement 0, 150, 200 et 250 g d'acidophilus lacto® pour le T1-T4 et le T5 contenant de l'Oxytetracycline ont été formulés. Les régimes d'entrée et de finisseur de poulet de gril ont été alimentés de 0-3 et 4-7 semaines, respectivement. Les données obtenues ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de la variance à l'aide du système d'analyse statistique et des différences significatives entre les moyens de traitement et ils ont été séparées à l'aide du test à distance multiple Duncan. Il y avait une différence significative (P<0,05) dans le poids final, le gain de poids, le gain de poids quotidien moyen (le 'ADWG'), la consommation totale d'aliments pour animaux (le 'TFI'), l'apport quotidien moyen en aliments pour animaux (ADFI), le ratio de conversion des aliments pour animaux (FCR) et le gain coût/kg des aliments pour animaux dans les groupes de traitement. On a observé que les poulets nourris oxytet alimentaire (oxytetracycline) ont eu les meilleurs résultats en termes de poids corporel final, gain de poids et de 'ADWG', mais similaire à ceux nourris 150 et 200g Lacto acidophilus® niveaux d'addition. Le pourcentage de matière sèche (le 'DM'), de protéines brutes (le 'CP'), de fibres brutes (le 'CF'), d'extraits d'éther (le 'EE') et de rétention de cendres a augmenté avec l'augmentation de lacto acidophilus® l'inclusion à l'exception de 250 glacto acidophilus® inclusion (CP, CF, EE). Cependant, il a été observé que les poulets nourris à des niveaux alimentaires de Lacto acidophilus® avaient le meilleur poids réel, le poids habillé et le pourcentage de vinaigrette par rapport au groupe témoin. Il a été conclu que les poulets feLacto acidophilus® inclusion peut aussi bien rivaliser favorablement avec les antibiotiques promoteur de croissance nourris poulets.

scholarly journals Performance of starter broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with Smartchoice phytase enzyme

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-203
Author(s):  
O. A. Ekine ◽  
D. N. Onunkwo
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Phytase is essential for enhancing nutritional value of feed and improving animal growthperformance and health. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of Smartchoicephytase enzyme supplementation in the diet of starter broiler chickens. A total of 150 Rossstrain broiler chicks were used for the study and allotted to five treatment groups of 30 birdseach. Each group was further divided into three replicates of 10 birds per replicate. Five isonitrogenous(21.40% CP) and iso-caloric (2975.40 kcal/kg ME) dietary treatments werecompounded to contain 0g/100kg (T ), 10g/100kg (T ), 15g/100kg (T ), 20g/100kg (T ) and 1 2 3 425g/100kg (T ) of a commercial Smartchoice phytase enzyme preparation for 28 days in a 5Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were provided to the chicks adlibitum.Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were measured. The result showed that thedaily feed intake and daily protein intake were not affected (P>0.05) by Smartchoice phytaseenzyme supplementation. Final live weight, daily weight gain and total weight gain weresignificantly different among treatments. Protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05)higher in T (2.10) than T (1.80) but similar to T (2.05), T (2.05) and T (1.96). Feed 1 5 2 3 4conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) different in T5 (2.58) and T (2.02) but similar 1(P>0.05) in T (2.02), T (2.28), T (2.31) and T (2.38). Mortality was lowest in T5. Total feed 1 2 3 4cost per bird and daily feed cost per bird were not affected (P>0.05) by Smartchoice phytaseenzyme supplementation while cost per kg of feed and daily feed cost per bird were notsignificantly (P>0.05) affected. The findings from this study showed that Smartchoicephytase enzyme could be supplemented up to 20g per 100kg in the diet of starter broilerchickens.

scholarly journals Growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed wood ashbased diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-150
Author(s):  
O. J. Alabi ◽  
I. C. Alemede ◽  
S. S. A. Egena ◽  
C. O. Obari ◽  
C. Ewa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Wood Ash ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Shea Butter ◽  
Crude Fibre

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and nutrient digestibility ofbroiler chickens fed wood-ash based diet. A total of 120 broiler chickens were randomlyallocated to four treatments in the completely randomized design. Treatment 1 was thecontrol while Treatments 2, 3, and 4 were Neem ash (NTA), Shea butter ash (SBA) and Locustbean ash (LBA), respectively. Each treatment has three replicates and ten birds per replicate.Data on growth rate, live weight, feed intake and mortality were collected while feedconversion ratio was calculated. Apparent dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, etherextract and nitrogen free extract retention were also determined. All data collected wereanalyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Starter phase results shows that birds on SBA ash had the highest final weight (366.00 g), body weight gain (173.71 g) and feed intake (546.03 g) and were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control. At the finisher phase, all ash treatment had higher (p<0.05) final, daily weight gain and better (p<0.05) feed conversion than the control dietary. The digestibility results indicated birds on LBA diet had the highest crude fibre and ash content. The study showed that wood ash influenced growth performance and nutrient retention of broiler chickens. Chickens on ash-based diets performed better that the control at the finisher phase. 

Performance, haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens given water from different sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-113
Author(s):  
O. R Folorunso ◽  
E. A. O. Laseinde ◽  
G. E. Onibi
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Borehole Water ◽  
Different Sources

n eight week study was conducted to assess the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices of broiler chickens provided water from different sources. One hundred and fifty day - old broiler chicks (Arbor acre) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups (rain, stream, pipe borne water, well and borehole water respectively) in a completely randomized experimental design. The borehole water was obtained from a residential building, about 500 m to the experimental site (Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, Nigeria). Rainwater was harvested when it rained and was stored in plastic containers before it was used. It was not stored for more than three days before use. Stream water was obtained from a stream that flowed close to the students' residential area of FECA. It is sometimes drunk and is typical of streams that flow in a typical village community. Well water was obtained from a well sunk within the premises of the FECA. It was a well from where people fetched water for domestic use and was provided to the birds without prior treatment. Pipe borne water was obtained from the Water Corporation Mains that supplies FECA and Ijapo Estate, Akure. Results from the experiment revealed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatments in terms of water intake, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, relative weight of some organs, muscle dimensions and haematological parameters. Pipe borne water had the highest numerical values (P>0.05) for most of the performance and carcass characteristic indices measured, such as daily water intake (181.53±14.6), cumulative water intake (8.90±.71), daily feed intake (106.27±4.15), cumulative feed intake (5.21±0.20), daily weight gain (38.53±2.38), total weight gain (1.89±0.12), final weight gain (1.98±0.12), percent dressed weight (97.11±0.16%), percent eviscerated weight (81.86±3.26%), relative weights of drumstick (99.37±5.43g/kg), wings (89.10±9.69g/kg), chest (170.08±6.59g/kg) and back (159.40±18.90g/kg live weight) respectively. Water from different sources (rain, well, pipe borne water, borehole and stream) had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the performance indices, considered in the study for broiler chickens. This implies that the aforementioned water sources can be used to raise broiler chickens provided such water is free from any contaminants that could impair the health of the birds.

Performance of broiler chickens fed graded dietary inclusion levels of moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed cake

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
M. Afolayan ◽  
M. M. Iliya ◽  
G. S. Bawa ◽  
L. Alayande
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Poultry Feed ◽  
Seed Cake ◽  
Final Weight ◽  
Dietary Treatments

The progressive increase in the cost and scarcity of conventional feedstuffs, especially energy and protein sources has resulted into a continuous effort in researching into the possible utilization of the under - exploited wild legumes in poultry feed formulation. Several Researchers had reported on the utilization of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in poultry diets whereas; few reports exist on the utilization of Moringa seed. Therefore, this study wasconducted to evaluate the effect of graded dietary levels of moringa seed cake (MSC) on the performance of broiler chickens. A total of 195, one day old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned into five dietary treatments of moringa seed cake, each treatment having three replicates in a completely randomized design. MSC was included at levels of 0, 5,10, 15 and 20% respectively. Feed and water were given ad- libitum. Proximate composition ofMSC showed that it is high in energy, crude protein and ether extract with3304. 39 ME kcals/ kg, 32.49 % and 17.70%, respectively. Birds fed 5% MSC diet were better than the birds on the other levels of MSC diets in terms of growth and carcass characteristics. The results obtained from growth study revealed a significant declined in, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio as the inclusion levels of MSC increased beyond 5% in thediets. The birds on control diet had the best result in terms of final weight , daily weight gain and daily feed intake of 2974g/bird, 52.4g/bird / day and 107.51g/bird/ day respectively followed by those fed diet containing 5% MSC with 2183.4g/bird, 38.24/bird /day and 95.66g/bird /day respectively. whereas, the birds fed 20% MSC had the least (P>0.05) final weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake of 560 g/bird, 9.26g/bird /day and 33.51g/bird/day respectively. Carcass characteristics followed similar trend as the growth parameters. Hematological indices showed significant differences across the dietary treatments, however, the results were within the normal range except for the white blood cell. It can therefore be, concluded that the inclusion of MSC in broiler chicken diet should not exceed 5% for optimum growth and general performance. 

scholarly journals Effect of stocking density on performance, carcass yield, productivity, and bone development in broiler chickens Cobb 500®

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2705
Author(s):  
Cleoneide Dos Santos Henrique ◽  
Andréia Fróes Galuci Oliveira ◽  
Thales Silva Ferreira ◽  
Eduardo Santos Silva ◽  
Bruna Finotti Fonseca Reis de Mello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Bone Development ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Total Phase ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

This study aimed to assess the effect of stocking density of 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds m?2 on performance, carcass and cut yields, productivity, and bone development of broiler chickens Cobb 500®. The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments (stocking densities) and four replications. The assessments were performed weekly at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The best live weight result was found at a density of 10 birds m?2 in the period from 1 to 7 days. No effect of density was observed on feed intake and weight gain. From 1 to 14 days, the best live weights were found at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2, in addition to a higher feed intake at densities of 10 and 12 birds m?2. Weight gain was better at a density of 10 birds m?2, showing no differences from densities of 12 and 14 birds m?2. In the period from 1 to 21 days, live weight and weight gain were higher at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2. The highest feed intake was observed at a density of 10 birds m?2, which showed no difference from the density of 14 birds m?2. A difference (P < 0.05) was observed for live weight, weight gain, and feed intake of animals reared at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2 for the phases from 1 to 35 days and the total phase from 1 to 42 days of bird age when compared to 16 birds m?2, which presented lower performance. However, feed conversion of 1-7, 1-14, 1-21, 1-35, and 1-42 days and carcass and cut characteristics showed no significant differences for all treatments. On the other hand, productivity was higher in the treatments with 14 and 16 birds m?2, but without difference between each other. No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between stocking density and age for the assessed bone parameters. Similarly, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed for bone development of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities for the studied parameters. Thus, the increased density of 10 or 12 birds m?2 to 14 birds m?2 has no influence on zootechnical performance, carcass and cut yields, and bone development, but increases broiler chicken productivity reared in a conventional shed without air conditioning.

Whole canola/pea and whole canola/canola meal blends in diets for broiler chickens 2. Determination of optimal inclusion levels

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. O. Fasina ◽  
G. L. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
Canola Seed ◽  
Finisher Diets

Whole canola/pea (WCP, 1:1 wt/wt) or whole canola/canola meal (WCC, 3:1 wt/wt) were heat-processed using a commercial pellet mill prior to incorporation in broiler starter (0–20 d) and finisher diets (20–40 d). The pelleted blends readily disintegrated in the preparation of the mash diets. Body weight gain of broilers (0–40 d) fed WCP (0, 10, 20, or 30%) or WCC (0, 5, 10, or 15%) declined linearly with level of dietary inclusion (P < 0.01). Feed intake declined curvilinearly (P < 0.01) with both blends, with lower intake most apparent at the higher inclusion levels. Feed/gain increased for broilers fed WCP or WCC (P < 0.01). Overall broiler mortality declined incrementally with inclusion of WCP (P < 0.07) or WCC (P < 0.03) in the diet. Although there was no distinct limitation on the dietary inclusion levels of either blend, the low feed intake with broilers fed 15% WCC indicated that its level should not exceed 10% of the diet. Key words: Canola seed, canola meal, peas, broiler chickens

scholarly journals PENGARUH PENGGANTIAN SEBAGIAN RANSUM BASAL DENGAN TEPUNG DAUN PEPAYA (Carica papaya L) TERHADAP PERFORMANS AYAM PEDAGING

ZOOTEC ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 676
Author(s):  
Sintia Tempomona ◽  
Betty Bagau ◽  
Fenny R. Wolayan ◽  
Mursye N. Regar
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Carica Papaya ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Leaf Meal ◽  
Basal Ration

EFFECT OF SUBTITUTION OF BASIC RATIONS WITH PAPAYA LEAF MEAL ON BROILER PERFORMANCE.  This research aims to know the effect of substitution of basic rations with papaya leaf meal on broiler performance. Using 100 broiler chickens aged 2 weeks with an initial weight rate of 278.75 g. The design used was complete random design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications. The arrangement of the treatment was as follows: R0 = 100% basal ration (RB) + 0% papaya leaf meal (PLM), R1 = 95% basal ration + 5% PLM, R2 = 90% basal ration + 10% PLM, R3 = 85% basal ration + 15% PLM. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the replacement of a portion of basal rations with papaya leaf meal had a significantly different (P < 0.05) on feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion. Based on the results of this study, It can be concluded that the using of papaya leaf meal can replace a portion of ration until 5% level.Keywords: Performance, papaya leaf meal, broiler chickens

scholarly journals Performance, Antimicrobial Effect and Carcass Parameters of Finisher Broilers Given Xylopia aethiopica Dried Fruits (Grains of Selim) as Additive

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ogagaoghene Isikwenu ◽  
Ifeanyi Udeh ◽  
Bernard Izuchukwu Oshai ◽  
Theresa Ogheneremu Kekeke
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Microbial Population ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Carcass Parameters

Abstract The effect of graded levels of grains of selim on the performance, gut microbial population and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers was investigated. Two hundred and four (204) 28 days old broiler chicks (Marshal breed) were randomly allotted to four treatments with each treatment having three replicates of 17 chicks each in a completely randomized design. Finely blended grains of selim was administered through drinking water on treatments 2, 3 and 4 at concentrations of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 g per litre while chicks on treatment 1 (control) received 1.0 g per 1.5 litre of antibiotics (Gendox). Chicks were fed ad libitum with isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 20% crude protein and 3000 Kcal/kg metabolisable energy for four weeks. Results showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences among treatments in the final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio. There were differences in the microbial population of the gastro-intestinal tract with colony count decreasing as the concentration of grains of selim increases. Carcass characteristics and organ weights were similar (P > 0.05) except for thigh and spleen weights, and large intestine lengths where differences (P < 0.05) exist. Mortality ranged from 8.47% - 13.47% across treatments. The results indicated that grains of selim have antimicrobial and anthelminthic properties, and promote growth in broiler chickens

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION AT THE STARTER PHASE ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
M Tion ◽  
M. T. Orga ◽  
I. A. Adeka
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Ad Libitum

Two hundred and twenty five day old straight run broiler chicks were utilized in completely randomized design to test the effect of restricting feed intake of four groups of chicks to 92.5% 85.0%, 77.5% and 70.0% of the unrestricted (control) group in the starter phase and following adlibitum feeding for all groups in the finisher phase. The treatments were simply designated as A, B, C, D and E. The starter phase in which the restriction was carried out lasted 28 days and the finisher phase 42 days. Parameters evaluated during the starter and finisher phases included; growth rate, feed conversion ration and mortality rate. Results show gain in weight among all groups while the group fed diet B and the control had comparable weight gain at the starter phase. The percentage weight difference between the control and each of the other dietary groups was: 4.4%, 8.4%, 8.6% and 10.4% for the treatments B, C, D and E respectively. Feed gain ration improved as the level of restriction became stricter. Following ad-libitum feeding of all grops at the finisher phase, the feed restricted groups at the starter phase voraciously increased their feed intake, thus, producing comparable performance values with the unrestricted (control) group in weight gain in the 8th week of the study. Although birds in all groups averaged more than 2000g final live weight in 10weeks, significant differences exist between groups that were fed diets C, D, and E that were restricted at the starter phase, an indication that complete compensatory growth was not obtainable. Feed gain ration improved for restricted groups. Mortality rate did not show any trend attributable to levels of feed restriction. This study shows that broiler chicks fed restricted levels of balanced diet at the starter phase but later fed ad-libitum at the finisher phase could attain a finished weight of about 2000g or more at a market age of 10 weeks (70 days) with an improvement in feed gain ration.

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