Effect of a qualitative feed restriction strategy on growth and carcass parameters of broiler chicken.

Abstract

Objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a qualitative feed restriction strategy on the growth and carcass parameters of broiler chicken. Thirty five days old broiler chicks (n=90) were allocated into 15 cages. Cages were randomly allocated into three feeding regimens. Birds in first feeding regimen were fed a commercial broiler finisher diet ad libitum while those in other two regimens were deprived of the commercial feed for six hours a day (10.00 am to 4.00 pm). During the period of feed deprivation, one group of the birds was given a mixture of rice bran and molasses at 2:1 (RBM21) while the other group received a mixture of rice bran and molasses at 3:1 (RBM31). The above feeding regimens were adopted for a week from 35-41 d. Daily commercial feed and rice bran molasses mixtures (RBM) intakes were recorded. Birds were weighed on day 41. One randomly selected bird _from each cage was killed to determine the carcass parameters. From day forty two to forty five, birds in all three feeding regimens were given commercial feed ad libitum. At the end of the ad libitum feeding period, birds were re-weighed and the carcass parameters were determined. Intake of commercial feed during feed restriction period was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the intake of RBM mixtures during the same time period. The commercial feed intake during 4.00 pm to 10.00 am was significantly (p<0.001) higher for birds who had received RBM from 10 am to 4.00 pm, than the birds who received corhmercial feed during the same period. Feed conversion ratio, the live weight on day 41 and weight gain of the birds given ad libitum commercial feed were significantly (p<0.01) better than those of RBM mixtures given birds. Feed cost could significantly (p<0.0 I) be reduced by giving RBM31 mixture, but the cost for one kg of live weight gain was 10 rupees low when commercial feed was offered uninterruptedly. During ad libitum feeding period (42-45d), birds received RBM gained higher live weight (p=0.07) than those who received commercial feed uninterruptedly. The total live weight gain (35-45d) and the live weight on day 45 of the birds in all three dietary regimens were not statistically different. The feed cost per one kg of live weight gain of broiler given ad libitum commercial feed during 35-45 was reduced from 90.68 Rs to 86.60 Rs when RBM3 l mixture was offered six hours a day from 35-4ld and subsequent feeding of ad libitum of a commercial feed. It was concluded the feeding strategy tested reduces the feed cost of broiler chicken marginally.