Philippine E-Journals

Subsequent Performance of Broilers Subjected to 40% Feed Restriction at Different Ages

Clarita T. Dagaas | Jerico B. Florido | Cisima P. Lavega

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

 

Abstract:

The subsequent performance of broilers subjected to 40% feed restriction at different ages was studied using 140 day-old chicks. The chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to 20 cages in completely randomized design (CRD) with seven chicks per group and four replications. The treatments were as follows: Treatment 1 - ad libitum fed, Treatment 2 - 40% less feed intake at 5 to 11 days of age, Treatment 3 - 40% less feed intake at 8 to 14 days of age, Treatment 4 - 40% less feed intake at 15 to 21 days of age, and Treatment 5 - 40% less feed intake at 22 to 28 days of age. No significant differences (P<0.05) on live weight were observed among the treatment birds at 42nd day of age, implying that restricted re-fed birds were able to exhibit growth compensation relative to the control birds. Feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency were significantly different (P<0.05) among treatment birds. The restricted birds had significantly lower (P<0.05) feed intake and better feed conversion efficiencies relative to the ad libitum fed birds. Birds on treatment 3 showed the highest income over feed and chick cost.