Effects of feed forms, levels of quantitative feed restriction on performance, carcass quality and cost benefit of broiler chickens

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed forms and levels of feed restriction on growth performance, carcass quality and feeding cost of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-two day-old broiler chicks were divided into eight groups of twenty four birds each. Each group was further divided into three replicates of eight birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Birds were fed mash and pellets and restricted at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels of feed restriction. Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost benefits were calculated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results showed significantly higher (p<0.05) final weights and weight gain in birds fed pellets (1624.42 g and 1571.72 g) compared to mash (1540.00 g and 1487.26 g). Feed intake of broiler chicken was significantly influenced by interaction between feed forms and levels of feed restriction. Feed conversion ratio was best in birds fed pellets (2.35) and at 30% level of restriction (2.09). Retail cuts parts were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by feed forms and levels of restriction. Gizzard weights increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of restriction. Abdominal fat decreased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of restriction. Birds restricted at 30% level showed a better feed cost savings compared with ad libitum feeding. It can be concluded that feeding pellets to broiler chickens improved weight gain and feed conversion. Feed restriction at 30% level of restriction reduced feeding cost and abdominal fat.Keywords: Broilers, carcass, performance, quantitative feed restrictio

Effect of feeding frequency on the growth and reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds

Twenty-eight rabbits from two breeds; New Zealand Red (NZR) and Florida White (FW) (twelve does and two bucks per breed) were used to examine the effect of feeding frequency on the reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds. Each of the two rabbit breeds were divided into two groups (A and B) on the basis of feeding frequency of once (7a.m only) or twice daily (7a.m and 4p.m). The experiment lasted for 30weeks (10 weeks in each parity). Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a 2x2 experimental layout. The litter size of rabbits fed once was 4.33 while those fed twice daily had 2.67 litter size. Rabbits fed twice daily had higher (p<0.05) weaning weight and weaning weight gain than rabbits fed once daily in both breeds. In the third parity, the breeds differed significantly (p<0.05) only in the final weight with FW having a higher value of 2267.50g/rabbit/day than NZR. Significantly (p<0.05) higher mortality was obtained in rabbits fed once daily than those fed twice daily at the second and third parities in both breeds. The results showed that feeding frequency affected the weaning weight, weaning weight gain and mortality of the does from the second parity.Keywords: Rabbit; Breed; Feeding frequency; Parit

Growth Response and Carcass Traits of Birds Fed Diets Containing Three Differently Processed Discarded Vegetable-Bovine Blood-Rumen Content Mixtures

A total of 1,080 day-old Marshal broilers were fed diets containing discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (P1), discarded vegetable-ensiled bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (P2) and discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-ensiled rumen digesta (P3) at three levels of inclusion (0, 3 and 6 %) at the starter phase while 540 of the birds were transferred and redistributed in the finisher phase. Data on growth response, blood profile and carcass characteristics were taken. At the 8th week of the study, 3 broiler chickens were randomly selected from each replicate for carcass evaluation. Data were subjected to Completely Randomized Design in a 3 x 3 factorial experimental layout. At the starter phase, results showed that birds fed P1 and P3 had significantly (P<0.05) higher final weight but birds fed P3 had the highest (P<0.05) survivability percentage compared with P1.The interaction of processing methods and levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced the performance characteristics measured. In the interaction between processing methods and levels of inclusion showed a decrease (P<0.05) in the final weight as the levels of inclusion of P1 and P2 increased at the starter phase. At the finisher phase, the feed intake increased with increased levels of inclusion. The interaction between processing methods and levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) affected the performance characteristics measured Results of the carcass characteristics showed that birds fed 3% inclusion of P2 had the least (P<0.05) thigh weight while those fed 6% inclusion of P1 had the least value for abdominal fat. This study revealed that for enhanced growth performance; broiler chickens could be fed diets containing discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-ensiled rumen digesta (P3) up to 6% level of inclusion.Keywords: Growth response; carcass traits; processed mixtures; discarded vegetable; bovine blood; rumen content

Short Communication: Visual assessment, proximate composition and cost analysis of three differently processed discarded vegetable-bovine blood-rumen content mixtures

With increased search for least-cost alternative feed resource in animal production, this study was conducted to determine the visual properties, chemical composition and cost analysis of three differently processed discarded vegetable-bovine blood-rumen content mixture as potential alternative feed resource. These mixtures were obtained by mixing whole bovine blood, discarded vegetable and rumen content at ratio 1:1:1 under different processing methods. The processed mixtures obtained were in three categories: discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (D1), discarded vegetable-ensiled bovine blood-fresh rumen digesta (D2) and discarded vegetable-fresh bovine blood-ensiled rumen digesta (D3). The mixtures were cooked and sun-dried to constant moisture content and thereafter were subjected to particle size reduction. Chemical composition of the products indicated a good potential nutritional quality with metabolizable energy and crude protein contents ranging from 9.66 to 10.49 MJ/kg and 40.79 to 50.21, respectively. Crude fibre concentrations were relatively low (8.39-13.14) for most of the products compared to conventional protein sources. Visual assessment of processed mixtures revealed D1 to be brownish in colour while D2 and D3 tend towards grey. In terms of odour, all three test mixtures were strongly pungent. Processed mixture D1 had an intermediate texture (it was neither finely ground nor coarse) where D2 and D3 had a finely ground texture. Cost analysis revealed a lower production cost for the three processed mixtures indicating its adequacy to replace soybean and other plant and animal protein sources in terms of their cost/kg inclusion in diet. Processed mixtures can serve as suitable replacements for soybean meal in terms of chemical constituents and reduced cost/kg feed for animal.Keywords: Bovine blood, rumen digesta, discarded vegetable, visual assessment, proximate composition, cost analysis

Performance and Carcass Yield of Sexed Broiler Chickens Reared on Two Housing Types

In spite of availability of specially formulated feeds and other aids to intensive poultry production, the provision of appropriate housing remains the most basic requirement for successful poultry production. This study thereby determined the performance, carcass yield and meat composition of 300 sexed Arbor Acre broiler chickens reared on deep-litter and deep-litter with a run housing types. The birds were brooded for 2 weeks, differentiated into male and female by feather sexing and balanced for weight. Thereafter, 150 male and female chicks each were confined separately in deep litter and deep litter with a run. Weekly live weights and physiological parameters were taken. At the end of the study, 2 birds which were similar to the average weight of each replicate were selected for carcass analysis. Serum cholesterol and calcium were also determined at the end of the experiment. The data obtained were arranged in a 2×2 factorial experimental layout in a Completely Randomized Design. Male birds had higher final weights, weight gain and cost of feed per day of 2208.33g/b,44.41g/b/d and N21.96, respectively compared to female birds. Birds on deep litter had higher live weight and plucked weight of 2216.67 and 1985.00g, respectively. Female birds had highest percentage breast of 22.81. Serum cholesterol and calcium of birds on deep litter with run was higher. It was concluded that both male and female broiler chickens had higher carcass yield on deep litter housing type. However, for higher live weight gain female broiler chickens should be reared on deep litter while male broiler chickens could be reared conveniently on any of the housing types.Keywords: Performance, carcass yield, female broiler, male broiler, serum cholesterol, calciu