The Effects of Early Feed Restriction on the Nutrient Retention of Broilers

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the nutrient retention of broilers subject to early feed restriction in varying regiments. One hundred and twenty six (Ross) broiler chicks were used in this experiments. At 7 days of age, chicks were weighed and randomly allocated to 6 treatment were fed al-libitum on a standard starter (18%), low energy (ME 2,800k cal/kg) diet for 16 days in varying regiments, alternated by feeding the standard diet during the starter phase. Whereas, during the finishing phase, all birds irrespective of the treatment groups were fed a standard finisher diet ad-libitum to market weight. Nutrient retention trial were conducted during the restriction and post restriction periods. Weighed quantities of the feed were supplied and excreta samples collected over 72 hours using total collection method. The excreta samples collected were oven dried at 70 oC for 24 hours. Weighed and grounded prior to chemical analysis. The results showed no significant (P>0.05) effect of varying regiments of early feed restriction on protein, fat and crude fibre retention of broilers during and after feed restriction. It was concluded that a mild form of feed restriction can be initiated as early as 7 days of age without adverse effect on nutrient retention and utilization.