Effect of varying regiments of early nutrient restriction on the economics of broiler production

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of varying regiments of early nutrient restriction on the economics of broiler production. A total of one hundred and twenty-six (126) Ross broiler day old chicks were raised in an electrically heated battery brooder. Birds in the first treatment, that is the control, were fed a standard starter diet ad libitum formulated to meet all their nutrient requirements. Birds in treatment 2 to 6 were fed a low protein (18%), low energy (ME 2800Kcal/ Kg) diet for 16 days in varying regiments all starting at 7 days of age, alternated by feeding the standard diet during the starter period. Birds were then fed ad-libitum to market weight on standard finisher diet. The results revealed that the body weight gain and feed: gain ratios of birds during and after restriction were not significantly affected by varying regiments of early nutrient restriction. It was also observed that the cost: benefit ratio however, all the nutrient restricted birds had lower cost: benefit ratio relative to their control counterparts. It is therefore suggested that nutrient restriction early in life of chicks may offer some economic advantage over feeding regime.