Browsing by Author "Anyigor, Emeka Austin"

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    Performance, economic benefit and litter quality in pens of broiler chickens produced on changing times of phase feeding
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Anyigor, Emeka Austin
    Two hundred and twenty-four (224), day-old, Abor acre broiler chicks, divided into 7 groups of four replicates each on a weight equalization basis were used to determine the performance, economic benefit and litter quality in pens of broiler chickens produced on changing time of phase feeding regimes. The broiler chicken groups were randomly assigned to the following feeding regimes: T1 (control) starter (0 – 28 days), finisher (29 -42 days); T2 starter (0 -7 days), finisher (8 - 42 days); T3 starter (0 - 1 days), finisher (15 - 42 days); T4 starter (0 - 21 days), finisher (22 - 42 days); T5 starter (0 - 8 days), grower (9 - 22 days), finisher (23 - 42 days); T6 starter (0 - 10 days), grower (11 - 24 days), finisher (25 - 42 days); T7 starter (0 - 14 days), Grower (15 - 27 days), finisher (28 - 42 days) in a Completely Randomized Design experiment. The formulated starter, grower and finisher diets were determined for nutrient composition. Feed and water were offered ad - libitum in two trenches daily at 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. Recommended vaccination and medication schedules for commercial broiler chickens were followed. At the end of the 42-day study, the final body weight (FBW) and body weight gain (BWG), total feed intake (TFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), mortality were determined while nitrogen utilization was calculated using appropriate formulae. One bird closest to the mean weight was selected per replicate for carcass and internal organs weight determination. The moisture content, pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of the litter were determined in replicates. Data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance and mean differences were separated. Results of the study indicated that birds on T5 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight and body weight gain than T1 T3, T4 and T7, but not significantly (p>05) higher than those on T2 and T6. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed intake (FI) and FCR though those on T5 recorded numerically higher (3965.32 g) FI value and better (2.13) FCR value. Birds on T5 were more efficient (40.29.) in nitrogen efficiency utilization than others with higher retention (54.41 g), and lower intake (135.06 g) and excretion (80.65 g) values. Again, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in percentage carcass and internal organ weights across the treatment groups except for those birds on T1 that recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of breast muscle and wings than other groups. Also, T2 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of gizzard weight than the control and other groups. The birds on T1 recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of liver weight than the other groups. Birds on T2, T3, T5, T6, and T7 recorded significantly (p>0.05) lower litter nitrogen content than T1 and T4. Also, birds on T1 and T2 recorded significantly (p>0.05) lower litter pH than T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7. The Phosphorus content of the litter was significantly (p>0.05) lower for birds on T1 and T2 than T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7. It could be concluded that a starter duration of not more than 10 days produced a better body weight, a better feed conversion ratio, improved feed intake, lower nitrogen content of litter, increased profitability, and improved litter environment while the phosphorus content of litter did not appear to be significantly influenced by the changing time of feeding starter regimes.