Comparison of wet and dry mash feeding of growing/finishing cockerels

Abstract

Two breeds of cockerel (Harco and Shaver) of egg-laying strains were offered conventional dry feed, wet feed with and without drinking water at the growing (9-14 weeks of age) and finishing (14-19 weeks of age) phases. The wet feed was prepared by mixing one part of dry feed with two parts of water at the time of feeding. Overall feed consumption and weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds receiving wet feed. Feed conversion efficiency was not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by form of feeding. Dressing percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds fed dry mash when compared with those fed wet mash without drinking water. Birds fed wet feed without drinking water had the highest (p<0.05) abdominal fat deposit. In the growing phase, feed consumption and live weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds on wet feed without drinking water. Their feed conversion was comparable to those on dry feed and significantly (p<0.05) better than those fed wet feed with drinking water. However, during the finishing phase, weight gain and feed conversion were poorest in birds fed wet feed without drinking water. The finishing period fell within the dry season when ambient temperature was greater than 35 OC.Generally harco breed showed a non-significant (p>0.05) higher daily weight gain and a significantly (p<0.05) higher feed conversion efficiency compared to shaver while shaver breed ate significantly (p<0.05) more than harco. Significant (p<0.05) feed form x breed interaction existed for overall feed consumption, feed consumption during each of the two phases and feed conversion efficiency during the finishing phase

Animal Production Research Avancees Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 27-33