Protein and energy utilization by cockerels fed four different commercial diet

Abstract

An 8 weak feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the protein and energy utilization of four different commercial feeds fed to eight weeks old ANAK cockerels. The diets containing 14.14% CP, 2500 ME; (4.25% CP, 2650 ME; 15.41% CP, 2800 ME and 15.82% CP, 2800 ME were designated T 1,T 2, T 3, T 4 and were fed ad libitum to the cockerels. The results showed that cockerels fed diet 1 consumed significantly (p<0.05) more feed than those fed diet 2, diet 3 and diet 4 respectively. Equally the cockerels fed diet 3 and diet 4 had significantly (p<0.05) better body weight changes. Protein and energy efficiency were significantly (p<0.05) improved in birds fed diet 3 and diet 4. These results are due to the consumption of higher levels of protein and energy by cockerels fed diet 3 and diet 4 coupled with the birds ability to better utilize these nutrients compared to those fed diet 1 and diet 2 respectively. It was recommended that the right proportion of protein and energy should be fed to cockerels since their utilization encourage growth.


Animal Production Research Avancees Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 34-37