Effect of feed forms and conical feeder openings on growth performance and organ characteristics of broiler chickens at finisher phase

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of feed form and conical feeder openings on broiler chickens' performance and organ characteristics. 180 starter broiler chickens four weeks old were allotted to two treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial experimental design (two feed forms – mash and pellet; three conical feeder openings – 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 cm) were used for the investigation that lasted four weeks. Broiler chickens were fed ad libitum. Daily feed intake was recorded, and the birds' weight changes and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined during the feeding trial. At eight weeks of feeding, 32 birds were randomly selected and slaughtered for organ characteristics. The result showed that the final weight (3795.56 ± 39.25 g) and weight gain (2342.22 ± 34.66 g) of birds fed pelleted feed were significantly different (p<0.01) from those on mash. The FCR was significantly lower (p<0.01) for broilers fed pellet (2.57 ± 0.04) compared with those offered mash (2.85 ± 0.02). The growth performance of broiler chickens fed pelleted feed in a 1.5 cm conical feeder opening was best (p<0.05) compared with other treatments. The relative organs had no significant (p>0.01) effect except for the large intestine which was significantly lower in birds fed mash feed form compared to the pelleted group. It is concluded that feeding broiler chicken finishers with pelleted feed and a feeder opening of 1.5 cm greatly influenced the feed intake and performance of the broiler chickens.