Effect Of Time Of Change From Starter To Finisher Ration On The Performance Of Broilers In The Humid Tropics

Abstract

A study involving 450 Lohmann Brown day-old broiler chicks was conducted to determine the optimum period of change from starter to finisher ration in the humid climate of South Eastern Nigeria. The broiler chicks were divided into 3 groups and the groups fed commercial starter ration (22% CP; 11.91 MJ.kg M.E.) for 28 days (group I); 35 days (group II) and 42 days (group III), respectively, before switching over to finisher ration) 18 % Cp; 13.42 MJ/kg M.E.). The trial lasted for 70 days. Change of ration at 42 days significantly (P < 0.05) depressed the performance of the broilers. The optimum time of change from starter to finisher ration based on this study was 28-35 days of age.

Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 1 (1) 1994: pp. 54-57