Growth response and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens on different daily feeding frequency

Abstract

A total of 99 day old broiler chicks were used in a 56 day trial to determine the growth response and carcass characteristics of broiler Chickens on different daily feeding frequency. They were randomly allotted into three treatment groups (T₁, T₂, T₃). T₁ were fed once a day, T₂ were fed twice a day while T₃ were fed thrice a day. All treatments were fed with the same quality and quantity of feed. Data obtained include; weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass traits of the broiler chickens. Results obtained revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference among the growth parameters observed except the final weight. Birds fed twice a day recorded the highest final weight (2295.50g) followed by those fed once a day (2236.30g) and thrice a day (2230.30g) respectively. No significant differences (P>0.05) among dietary treatments were observed on carcass parameters measured except the live weight, drumstick and heart. The live weight of the experimental animals ranged significantly from birds fed once a day (2366.67g) to those fed thrice a day (2783.30g). Birds fed twice a day and thrice a day had similar (P>0.05) drumstick values but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed once. Animals fed twice a day (0.58) recorded the highest heart weight followed by those fed once a day (0.45) and thrice a day (0.48) that was statistically similar. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that birds fed frequently at least twice a day performed better compared with birds fed once a day.

Keywords: Feeding frequency, Performance, Carcass, Broiler Chicken