Comparative evaluation of growth parameters of four strains of broiler chickens fed two different feed types

Abstract

Broiler production has evolved greatly in the last three decades, with advances in genetic improvement, nutrition and disease control. Feed and feeding have been the greatest cost of broiler production and efforts are geared at minimizing this cost, by improving feed utilization and feed conversion efficiency. This study examines the influence of feed type (crumbled or mash), strain and sex on the final weight, total weight gain and average daily gain. Four strains (Arbor Acre, Cobb, Marshall and Ross) of day-old chicks were studied, with 76 chicks from each strain all totalling 304 birds. The birds were grouped into two by feed type, and two replicates for each feed type comprising 76 chicks each across the strain were reared for 10 weeks. At the end of the study, 211 chicks comprising Arbor Acre (45), Cobb (49), Marshall (61) and Ross (56) were analysed to evaluate the effects of the studied variables on the chicks’ growth parameters. Feed type, strain and sex exerted significant (P<0.05) influence on final weight, total weight gain and average daily gain, albeit at different levels. The crumbled composite feed (3-in-1) consistently outperformed the conventional starter-grower-finisher combo. The Marshall breed had lowest values on all growth parameters and the male birds recorded better performance in all growth parameters. Interactions among the fixed factors was not significant (P>0.05) in all growth parameters. The study revealed that the newly introduced Hybrid special 3-in-1 feed is a superior alternative to the conventional feeding method for broilers.