Influence of duration and level of feed restriction on blood parameters, carcass characteristics and feed cost of marshall broiler chickens

Abstract

Two hundred and sixteen unsexed 14 days-old Marshall broiler chicks were used in a 3×3 factorial experimental layout to test the effect of restricting feed intake of birds to 0%, 20% and 40% levels for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Data were collected on blood and serum profile, carcass characteristics, while the cost-benefit analysis was calculated. Data obtained were subjected to a 2-way analysis of variance. Results showed that duration and level of restriction had significant effect (P<0.05) on blood parameters except red blood cell while serum cholesterol values decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level and duration of restriction. Abdominal fat decreased with increasing duration and level of restriction with birds on 40% level and 6 weeks duration of restriction having the lowest fat content (0.20%). As level and duration of feed restriction increased, feed cost/ kg reduced. Birds restricted at 40% level for 2, 4 and 6 weeks durations respectively had better cost benefit than birds restricted at 0 and 20% levels for 2, 4 and 6 weeks durations. It can be concluded that lower abdominal fat, cholesterol and better cost benefit was achieved in birds restricted at 40% for 6 weeks. The diet therefore produced lean meat at reduced cost which can be of advantage to the producer.