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Effect of early and Late Feed Restriction on Compensantory Ability of Broilers
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of early versus late feed restriction on growth characteristics of broilers. Treatments used were full feed control and 55% quantitative feed restriction which was initiated between 7 and 21 days and between 21 and 35 days. The quantitative feed restriction was based on the previous 24 hour voluntary feed intake values of full-feed control birds.
Complete compensatory growth was not accomplished by the feed restricted birds relative to the full feed controls at day 49. Full-feed control birds had significantly (P<0.5) higher body weights (2469 g) than early (2342g) and late (2262g) restricted birds. Body weights of restricted birds were not significantly different. Although attainment of growth compensation was not achieved in previously restricted birds, accelerated growth was observed immediately following re-alimentation. The accelerated growth was accompanied significantly (P<0.5) higher feed intakes and superior feed efficiency relative to control birds during the refeeding period. Although feed restriction significantly (P<.01) improved overall feed conversion (g, feed: g, body weight gain) of early (1.86) and late (1.80) restricted birds, these benefits were not reflected in final body weights.
Both early and late feed restriction regimes resulted in significantly (P<.05) lower abdominal fat pads compared to control birds. This study shows that 14 day long feed restriction periods imposed during early and late broiler growth are too severe for birds to exhibit full compensatory growth during refeeding periods. Milder feed restriction and shorter feed restriction periods may be necessary to achieve full growth compensation.
UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol 3 (1) 1999: pp 69-73
Complete compensatory growth was not accomplished by the feed restricted birds relative to the full feed controls at day 49. Full-feed control birds had significantly (P<0.5) higher body weights (2469 g) than early (2342g) and late (2262g) restricted birds. Body weights of restricted birds were not significantly different. Although attainment of growth compensation was not achieved in previously restricted birds, accelerated growth was observed immediately following re-alimentation. The accelerated growth was accompanied significantly (P<0.5) higher feed intakes and superior feed efficiency relative to control birds during the refeeding period. Although feed restriction significantly (P<.01) improved overall feed conversion (g, feed: g, body weight gain) of early (1.86) and late (1.80) restricted birds, these benefits were not reflected in final body weights.
Both early and late feed restriction regimes resulted in significantly (P<.05) lower abdominal fat pads compared to control birds. This study shows that 14 day long feed restriction periods imposed during early and late broiler growth are too severe for birds to exhibit full compensatory growth during refeeding periods. Milder feed restriction and shorter feed restriction periods may be necessary to achieve full growth compensation.
UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol 3 (1) 1999: pp 69-73
