Effect of Ration Type During 2- 6 Weeks of Age on Broiler Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a grower, finisher, or both rations between 2 - 6 weeks of age on performance and carcass characteristics at 6 weeks of age. 120 Ross 308 unsexed broiler chicks were distributed to three groups with four replicates of 10 birds each. During weeks 0-2, all birds received a starter ration of 3000 kcal/kg ME and 23% CP, During 2-6 weeks T1 received a grower ration of 3100 kcal/kg and 21.5% CP, T2 received a finisher ration of 3200 kcal/kg ME and 19.5% CP, and T3 received a grower ration (2-4) weeks then finisher ration (4-6) weeks. Two birds from each replicate were slaughtered and eviscerated manually for carcass traits. The results showed an insignificant difference in final and weekly body weight except for the first week, and an insignificant total and daily weight gain except for weeks 0-1 and 4-5. Except for weeks 2-3 and 3-4, treatments had no effect on feed intake,T3 had the highest feed intake compared to T1 and T2, there was a significant difference between treatments in protein intake except the first two weeks. There was a significant difference in feed conversion in weeks 0-1 and 4-5, as well as protein conversion in weeks 0-1, 2-3, and 4-5. The differences in all carcass traits and the relative growth rate between treatments were insignificant. T2 showed the best economic efficiency compared to T1 and T3.