The effect of early feed restriction on the commercial pieces of two broiler chicken strains

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this research to evaluate the effect of feed restriction (FR) on starter periods of two different broiler strains on commercial meat pieces. The study was conducted on 120 day old chicks with an average body weight of Lohman strain of 44.16 ± 3.72 g and Cobb strain of 45.79 ± 3.95 g. The method was a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial 2x4 with 3 replications. The factor A1 was Lohman, and A2 was Cobb. Factor B was the start of the application of FR as much as 20% for 8 days, namely B0 = without FR, B1 = on day 8, B2 = on day 11, and B3 = on day 14. Feed was given ad libitum before and after FR until day 35. The interaction between treatment affect the carcass (%) and brisket (%). Final body weight (FBW), carcass (%), breasts (%), and wings were affected by strains. FBW, carcass (%) and breast (%) of Lohman strain were higher than Cobb. The wings (%) and brisket (%) of Cobb were higher than Lohman's. The application of FR on the Lohman at starter period was better than Cobb in terms of the percentage of commercial pieces.