The economic effect of sex and germinated sprout feed onthe growth performance of new hybrid broiler chickens for environmental adaptation in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract In this study, a total of 360 one-day-old birds (180 males and 180 females) of a new hybrid broiler (WINZY line 105) were raised to 8 weeks of age. Birds were randomly taken to be similar in body weight (33.9 ± 0.58) and divided into four groups (90 birds in each group) in three replicates (30 birds/replicate). The experimental groups involved a 2X 2 factorial arrangement, two sex groups (male (M) and female (F)), and two types of rations (basal diet from one day up to 56 days and basal diet plus germinated sprouts from 28 to 56 days of age). The birds were reared in controlled, semi-closed houses in winter, aiming to simulate the effects of sex and ration type on productive, physiological and economic efficiency for environmental adaptation. Sex is the main determinant of broiler performance. Compared with females, males had significantly (P≤01) greater body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass weight and economic efficiency. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion gain were improved for the chicks fed a basal diet plus germinated sprout feed in comparison to those of the other groups fed only basic rations. The carcass yield, abdominal fat percentage, total antioxidant capacity, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein content were greater for males fed a basal diet plus germinated sprouts than for those in the other groups, and the net return economic efficiency percentage was also greater. In conclusion, the use of germinated sprout feed improved birds' productivity and physiologic and economic efficiency, especially in males. This work highlighted the importance of breeding characteristics and feeding type on the growth performance of broilers and will help to select and improve their traits against environmental stresses.