Performance of three strains of broiler chickens fed with straight diet

Abstract

One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler chickens of three different strains fed with straight diet were used in this study which lasted for 49 days. A single straight diet containing 2844.25kcal/kg of M.E and crude protein of 21.04% was formulated for the study. Each strain of the broiler namely Cobb, Ross and Abor acre formed the three treatments of 40 birds per treatment which were replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate using Completely Randomized Design. The data collected were subjected to ANOVA, where means were different, Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. The result of the final weight, weight gained, average daily weight gained, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, live weight and dressed weight had the same level of significances where Cobb and Ross were not significantly (P>0.05) different from each other but they were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Arbor acre. The organ yield showed no significant difference (P>0.05) across the treatments. The proximate composition of meat did not show any particular pattern. Cobb strain of broiler had the best gross margin (₦2345.16) though not significantly (P<0.0.5) different from Ross (₦2326.66). From the fore going, it can be concluded and recommended that Cobb and Ross strains of broiler are best raised for performance traits and maximum gain for farmers feeding straight diet.