Effect Of Feed Restriction On Growth Performance And Economy Of Production Of Broiler Chicks

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feed restriction on growth performance and economy of production using One Hundred and Twenty (120) ANAK 2000 broier chicks. The dietary treatments consisted of providing feed ad libitum (ull fed) and two feed restriction treatments restrictingeedng 80 % of ad libitum between 28 – 70 days of age (DOA); and for 28 –47 DOA with re-alimentation to full fed 48 - 70 DOA. The three treatments were identfied as D1, D2,and D3 respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to analyze data collected on growth performance variables. A cost – benefit analysis was utilized for the economy of production. Analysis of results obtained revealed that final body weight and weekly weight gain of broilers on D1 and D3 were similar (P < 0.05) but differed from D2 (P < 0.05). No signcant dference (P < 0.05) was found between D2 and D3 and betweenD2 and D1 in weekly feed intake and feed efficiency respectively. Feed efficiency was improved by restriction followed with re-alimentation. A reduced feed cost (N)/Kg weight gain, highest revenueand least cost-benefit rato were obtained from reduced from birds on D3. Keywords: Broiler chicks, feed restriction, Growth performance, Economy of productionAnimal Research International Vol. 3 (3) 2006 pp. 513-51