Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan) India
1Asstt. Prof. Deptt. of Animal Production,Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gandhi Nagar P.B.No.56, Bhilwara (Raj.)
An experiment was conducted for 8 weeks on 240 broiler chicks to note the response of broiler chicks to the feed restriction at the level of 0% (T1), 40% (T2), 55% (T3) and 70% (T4) of ad lib from 7 to 14 days of age. The broilers were fed starter diet ad lib from 0 to 7 and 14 to 35 days of age and finisher diet from 35 to 56 days of age. From 7 to 14 days, the birds were fed restricted diet at 40, 55 and 70% ad lib level. Each of the three restricted diet levels with the ad lib (control) diet was fed to two replicate floor pen groups of 30 broiler chicks. Feed restriction resulted in significant (P<0.05) reduction in body weight and weight gain at 14 days of age, although by 56 days, there was complete recovery of body weight. The feed and nutrient intakes were not influenced significantly (P<0.05) after 35 days of age. The feed utilization was found better in the restricted groups as compared to the control. The best performance index was observed in the chicks fed restricted diet at 55% of ad lib (T3). Keel length and Shank length were not affected by the dietary treatments. Feed restriction had no effect on carcass characteristics at 56 days. Feed restriction at 40% of ad lib level (T2) resulted in reduced abdominal fat pad (p<0.05). There was no difference in the overall mortality for the period of experiment among the dietary treatments. Cost of production was less in the restricted feed groups. It may be inferred that broiler chicks may be fed upto the 40% level of ad lib for 7 days started at 7 days of age.
Feed restriction, Broilers, Feed intake
