*Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mhow453446.
Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
In an experiment using 360 broiler chicks, the dietary energy levels were varied at 2800, 3000 and 3200 kcal ME/kg and protein levels were kept at 20, 22, 23 and 25 per cent in starter, 18, 20, 22 and 24 per cent in growers, and 16, 18, 19 and 21 per cent in finishers for studying carcass composition of broilers in different growth phases. On increasing dietary energy levels, there was decrease in the carcass moisture, protein and ash but ‘ increase in carcass fat and energy contents. Significantly higher amount of fat and energy but lower amount of moisture, protein and ash was recorded in the carcasses of broilers receiving 3200 kcal ME/kg diet. On the contrary, on raising dietary protein level there was increase in the moisture and protein but decrease in fat and energy contents of the carcass. With 25, 24 and 19 per cent dietary protein in starting, growing and finishing phases of growth respectively, carcass fat was significantly high while the carcass protein was low. A combination of 2800 kcal ME/kg diet with 23 per cent, 22 per cent and 18 per cent protein in starting, growing and finishing phases of growth respectively appeared to be the best.
