Growth and feed consumption pattern of pigeons (n=160) reared in cage and deep litter system and fed 20 and 22 percent protein diets were studied during 5th to 7th week of age. Caged pigeons had significantly higher growth rate (P<0.05) but consumed significantly (P<0.01) less feed than those in deep litter system. Dietary protein levels did not have any significant effect (P>0.05) either on body weight change or feed consumption pattern. Irrespective of housing system and dietary protein level, pigeons grew at a faster rate with better feed efficiency in 5th week of age and then gradually declined.
Pigeon squab, growth, feed consumption, cage, deep litter, dietary protein level
