Effect of feed particle size on performance of broiler chicken

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International Journal of Development Research

Effect of feed particle size on performance of broiler chicken

Abstract: 

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of feed particle size on performance of broiler chicken with one hundred and fifty, day-old commercial broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) allotted to three dietary treatments ground using hammer mill screen openings of 3mm (T1), 5mm (T2) and 7mm (T3) with five replications per treatment and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. An iso-caloric and iso nitrogenous maize – soya based broiler starter and finisher feed (BIS 2007) ground in hammer mill using 3mm, 5mm and 7mm screens were used for the study. Broiler starter ration was fed from 0 to 3 weeks of age and thereafter broiler finisher ration from 4 to 6 weeks of age. Six samples of each experimental ration after the homogenous mixing were taken for the measurement of particle size distributions using laboratory sieves of 4.76, 2.00, 1.00 and 0.50 mm screens. Screen size significantly affected the particle size distribution, modulus of fineness, electricity consumption, time consumption in grinding and performance of birds. The mean body weight and weight gain (0-6weeks) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher for birds belonging to T1 and T2 compared to T3. Birds belonging to T3 recorded a significantly (P< 0.05) higher feed consumption as compared to T1 and T2 at six week of age. Feed efficiency improved with decrease in particle size. Birds belonging to T1 projected a significantly (P<0.05) lower cumulative FCR than T2 and T3 at six week of age. Overall mean livability per cent was same in all treatments. The cost benefit analysis revealed that the net profit / Kg live weight (Rs) at six week of age was highest in T1 (Rs. 28.01) followed by T2 (Rs. 25.40) and lowest being in the group T3 (Rs. 26.39).

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