EFFECTS OF GENOTYPE AND DIETARY ENERGY ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS

Abstract

A3 X 3 factorial experiment was conducted to study the effect of three dietary energy levels 2800 (LE), 3000 (ME) and 3200 (HE) Kcal/kg feed on the growth, feed and water intake, feed; water ratio feed efficiency, carcass yield and abdominal fat in three commercial broiler strains, Anak (A), Cobb(C) and Shaver (S). and dietary energy had no significant effect (P>0.05) on body weight and feed intake from 0 to 4 weeks of age. However, weight gain improved and feed intake decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy between 5 and 8 weeks of age. Birds of strain S consumed significantly (P<0.05) feed than those of A and C. Feed efficiency was not influenced by genotype but improved significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary  energy especially from 5 to 8 weeks of age. Water intake decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy and also differed among the three strains. Water to feed ratios were similar in the three diets and strains. Carcass yield was not significantly influenced by either strain or dietary energy but abdominal fat increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy.