Performance of Broilers on Variants of the Dual- Phase Feeding Regime

Abstract

The performance of broilers on different variants of the dual phase feeding regime in a 56-day production period was studied. Ninety-six, day-old Ross-308 unsexed broilers were divided into four groups of twenty-four birds each and each group was replicated three times on weight equalization basis. Each group was randomly assigned, in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment to one of the following variants of the dual phase feeding regime: T1 [(control)( starter 0 – 28 days, Finisher 29 – 56 days)]; T2 (Starter 0 – 15days, Finisher 16 -56 days); T3 (Starter 0- 21 days, Finisher 22-56 days); T4 (Starter 0- 35 days, Finisher 36- 56 days). Feed and water were offered ad libitum and the study lasted 56 days. Results obtained from the study indicated that broilers on treatment T4 recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher final body weight (2792.10 g) and body weight gain (2728.49 g) than those in other groups. Birds on diet T1 recorded the best (2.38) feed conversion ratio, lowest feed intake (6512.24 g) and feed cost per kg body weight gain (N351.12). However, birds on T2 produced the least input cost (N1660.96). Net income and estimated profit were similarly, significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 and T3 than other groups. It is recommended that broilers could be raised satisfactorily on any variants of the dual phase feeding regime. However, the broilers on T3 (0 - 21days starter diet and 22 - 56 days finisher diet) produced the best-estimated profit and is recommended for broiler producers particularly, if birds are to be sold by weight.