INFLUENCE OF VARYING LEVELS OF WATER SUPPLY AND DIETARY PROTEIN ON PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.6873Keywords:
Dietary protein, Water levels, Performance, Carcass traits, Broiler chickensAbstract
This study assessed the effects of 3 different levels of dietary protein (DP), water supply level (WL) and their interactions on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 270 four weeks old broilers (St.Nicholas) were randomly arranged in 3x3 factorial of a complete randomized design based on % protein levels of 18, 20 and 22 and the water supply levels of 50, 75 and 100%. The Total Feed Intake (TFT), Average Feed Intake (AFI), Mortality %, Water Intake (WI) and protein intake (PI) were significantly (P<0.001) influenced by the DP. With exception of FCR all the performance indices measured were significantly (P<0.001) influenced by the WL. The carcass “fast food” cuts were in most cases significantly (P<0.01; 0.001) influenced by the treatments. Conclusively, the performance and or carcass traits of broiler chickens could be affected by varying levels of water supply and dietary protein.
