Response of two strains of broiler chickens to feeding trough shapes

Abstract

This study determined the effect of feeding trough shapes on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit analysis of 180 broiler chickens of two strains (90 birds each of Marshal and Hubbard strains) subjected to circular, rectangular and square-shaped 2 feeding troughs with a surface area of 900 cm each. The broiler chicks were brooded for two weeks and thereafter allotted into six treatment groups of 30 chicks each, consisting of 3 replicates of 10 chicks per replicate. Daily weight gains were recorded and at the 8^th week, 3 broiler chickens that were of average weights for each replicate were used for carcass evaluation. Data were analysed using PRO GLM at 5% level of significance. Results showed that feeding trough shapes significantly (P< 0.05) influenced the final weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Birds on circular feeding trough recorded the best feed conversion ratio (2.98±0.03). The feeding trough shape and strain did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the cut-up parts and organs measured. In the interaction between strain and feeding trough, the dressing percentage was significantly (P<0.05) affected, but did not follow any trend. Marshal strain on square feeding trough recorded significantly (P<0.05) lowest production cost (N539.25) while Hubbard strain on circular feeder had the highest cost of N605.46. It was concluded that, in terms of cost of production, the square and rectangular shaped feeding troughs could be adopted.