Diet matrix of stored proprietary feeds: Implications on growth response, health status and carcass yield of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study examined growth responses, health status and carcass yield of broiler chickens from 22 to 42 days of age provided with proprietary finished feeds (4 brands; P, Q, R & S) exposed to two storage conditions (lit or dark room) for four weeks. Four hundred and eighty chicks (802.7±14.3 g), at 21-day-old, were randomly allocated to eight groups of 60 chicks each (6 replicates; 10 birds each). Broiler chickens were fed one of the eight resultant diets from storage exercise for 21 d. Results revealed that performance of finishing broiler chickens were influenced by both the main and interaction effects of feed brands and storage condition. Chickens fed feeds stored in dark room gained 5.39% heavier weight with better FCR (5.07%) and higher (P<0.001) crude fat (2.97%), protein (2.36%), fibre (2.43%) and ash (3.89%) digestibilities compared to birds fed feeds stored in lit room. Chickens fed with feed R had higher (P<0.05) PCV, RBC, total protein, albumin, and uric acid. Duodenal and ileal villus height (VH) and villus to crypt ratio (VCR) were higher in broilers fed feed R stored in dark room, whereas jejunal VH and VCR were higher in birds fed feed Q stored in dark room. Salmonella and lactobacillus counts were greater in birds fed feeds R and S stored in lit room, respectively. Higher (P=0.008) dressed yield was obtained in broilers fed feed S stored in lit room. The study revealed that exposure of similar or different finished feeds to varying storage conditions would impart broiler's performance differently.