INFLUENCE OF FEED FORM ON PERFORMANCE IN TWO STRAINS OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

The current study was conducted in private poultry farm (area of 120m2), Shibin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate. The experiment was extended from April to May 2014. The great object of this study was to determine the effect of feed forms on productive and economical efficiency of two broiler strains (Cobb 500 and Ross 308) at ages 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Chicks were individually weighted and randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups nearly similar in average body weight (40g). The birds of the first, second and third groups were feed on crumble, mash and pellets, respectively. Chicks housed on floor with sawdust. Feed and water were available ad libitun during the experimental period which lasted for 35 days. Body weights at different ages, growth rates, feed consumption (FC) (kg per bird/cycle), feed conversion ratio FCR, mortality and uniformity were studied. The main results were: For Cobb 500 strain, mash feed had a higher body weight at marketing age (35 days). Ross 308 strain, pellet feed had a higher body weight at marketing age (35 days). Ross 308 strain fed on crumble, and Cobb 500 strain fed on mash had lowest mortality %. The best economic efficiency was obtained with pellet feed form for both Cobb 500 and Ross 308.