Feed consumption and efficiency of feed utilization in chickens as affected by restriction of feed intake under subtropical conditions.

Abstract

The influence of restricted feeding was investigated in 1145 Dandarawi (D) and 1092 Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens and in 294 D and 211 RIR hens in their first laying year. The feed utilization during the rearing period (8 to 22 weeks of age) and the feed utilization for the egg production were not significantly affected by a reduction to 85 or 70% of the ad-libitum feeding ration during rearing and/or in the first laying year of both breeds. A feed restriction to 70% is recommended for D and to 85% for RIR chickens during the rearing period followed by ad-libitum feeding.