Comparing the performance of two weeks old Broiler chicken on mash and pellets.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two week old broilers on mash and pellets in terms of feeds conversion ratio, livability and Broiler production efficiency index. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments 48 male white Cornish crosses were used, 12 in each treatment group. Treatments consisted of four nutrition plans A, B, C and D. All treatment consisted of pelleted feed for starter, treatment (A) had pelleted feed from grower through to finisher treatment (B) had pelleted feed for grower and mash for finisher treatment (C) had mash for grower and pellets for finisher while treatment (D) had mash from grower through in finisher. Both feed forms had the same nutrient composition for the respective feed regimes. Average live weight gain, Feed intake; feed conversion ratio, feed conversion efficiency and mortality rate were determined at 7 day intervals from week 0 to week 6. Livability was determined at 2 week Intervals during starter, grower and finisher feed regimes and production efficiency was determined at 6 weeks. This study showed that feed conversion efficiency was significantly higher with pellets compared to mash. livability and production efficiency index did not differ significantly. The results of this study show that either mash 10 pellets can be used for optimum broiler production. This study suggests that recommendation of pellets or mash in broiler production should depend on leaners ability to Pay for the cost of either feed. Better marginal profits however may be achieved by using the cheapest available feed form in the marker. Further studies are required to ascertain in the higher feed conversion efficiency obtained from feeding both pellets and mash during grower and finisher stages treatment (B and C) as seen in this study preferably with a larger.