Effect of different levels of supplemental ascorbic acid on broiler performance under the stressful farm conditions
2003
Khattak, F.M. (Allama Iqbal Open Univ., Islamabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agricultural Sciences) | Durrani, F.R. | Mian, M.A.
Investigations were carried out to explore the use of ascorbic acid as antistressor and growth stimulant in commercial broiler production and determine its optimum level in broiler ration under local farm conditions. A feeding trial was conducted using 250 commercial broiler chicks, randomly distributed into 25 groups of ten chicks per group. There were five experimental rations with 0, 100, 200. 300 and 400 ppm ascorbic acid in the diet. designated as treatment A, B, C, D and E receptively. Feed consumption was significantly higher in treatment A, but it did not cause proportionate increase in weight gain. Dressing percentage was highest in case of treatment A. No mortality was observed in treatment C, while it remained mostly within the normal limits in other treatments. The cost of feed per kg body weight was minimum in treatment C as compared to the maximum values for treatment E and A. Considering all the parameters of response, treatment C favorably exceeded all other treatments. It was concluded that ascorbic acid at the level of 200 ppm of the diet could be effectively used in commercial broiler ration for bringing about an overall improvement in the performance of chicks.
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