Effect of different types of locally available litter materials on the performance of broiler chicks
2009
Hafeez, A. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Poultry Science) | Suhail, S.M. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics) | Durrani, F.R. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Poultry Science) | Jan, D. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Agricultural Economics) | Ahmad, I. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics) | Chand, N. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Poultry Science) | Rehman, A. (NWFP Agricultural Univ., Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Nutrition)
The study was conducted at university poultry farm at NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan to evaluate the overall performance of broiler chicks, reared on three different types of locally available bedding materials, including sawdust, sand and wheat straw. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The starter ration was offered to the birds for the first three weeks, while during the last two weeks, the birds were reared on the finisher ration. Differences in average weight gain, feed consumption, FCR, mortality and dressing percentage for sawdust, sand and wheat straw were found non-significant (P greater than 0.05). The moisture content increased from 13.07 to 46.55 in sawdust, 1.75 to 18.89% in sand and 6.81 to 41.48 % in wheat straw during the trial. Sawdust contained significantly (P less than 0.05) higher moisture content followed by wheat straw and sand. Mean water-absorbing ability, independently determined for sawdust, sand and wheat straw was 246.00, 152.00 and 180.67%, respectively. The cost of litter for rearing 1 chick was Rs.2.76, 1.75 and 0.75 for sawdust, sand and wheat straw respectively. (1 US $ = Rs.60). It was concluded that any of these three bedding materials may be used. However, sand (having less cake formation than wheat straw) is recommended as a safe and economical replacement as litter for sawdust.
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