Effects of two feeding systems, two protein levels, and different dietary energy sources and levels on performance of squabbing pigeons

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects on the performance of squabbing pigeons of two feeding systems based on two protein levels, two fat sources, and varying fat and energy levels. The first experiment was carried out with birds housed in pens and fed pelleted feeds of different CP levels (16 and 22%), with or without whole yellow corn. In the second experiment, birds were housed in pair cages. Two fat types (sunflower oil and animal tallow) were tested at three levels (0, 3, and 6%) to give three energy levels (2,650, 2,900, and 3,150 kcal ME/kg of diet) in isonitrogenous diets (15% CP). In the first experiment, the 16% CP diet with corn adversely affected squab livability and growth without affecting egg production traits or adult body weight. The 22% CP diet with or without corn and the 16% CP diet without corn gave similar responses for both the adult birds and their squabs. Daily intakes per pair of birds fed these three diets varied between 106 and 126 g for feed, 17.4 and 23.4 g for CP, and 340 and 398 kcal ME. In the second experiment birds fed the diet with no supplemental fat did not produce squabs, whereas fat-supplemented diets resulted in production of at least six squabs. The source of fat did not significantly affect squab production. Feed intake decreased with increase in dietary energy level, resulting in similar consumption levels of energy for birds on all the diets. Average energy intake was about 235 kcal ME per pair per day for pigeons not producing squabs. Energy intake did not appear to correlate with squab production. It was concluded from the experiments that a single 16% CP diet could replace the usual commercial high protein diet (22%) fed along with corn in a cafeteria-style feeding system without adversely affecting egg and squab production. Furthermore, it seems desirable to supplement the diets of pigeons with fats for efficient squab production.