Pelletized feed of different particle sizes: effects on performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of two strains of broiler chicken
2013
Aderibigbe, O. B. | Sogunle, O. M. | Egbeyale, L. T. | Abiola, S. S. | , Ladokun, O. A. | Ajayi, O. L.
This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding pelletized feeds of different particle sizes on the performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of two strains of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) birds consisting of 90 birds each of Marshal MY and Hubbard strains of broiler chicken were used in the experiment. They were brooded for 14 days and thereafter divided into two treatment groups, namely, fed with feed of different particle sizes of 1 and 2mm. These were further divided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks and the experimental period was 42 days. The performance of the chicks was monitored weekly. At week eight, 3 birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed, slaughtered via neck slit, defeathered, singed and eviscerated for carcass evaluation. The intestinal morphometry and histomorphometry of the birds were analysed. Data collected were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial layout and subjected to 2-way Analysis of Variance. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the final weight, weight gain and protein efficiency ratio with Hubbard strain having better values than Marshal. Mortality (P<0.05) was lower in the birds fed with feed particle size of 2 mm.In addition, significantly (P<0.05) higher values were obtained in the head, drumstick, shank and keel of birds fed with feed with particle size of 2mm. Meanwhile, the highest (P<0.05) villus height was recorded for Hubbard fed 2mm feed particle size while Marshal had the least value. Hence, pelletized feed of 2mm particle size wasrecommended for broiler production.
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