Evaluation of Feed Restriction on Growth Performance, Haematological Parameters and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm for 4 weeks to find out the effect of feed restriction (FR) on growth performance, haematological parameters and carcass traits of broiler chicken. After one week of common brooding, 150 broiler chicks were equally and randomly divided into 5 treatments and each treatment was further sub-divided 3 times consisting of 10 chicks per replicate. The FR of dietary treatments were applied at 4, 7, 10, 13 and 0% (control group) designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The results obtained showed that control groups (fed ad libitum) consumed significantly (P<0.05) the highest feed (2191 g) than those in FR groups. However, the live weight (LW) was significantly (P< 0.05) highest under 4% FR group. The control group significantly (P < 0.05) had the poorest Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (1.31), while the best feed efficiency (FE) (1.20) was found in broilers under 13% FR. Cholesterol levels were not affected (P>0.05) significantly by FR application, but significant (P<0.05) difference was recorded in case of glucose and haemoglobin values across the FR treated groups. 13% FR group showed the lowest value of glucose (158 mg/dl) than other FR groups and control group. This study revealed that FR decreases blood glucose level, while the blood haemoglobin level was found to be significantly (P<0.05) highest in 10% FR group (15.2 g/dl) and lowest in control group (13.17 g/dl). It was observed that the major haematological parameters of FR were similar compared to the 0% FR group. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) was significantly (P<0.05) affected by FR treatments. The BCR of 4% FR group ranked the best (1.55) followed by 7 and 10% (1.51), 13% (1.50) and control (1.45). In addition, all the FR groups are economically benefited due to lower feed cost than the control group. This study showed that 4% FR would be potentially beneficial for broiler production without compromising the productivity in the local condition of Bangladesh.