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Effect of different patterns of food restriction from different ages on growth and efficiency of broilers |
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| Authors: | W J Yule D E Fuelling |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Primary Industries , Animal Research Institute , Yeerongpilly, Queensland, 4105;2. Department of Primary Industries , Animal Husbandry Research Farm , Rocklea, Queensland, Australia |
| Abstract: | 1. The effect of restricted feeding on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers was determined in three experiments. 2. In the first experiment, removal of food for 8 h/d from 42 to 56 d of age significantly improved food conversion efficiency of broilers on deep litter. Removal of food for 16 h/d or on alternate days tended to cause slower growth and also improved conversion efficiency. 3. In the second experiment, denial of food for 8 h/d did not significantly affect either growth rate or conversion efficiency of caged broilers. Denial of food on alternate days, from 28 d of age, depressed food intake and growth rate. Food restriction decreased dressing percentage regardless of the age of introduction. With 32, 40 or 48 h food denial each 72 h there was a large depression in growth rate and dressing percentage. Carcass dry matter was also less, indicating less carcass fat, when food was denied for 48 h each 72 h. 4. In the third experiment, growth rate of broilers on deep litter was significantly improved by denying food for 8 h/d from 28 d of age, and was significantly depressed by food denial on alternate days. This depression was significantly more severe if restriction started at 28 d rather than at 42 d of age. Conversion efficiency was not significantly improved by denial for 8 h/d. 5. In the last two experiments conversion efficiency was much worse in severe restriction. |
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