Effect of different inclusion levels of whole corn from 14 to 42 days on productive and processing performance of broilers
Previous researches have suggested that inclusion of whole grain has beneficial effects on broiler performance along with reduction of grinding costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels of whole corn prior to pelleting on broiler growth performance, processing yield and organ development from 14-42 d. A total of 1,000 male Ross × Ross 708 broilers chicks were randomly distributed among 4 treatments with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 25 broilers per pen. The treatments consisted of four inclusion levels of whole corn (0%, 3%, 6% and 9%). A common starter diet was fed in crumbled form from 1 to 14 d of age. Treatment diets were provided from 14 to 42 d of age as 4-mm pellets. Body weight (BW) and feed intake were measured at 14, 28, and 42 d of age and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated by using the weight of the mortality. At 42 d, two birds from each pen were euthanized to determine relative weight of crop, proventriculus, gizzard, liver and ceca. At 43 d, 10 birds/pen were processed for yield determination. After processing, carcasses were chilled in slush ice for 4 hours before chilled carcass weight was determined. At 44 d, carcasses were deboned to determine breast meat weight and breast meat yield. Data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA procedure and means were separated by Tukey HSD procedure. The inclusion of whole corn did not influence BW, feed consumption, FCR, and organs weights (P>0.05) from 14 to 42 d of age. However, the weight of the proventriculus relative to BW decreased linearly as the inclusion of whole corn increased (P<0.05). Broilers fed diets with 9% whole corn had greater (P<0.05) carcass yield than broilers fed diets with 0% whole corn (77.86 vs 77.32%). Diets containing 9% whole corn had a significantly higher (P< 0.05) pellet durability index than feed containing 0% whole corn (61.12 vs 52.01). The results of this experiment indicated that up to 9% of whole corn could be used between 14 to 42 d with certain benefit on performance and carcass yield.
Key Words: Whole corn, Carcass, Yield, Proventriculus, Pellet.
Abstract presented at the International Poultry Scientific Forum during IPPE 2020.
In India, we sell our broilers at 2kg weight and 35 to 36 days is correct. we also sell mostly live birds so the yield is not important.
in most of the countries the chicken is sold as cut up parts and portions like breast fetch double the price. dressing percentage and yield decide the extra profit. The birds are slaughtered at 3kg and above live weight for those markets any tips that increase the yield are important.
Dear sir
Why there is need to have such experimental trial using whole corn.
However, I would like to see commercial gain in terms of wkly body wt , FCR and wt gain at 35 days with FCR as, nowadays, nobody keep broiler Bryan’s 35-36 days.
Regards,
Dr. Chandra.
Great job Prof. Pacheco
While using whole corn... what will be effect of MFAs and coccidiostats also inducted quantity of vitamins will be altered it is better to have incorporate the results of different replicates by proximate analysis by vet chemistry or at least by NIR.
Vet Amir Naveed.
In the summary you said (The inclusion of whole corn did not influence BW, feed consumption, FCR, and organs weights) so the benefit is where other than reduce or no proventriculitis.
Also can we have some picture of these 4mm pellet with 9% whole corn high durability?
Also Is there an application on big no trial Like complete flock to see the conclusion of these trials in the field?
Thanks.
