The performance of finisher-broilers under subsistence free range system of production

Abstract

The growth and survival rate of finisher broilers (with minor feed supplementation) were determined under subsistence free-range poultry production in Nigeria. Three types of feed supplements (maize meal, full-fat soybean meal, and commercial grower ration) were used. A 4th group (the control) was fed intensively on commercial broiler finisher ration. After four weeks of brooding, the finisher broilers of equal weights were randomly selected and distributed to twelve households in each of the two selected locations (10 birds per household) for onward rearing on free-range for eight weeks. The control group was replicated four times (10 birds per replicate). Growth rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) for the control intensive group and least for the free-range maize meal supplement group. The survival rate was 80-100%, with the maize meal supplement group on the lowest range while the free-range commercial grower supplement was 100%. Cost/kg live weight was least for the group on free-range commercial grower supplement and highest for the group on free-range maize meal supplement. This research has demonstrated the worth of providing finisher broiler chicks to farmers, rather than the day-old chicks traditionally purchased. This increases the survival rate of free-range chickens substantially and provides for vaccination programmes that may be too costly for farmers who only buy a small number of birds.