EFFECTS OF QUANTITATIVE FEED RESTRICTION ON BROILER GROWTH AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION

Abstract

The effects of quantitative feed restriction on broiler growth and monetary returns were investigated using two hundred and forty Cobb broiler chicks. Three levels of restriction namely, 5 10 and 15% of ad libitum intake, were randomly imposed on different groups. Birds that were restricted in the starter phase of growth were later full-fed in the finisher phase, and vice versa. Body weight was depressed by all levels of feed restriction considered. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was however not significantly affected. Although quantitative feed restriction significantly reduced feed cost the highest revenue was realized from control birds. All economic parameters considered did not show feed restriction as having advantage over full feeding.