Precision feeding enhances feed efficiency and carcass yield compared to broilers offered standard feeding programs

Abstract

Feed represents 70% of total chicken-meat production cost; hence, nutrition is an important area to improve efficiency. Broiler chickens grow rapidly and nutrient requirements change daily (Aviagen, 2014). However, they are fed 3-5 diets, meaning nutrients are under and over-supplied throughout production. Thus, increasing diet number improves production efficiency as there is less time in the production cycle that nutrients are in under- or over-supply (Hauschild et al., 2014; Kleyn 2013; Warren and Emmert; 2000). Nevertheless, the process of administering 4 or more diets is often impractical. Modern feed delivery systems may be programmed to automatically blend a protein-dense concentrate that can be subsequently diluted with a low protein but energy-dense concentrate on a daily basis to achieve the desired nutrient profile. Thus, with the advancement of technology, such systems may now be possible to implement. To determine the effect and feasibility of precision feeding (PF), a study was conducted using 640 Ross 308 broiler chicks over 0-42 days post-hatch to compare a standard commercial feeding program (SF) with a PF program (Feedworks, unpublished data). Within the SF program Ross 308 broiler chicks received 500 grams starter, 1,200 grams grower, 1,500 grams of finisher, and a withdrawal diet to 42 days of age. The PF treatment used blends of the above diets to meet daily requirements of the broiler as predicted via EFG Broiler Model Software. Digestible lysine levels ranged from 1.3 to 0.82% and energy levels from 2950 to 3200 kcal/Kg for both feeding programs and data was analysed via a one-way ANOVA. PF of broilers improved mortality corrected FCR by 5.2% (1.83 versus 1.93; P < 0.05) at 42 days in comparison to the SF program. Dressed weight of carcasses was increased (2.502 versus 2.282; P < 0.001), reducing the cost per kilogram of chicken-meat from 71.4 cents to 66.3 cents, based on the retail value in November 2012. Therefore, despite the limited number of studies to date, PF of broilers has demonstrated promising benefits for growth performance and carcass yield, and may therefore improve long term sustainability and profitability of the chicken-meat industry.