Effect of early feeding and grain type on growth and performance of broilers

Abstract

The effects of grain type and early feeding on growth and performance of broilers were investigated by offering four diets formulated with wheat, barley, sorghum and corn as energy source and soybean meal as the protein source. Two feeding regimens were used which included: (a) immediate access to feed and water post-hatch (FED); (b) access to both feed and water 48 h post-hatch (HELD). FED birds were heavier (P<0.05) throughout the entire 33-d experimental period. The HELD birds were more efficient in feed conversion at 21 days of age (P<0.05), but this effect became less apparent as the birds grew older. The birds on sorghum and corn diets were heavier and more efficient throughout the entire experimental period. Birds on wheat diet tended to have higher breast yield and lower drip loss, while the barley diet gave a numerically lower breast yield and higher drip loss. Feeding time had no effect on breast yield and drip loss. There was no effect of feeding time on uniformity of final body weight at day 21 and 33, while birds given sorghum and corn diets showed better uniformity at 33 days of age, compared to those given wheat and barley diets (P<0.05). HELD birds tended to drink more water during the first two weeks of their life, but this effect was not statistically significant. Also, the birds with early access to the barley diet tended to have a higher mortality (P<0.05).