Interactive Influence of Nutrient Density and Feeding Pattern on Production Performance of Broiler Breeders

Background: In addition to energy and protein, the minerals also play a vital role in the production performance of birds. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high energy feed and separate calcium feeding on feed cleanup time and production parameters in broiler breeder pullets. Methods: Nine hundred female birds of the same age (26 week) were divided in nine groups having one hundred birds in each group. Three different dietary treatments were offered. The group A, B and C were given feeds having 2750, 2900, 2950 Kcal ME / kg and 14.5%, 15%, 15.5% CP respectively along with 165, 155 and 150 grams peak feed allowance at 60 % production. The second and third groups were given 10 g separate calcium source in the evening. The experiment continued for a period of twelve weeks.Results: The feed intake was significantly lower in group C as compared to A and B. A significantly lower feed cleanup time and higher hatchability percentage was observed in group B compared to groups A and C. The FCR eggs was significantly lower for groups B and C compared to group A. The FCR chicks was significantly lower in group B and C compared to group A. The cost of feed to produce chicks was significantly lower for group B compared to group A and C. Feed consumed to produce one chick was higher for group A compared to groups B and C. The feed cost to produce one chick was highest for group A and lowest for group B.Conclusion: These results suggested that feed B has lowest feed consumption, cost to produce one chick and feed cleanup time while highest hatchability hence it can be used in the broiler breeder industry to decrease the cost of production and increase profitability.