Effects of Varying Protein and Energy Levels of Broiler Diets During the Finishing Period ,

LIMITED data have been reported on changing levels of protein and/or energy in feeds during finishing periods of broiler growth. Many commercial broiler growers, however, follow the practice of reducing the crude protein content of the feed after the chicks are five or six weeks of age. Roberts and Carrick (1942) reported that chicks receiving a 20 percent protein diet for six weeks and then a 16 percent protein diet from six to twelve weeks of age grew as rapidly as those which received the 20 percent diet during the entire period. Combs and Nicholson (1958) studied the effect of changing to finisher feeds at four or six weeks of age upon broiler performance. They fed diets containing 22 and 23 percent protein and 1050 Calories of productive energy per pound during the starting period, and fed diets containing lower protein and higher energy levels during the finishing period. Their …