Author/Authors :
Idahor ، K. O. نويسنده Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, 950101, Nigeria. , , Yakubu ، A. نويسنده Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, 950101, Nigeria. , , Egahi ، J. O. نويسنده Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. , , Gwaza ، D. S. نويسنده Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. , , Ahmadu ، G. B. نويسنده Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, 950101, Nigeria. , , Thani ، A. P. نويسنده Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, 950101, Nigeria. ,
Abstract :
Growth performance and carcass quality of broilers irrespective of genetic standardization depend on feeding pattern. In order to determine the effect of feed restriction on broiler strains in north central Nigeria, 192 day-old-chicks comprising Hubbard, Kucbor, Arbor Acre and Pawl broiler strains were allotted to ad libitum, 2hrs, 4hrs and 6hrs feed restriction groups. Data on growth performance, carcass indices and cost benefits revealed least body weight value (2,135.4g) in 4hrs feed restricted Hubbard, highest feed intake (1,374.3g) in ad libitum fed Kucbor and least body weight gain (259g) in 2hrs feed restricted Kucbor. It was observed that the body length, breast girth and thigh length values varied from 38.6 – 43.6cm, 29.5 – 38.5cm and 7.7 – 9.8cm respectively across the broiler strains. Carcass weight value was highest (1.72kg) in male compared to 1.62kg in female. Cost of feed consumed was more expensive (€2.5) in 2hrs and 4hrs feed restricted Kucbor. A kg body weight gain required €1.03 to €1.5 across the treatments with the highest net profit (€0.94) in 6hrs feed restricted Kucbor. There was seemingly no influence of feed restriction on the broiler strain thus it might not be relevant to adopt it in the north central Nigeria.
