Growth, feed conversion and energy intake of growing cockerels given a choice of complete diets with varying nutrient contents

E. A. Engku Azahan

Abstract

The effect of offering a choice of complete feeds of varying protein and energy contents on feed and energy intakes, and feed conversion efficiency of growing broiler cockerels was studied. Birds given a choice of feeds from 2 to 8 weeks consumed significantly more feed (p <0.05) than control birds offered only a single complete diet. There was a tendency for body weight to increase with choice feeding while feed conversion efficiency remained unaffected. Despite the increase in feed intake for choice-fed birds, total energy intake was not significantly affected (p >0.05). It is concluded that the availability of a choice of complete feeds increased feed intake of broilers, the magnitude of which being limited by the ability of the bird to regulate its total energy consumption.

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