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Effect of Periodic Fasting on Broiler Performance

M. Ahammed
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

S. Ahmed
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A total of 108 straight-run day old broiler chicks were fed ad libitum (T₁), fasting (2hr. twice daily, T₂) and fasting (4hrs. twice daily, T₃) up to 42 days of age to compare the performance and meat yield of broiler on periodic fasting condition. In 42 days experimental period, the duration of fasting period was 7 to 35 days on T₂ and T₃. After 35 days, birds of fasted groups were returned to ad libitum feeding similar to control group. The final body weights of birds fed on ad libitum and two restricted groups differed significantly (p<0.05). The highest, intermediate and the lowest body weight were found for T₂, T₁ and T₃ birds respectively. Feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of the three treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) in 42 days of age. Control birds showed high trends of feed consumption but lower in FCR value. Higher (p<0.05) feed efficiency was found from T₂ birds compared to other dietary groups. There were no significant differences in meat yield characteristics among treatments. Non-significant results were observed for sex as well as interaction between treatment and sex for all other meat yield parameters. Short fasting of broiler increased feed efficiency and final body weight without any adverse affect.

Keywords: Periodic fasting, Feed restriction, Broiler performance, Meat yields

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Poultry

Objectives:

To determine the body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and compensatory growth of broilers under periodic fasting condition in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh, with commercial Arbor Acres broiler for a period of 6 weeks. Chicks were randomly distributed in three dietary treatment groups (T₁, T₂ & T₃) having three replications in each treatment. The birds of T₁ (control) were fed ad libitum during the whole experimental period while the birds of T₂ and T₃ were fasted twice daily from 7 to 35 days of age. In T₂ (fasting 2 hrs. twice daily) birds, feed was withheld from 7 to 9 AM and 6 to 8 PM every day while in T₃ (fasting 4hrs. twice daily), birds were subjected to fasting from 7 to 11 AM and 6 to 10 PM per day. After 35 days, all birds of T₂ and T₃ group were allowed to full fed like control birds for the remaining 7 days. The chicks were reared in separate pens according to treatments and replications. Each dietary treatment group consists of 36 chicks and the number of chicks in each replication was 12. Each of the pens measuring 120 cm x 120 cm provided 1.44m² floor space for 12 birds. Chicks were reared in the same pens throughout the study period. Proper brooding temperature was maintained using a 100-watt electric bulb in each pen. During 42 days experimental period, two types of ration i.e. broiler starter & broiler finisher were fed to the experimental birds. Broiler starter ration was supplied during the first four-weeks and broiler finisher during the rest two weeks of the experimental period. Rations (broiler starter & broiler finisher) were formulated using locally available feed ingredients. All feed ingredients were subjected to chemical analysis for determination of dry matter (DM) & crude protein (CP) in the Poultry Science Laboratory, BAU, Mymensingh, using the standard methods (AOAC, 1995). The birds were housed according to replications and treatments. Standard management procedures such as brooding, lighting, feed and water management was followed during the experimental period. The birds were reared on rice husk littered floor at a depth of 6 cm. Floor space, feeder and waterer space were provided according to breeder instructions. Records of temperature and humidity were taken regularly three times every day (6 AM, 12 PM, & 6 PM). Vaccines (MA-5, G-228 and Clone-30) were also provided as per instructions of the manufacturer. Strict sanitary measures were taken regularly during the experimental period. At the beginning of the experiment, chicks were weighed individually and recorded as initial body weights. Weekly body weight and feed consumption were recorded throughout the experiment. The chick performance data on weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion (FCR) and survivability were calculated. At the end of experiment, one male and one female from each replication weighing average of the pen weight were sacrificed to determine meat yields. The carcass of each slaughtered bird was dissected according to the procedure of Jones, (1984). Data on performance responses of birds from different treatment were analyzed statically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique by MSTAT statistical computer package programme in accordance with the principles of the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). LSD's were calculated to indentify differences among means. Statements of statistical significance were based on p< 0.05.

Source of Information: Progress. Agric. 16(1) : 149-155, 2005, ISSN 1017-8139

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It was concluded that fasting of commercial broilers by keeping than off-feed for 2 hrs. twice daily may increase live weight in comparison with those fasted for 4 hrs twice daily and the control birds. However, meat yield characteristics may be unaffected under similar feed management conditions. Further studies of similar nature would be helpful covering different seasons of year.

Knowledge Management: Journal