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Effect of Different Types of Litter on Production Performance of Broiler

F. Kabir
Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Khanpura, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh

M. Uddin
Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Khanpura, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Eighteen (18) farms rearing 1000-3000 broilers were used to assess the impact of different litter depths on the performance of broiler raised on saw dust and rice husk litter. Chicks were randomly assigned into two groups of three litter depths of 2, 4 and 6 inches each for both saw dust and rice husk litter. Different parameters like weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake and relative organ weight were studied in estimating broiler response. At the end of five weeks of rearing broiler, it was observed that the weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) differed by the variation in use of litter materials while feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significant. Birds performed similar to sawdust and rice husk litter at 4 inches & 6 inches of depth. Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in weight gain of birds at 3rd week of rearing on sawdust and rice husk litter at 2 inches of depth. The weight gain was observed higher in those farms that were rearing broilers on rice husk litter. The highest FCR (1.44) was found in the farm at 4th week of rearing broiler with 6 inches depth on rice husk litter. Except the kidney other organs did not influence most at different depths of litter was observed in this experiment. It is observed that the production performance of broiler is better on rice husk litter than that of saw dust litter.

Keywords: Litter, Production, Performance, Broiler

Location: Broiler farms of Tangail district.

Start Date: 00-11-2008

End Date: 00-12-2008

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Broiler, Litter

Objectives:

Many factors affect litter moisture. For instance, if new bedding material is not stored properly and becomes damp before it is spread in the broiler house, it may be difficult to avoid wet litter problems. Van Middelkoop (2004) emphasizes the fact that ventilation at chicken level is very important to lower litter temperature. Good ventilation at the chicken level reduces bacterial activity in the litter contributing to a lower litter temperature of about 4°C. This resulted in better broiler performance and a better persistency in growth rate. The aim of this study was to look at the effect of different types of litter at different depth as a bedding material on the production performance of commercial broiler over conventional floor system.

Methodology:

Parameters studied This study was conducted in some selected broiler farms of Tangail district. The performance of broiler was studied for 5 weeks of their rearing period from November 2008 to December 2008 in the selected broiler farms. A number of 18 broiler farms were selected. Each farm reared 1000-3000 broilers on an average. The farms were selected on the basis of 6 categories, such as using of litter as bedding materials of sawdust 2, 4, 6, inches and rice husk 2, 4, 6 inches. For each categories, 3 farms were selected whose management system other than litter management were more or less similar. Performance of the birds was recorded weekly. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight (%) and relative organ weight (g) were studied as a parameter to justify the performance of the broiler.

Feed consumption and weight gain Feed consumption depends on age of broiler. The data were collected weekly from the farms. From each farm feed consumption data were collected by using the following formula: Total amount of feed consumed in a week (g) / 7 (d)

The same data were collected from the other three farms of same categories such as 2, 4, 6 inches depth. Average feed consumption of broiler of three different farms was used for this study. The weekly weight gain was recorded same as weekly feed consumption of broiler and only average values were used for this study.

Feed Conversion Ratio After collection of data related to feed consumption and weight gain, the FCR was calculated by using the following formula:

FCR= Feed consumption (g) / Weight gain (g)

Dressing and eviscerated (%) After slaughtering, the broilers were dressed and dressing (%) was calculated. The dressed chickens were later eviscerated and eviscerated (%) were calculated. The dressing and eviscerated percentage were calculated after 5 weeks of study period. The organ weights were measured and expressed in g. All data recorded in this study were collected in close supervision of the farms. Body weight gain and feed consumption were measured and expressed in g/bird/day.

Statistical analysis: The difference between the comparative performances of broiler bird was analyzed by χ2 test.

Source of Information: J. Sci. Technol. (Dinajpur) Vol. 8: 115-119 (2010) ISSN 1994-0386

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Most of the broiler farm owners of our country are rearing broiler bird with or little knowledge. They use different types and different thickness of bedding materials in their farms. After completing the study, we observed that there are some effects on types and thickness of litter on production performance of broiler. There are many categories of litter in the world, which are using as in the broiler farm such as sawdust, rice husk, sand, wood savings etc. In Bangladesh perspective sawdust and rice husk are commonly used because of cost and availability. Production performances of broiler are comparatively higher on rice husk litter than sawdust, and broiler perform better at litter on 6 inches depth. So, our farm owner should consider litter types and depth before starting any broiler farms and then broiler farms will be more profitable. The production performance was observed better in rice husk litter and it may be due to higher absorbing capacity of rice husk litter and this type of litter can be manage and dry easily and litter depth is also an important factor for damp free environment of broiler house.

Knowledge Management: Journal