EFFICIENCY OF FEED UTILIZATION OF CROSSBRED BROILER LINES

By

ODUWOLE, GBEMISOLA MARY

MATRIC NO: 2000 / 0426

DEPARTMENT: ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND LIVESTOCK

PRODUCTION, UNVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR

OF AGRICULTURE, (B. AGRIC. HONS) DEGREE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,

ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA.

AUGUST, 2006.

2

CERTIFICATION I certify that this project was carried out by, ODUWOLE, GBEMISOLA MARY, matriculation

number 2000 / 0426 of the department of Animal Breeding and genetics, University of Agriculture,

Abeokuta Nigeria, under my supervision.

___________________ ___________

Mr. A. O. Adebambo Date

Supervisor

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics

3

DEDICATION This project work is dedicated to my beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olanrewaju Oduwole

whose love and support I cannot quantify. Also to my siblings: Mofoluwake, Damilola and

Oluwasola. Thank you for being there.

4

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Praises and Honour be to the Almighty God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ whose love,

care, mercy, courage and help has kept me till this day.

My sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor, Mr. A. O. Adebambo for his efforts, inspiration,

rebuke and guidance through out the period of this project work. I also appreciate his wife, Mrs.

Funmi Adebambo. May the blessings and favour of God rest upon you at all times. I will not forget

to appreciate the effort of all lecturers in COLANIM whom God has used for me one way or the

other. May the good Lord inspire you at all time.

I hereby express my deep appreciation to Daddy and Mummy, Mr. and Mrs. Oduwole and to

my siblings Foluke, Damilola and Oluwasola. If I have a choice of picking a family in another

world, you can be sure it will be this family. I am also grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Ajayi (a.k.a Kofo),

Peter, Ayomide and John. Thanks for being there.

I cannot forget Dotun Adeyemi, Dayo Ayanniyi and Ranti Fayankinnu for staying with me

when I needed it most. The good Lord will preserve you and grant you the desires of your heart.

Remember, “Shit business is good business”. Also to Damilola Olubowale, Tomilola Abolude,

Biodun Laniyan, Wale Adesoye, Toni Daramola, Sanmi Omotola, Sola Fasan, Dipo Peters, All

Sanctuary 1 and 2 members, NIFES (CU) UNAAB, NIFES ROYAL FAMILY DRAMA GROUP,

Peace Haven members and everyone God has used for me in my stay in UNAAB. You will not miss

it in life.

I appreciate the efforts of Itunuola Asisa Odedeyi, my project mate and friend. You mean so

much to me and I bless God for the day I met you. Ogunkoya Gbenga. God bless you.

5

ABSTRACT

This project work was carried out, to study the efficiency of feed utilization of crossbred broiler

lines, maintained at the breeding unit of College of Animal Science and Livestock Production Farm

and lasted for 12 weeks. The study was conducted with different strains of chicken (Anak titan -AT,

Giriraja- G and Normal feathered Indigenous-N breeds). Data was collected on body weight gain,

feed intake and feed efficiency of the broiler strains, The mean values of feed intake and body

weight gain ranged from 2514.96±27.65g to 5920.67±75.32g and 298.04±56.54g to 738.25±14.40g.

AT X N had the highest mean value of total body weight gain (738.25±14.40g), followed by G X

AT (639.87±76.39) while N X N had the lowest mean value of weight gain (298.04±56.54). Also

AT X AT had the highest total feed intake value (5920.67±75.32) , followed by AT X G

(5885.17±75.59) while N X N had the least mean value of feed intake (2514.96±27.65) although

mean value of feed intake of AT X G and AT X AT are not significantly different (P< 0.05). The

mean value of feed efficiency ranged between 0.08 ± 0.02 to 0.165 ± 0.04. N X AT had the lowest

mean value of feed efficiency (0.08, followed by N X G while G X N was found to have the highest

mean value of feed efficiency and is considered to have the best feed efficiency.

6

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Poultry refers to domestic fowls raised for their eggs and/or meat. It includes chicken, turkey, ducks,

geese, guinea fowl and others. Poultry contributes greatly to the availability of protein supply or

source within a short period of time. (Oluyemi and Robert 1978). Poultry products are among the

valuable sources of animal protein available for human consumption. These products offer means of

meeting the animals protein needs in many countries (Dilorenso, 1995).

Broilers are fast growing birds raised to provide tender meat for human consumption. Over the

years, broilers have been genetically modified and bred for maximum growth and breast meat yield

and precision feed programme have been developed to utilize the genetic enhancement. (Coon,

2002).

Crossbreeding is an essential part of modern breeding programme in poultry. The estimation of

crossbreeding effects (combining abilities, directed genetic effects, reciprocal effects) is therefore of

major importance. Well-designed experiments must be carried out to obtain reliable estimates of

crossbreeding effects (British Poultry Science, 1994). In commercial poultry breeding, it has been

generally assumed that improvement in feed efficiency were achieved as a correlated response to

selection for increased juvenile body weight because faster growth of broilers reduced age at market

weight (Pym, 1985).

Efficiency of feed utilization is a major factor of interest to the commercial broiler breeder since it

represents 70 percent of broiler production cost. Improvements in feed efficiency or feed utilization

have usually been brought about as a growth correlated trait although the association between feed

efficiency, feed consumption and growth are complex and not easily understood.

7

Selection experiments for feed efficiency have been reported for a number of different species.

However, the results are inconclusive. When considering the trait feed efficiency or feed conversion,

it is important to note that the biological efficiency of feed utilization may not be properly measured.

This is because feed conversion is influenced by a large number of physiological, environmental,

and individual differences such as size, growth rate, sex, health, appetite and more. (Washburn,

1995).

Performance in broiler however can be measured as a ratio of feed consumed to weight gain (Feed

Conversion Ratio), which is controlled by its genotype (genes inherited from parents), environmental

factors (Housing, nutrition, weather, management practices) and the interaction of both the genotype

and environment (Smith, 1990).

Together with growth rate days to market and mortality, feed efficiency has been considered as one

of the important parameters in assessing the potential of bird strain or feeding program etc. In North

America, the value of feed efficiency is calculated by dividing feed intake by weight gain: and so

values of around 1.9 are common for 42day old chicks. However in some European countries; the

efficiency is calculated as weight gain divided by feed intake; a corresponding value would be 0.53.

Whatever system is used measures of feed efficiency are useful in describing feed intake in relation

to growth rate.

The great success of genetic selection programme has undoubtedly had an impact on the way broiler

chickens are fed. Typically market weight of broiler chicken (1.82kg), once produced in sixteen

weeks is now produced in six weeks or less. What’s more, at six weeks some individual male weigh

over 2.27kg and there is plenty of room for further improvement through genetic selection, (Gene

and Bill, 1993). According to Kranen et al (2002), modern broilers are the results of genetic

8

selection pressure for high growth rate, extensive muscle development and relatively low feed

consumption (high feed conversion ratio), the birds reach their slaughter weight 2.0kg in six weeks

while they are still juvenile.

Genetic variation for feed utilization efficiency widely exists in meat type chicken, even in

populations that have undergone selection for the trait. The trait has moderate heritability and is

moderately correlated with growth rate (Cahaner and Leenstra, 1992).

Performance of broiler chickens depends on genetic factors such as sire strain effect and

environmental factors such as nutrition and climatic condition (Rossi and Pomei, 1995). The local

chicken of Nigeria however characterized by poor growth, small body size and small egg size, which

are not desirable in a competitive economic situation. Considering the huge foreign exchange

implication of importation of improved exotic stock (Ibe, 1990) and also genotype- environment

interaction (Oluyemi and Oyenuga, (1971) causing considerable loss of fitness, it is desirable to

improve the local chicken in the environment in which they are fairly well adapted. A pre-requisite

of an appropriate breeding plan for genetic improvement of stocks is knowledge of genetic

parameters (heritabilities and genetic correlations) of relevant traits in the population.

Therefore, genetic improvement for growth rate can be brought about by crossbreeding, which is the

mating of animals that are more unrelated than the average pair of breed or strain. It involves mating

of different breeds. (Chineke, 2001).

The environment in which an organism finds itself plays a major role in selecting the genes prevalent

within it. As a result, our local chickens have more of fitness genes than reproductive. (Ibe, 1998)

9

According to Julian (1993), who reported that not all of the changes in broiler is positive. The

incidence of lameness and other skeletal problems has increased mortality due to physiological

changes, and is excessive under many circumstances such as at altitude, in high heat and humidity

and under reduced airflow or any other extreme stress.

1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficiency of feed utilization or cross bred broiler lines.

1.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

To determine weekly feed consumption of the evolving broiler lines.

To determine weekly weight gain of the evolving broiler lines.

To determine the feed efficiency of the evolving broiler lines.

To make recommendations based on the experiment.

10

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.

2.1 BROILER MANAGEMENT IN THE TROPICS

The term broiler refers to the chickens that are raised mainly for meat production. It forms one of the

fastest growing segments of poultry industry (Anonymous, 1989). The production of table birds has

grown into a major industry in many advanced countries. However, it is a more specialized industry

than egg production.

Broilers growth rate is influenced by numerous environmental factors; such factors include ambient

temperature, relative humidity, light duration and intensity, air pressure, air movement and

population density (NRC, 1986). Broiler chicks require a higher starting temperature of about 350C

which reduces gradually to environmental temperature.

The ideal combination of various climatic events is generally described as the effective ambient

temperature. Variation in the effective ambient temperature result in changes in feed intake as well

as in metabolism and behaviour (Smith and Teeter, 1992). A low light intensity is adequate for

broiler after an initial light intensity of about 10.76lux is provided for the first few days as too much

light is depressive on growth rate (Oluyemi and Roberts, 2000).

Broiler chickens are invariably fed ad-libitum from day old to finisher phase on a high quality,

balanced diet under environmental conditions which minimize heat lost and maximize feed intake

(Leclercq and Whitehead, 1988). The intension is to allow them to achieve as nearly possible their

potential for depositing protein in muscle but this entail a considerable amount of fat deposition

which is energetically in efficient and is becoming unwanted by the consumer (Forbes, 1986).

11

The broiler consumes about 2.5kg-4kg feed with a conve5rsion efficency of 2:1 to 5:1, the faster the

growth rate, the better the efficiency. Hence, the mortality rate should not exceed 5% to minimize

the cost of chicks, which account for up to (20-25)% of the production costs of broilers (Oluyemi

and Roberts, 1979).

Performance in broiler chickens can be measured as the ratio of body weight gain to feed intake(feed

efficiency).it is influenced by genetic factors(genes inherited from parent)and environmental factors

such as housing, nutrition, weather, management practices and interaction of both the genotype and

the environmental factors i.e. genotype X environment interaction(Smith, 1990)

2.2 GENETIC FACTORS

These are differences in a particular trait (feed efficiency) among individual animals in a population,

which are due to genetic effects. Charles Darwin and his 19th century colleagues simply observed the

re-occurrence of parental characteristics in their offspring. He stated that the differences and

similarities among members of a population with regards to a particular trait (feed efficiency) have

hereditary basis (Darwin, 1959). Giordani et al (1993) showed that the performance trait such as

growth rate, feed efficiency and abdominal fat are under genetic control. Nallapa et al. (1992) also

reported that strain differences have significant effect on growth performance and feed efficiency of

broiler strains.

2.2.1 Effect of age on feed efficiency and growth performance of broiler.

The older the birds, the less the feed efficiency. This is because heavy and older birds are increasing

quantities of feed to maintain their body mass. According to Leeson, (2000), it was discovered to

growth and only 20% is needed for maintaining the small body size. Consequently, these

12

percentages are reversed such that only 20% of feed is needed for growth and 80% is required to

maintain the ever increasing body mass.

2.2.2 Effect of sex on feed efficiency and growth performance of broiler chicken.

Krchgermer et al. (1993) reported that females have a lower feed consumption and growth rate than

males hence, poorer feed efficiency females had a poorere feed efficiency by 3.4%. Tzeny and

Becker (1981) showed that female broiler grow slowly compared with male, which insinuates that

sex influence feed utilization.

The feed efficiency of female broilers will usually be lower (less efficient) than for male birds of

corresponding weight, after about 30 days of age (Leeson et al., 1880). The reason for this is that

females tend to deposit proportionally more fat in the carcass (Leesom et al., 1988). It is therefore

usually uneconomical to grow female broilers much beyond 45 days unless special emphasis is

placed on reducing fat deposition.

Another reason for better growth rate and feed efficiency shown by male chickens has been related

to a higher level of growth hormone in the male than the females (Harvey et al., 1979).

2.3. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.

2.3.1. Nutritional requirement of broiler chickens.

Animals must obtain from their feed all nutrients necessary to permit the renewal of tissues, growth

and synthesis of constituents of milk and eggs. Wiseman (1987) stated that nutrient intake play a

major role in dietary growth rate. The major nutrients are energy and protein (amino acid), which

have economic importance and thus can be manipulated to control growth according to commercial

requirement. Other nutrients include minerals, vitamins and water.

13

Leclereq et al.(1987),also stated that quantities of nutrients required by animals vary according to the

physiological conditions and its health status. All chickens qualitative have the same nutritional

requirement but quantitatively the requirement differ.

Requirement differs among types, breeds, strains and birds of different ages (NRC, 1994). Broilers,

like other classes of their rate of growth decreases with age, resulting from progressively lower

nutrient requirement as they approach market age (NRC, 1994).

2.3.2 Energy requirement of broiler chicken

The single largest factor affecting feed efficiency is energy level of the feed.

Five to ten years ago, this was not of major concern because most broilers were fed on diets

containing around 3000kcal/kg in starter and up to 3200-3300kcal/kg in the finisher. Now because of

high energy prices and other management problem, we often see much lower energy values used in

one or all diets of a feeding program (Leeson 2000).

The energy requirement for broilers chickens as reported by several scientists in various part of the

world shows that the requirements in the tropics are lower than requirements in the temperate

countries (Oluyemi and Roberts, 1979; Olomu, 1980; Aduku, 1993). Aduku (1993) recommended

2800 to 3000 Kcal/me for broiler starter and finisher in the tropics.

2.3.3 Protein and amino acid requirements of broiler chickens

Aduku (1993) reported crude protein levels of 23% and 20% for broiler starters and finisher

respectively while Olomu and Offiong (1980) recommended 20 – 23% and 19 – 21% for starter and

14

finishing diets of broiler reared under tropical climate and environmental condition prevailing in

Nigeria.

Recommended levels of amino acid are expressed as a function of dietary energy levels (Wiseman,

1987). The requirements of these amino acids vary with the stage of growth of the birds and the

particular amino acid.

Olomu et al. (1981) found the methionine and methionine plus cystine requirement for broiler starter

under humid tropical to be 0.47% and 0.84% respectively and for finishers, the requirements were

0.35% and 0.67% respectively for methionine and methionine plus cystine.

Aduku (1993) recommended lysine, methionine and cystine plus methionine requirements as 1.25%,

0.86% and 0.86% repectively for the broiler starter and 1.10%, 0.75% and 0.75% for the finisher

phase.

N.R.C recommended that the protein requirement should decrease with increase in age of birds. The

weight gain and feed efficiency of female broilers were impaired with crude protein less than

approximately 18% during growing period (Franscher and Jensen, 1989). Hence they suggested that

attempt to combine protein sources that will be as complete as possible in amino acid as a minimum

requirement percentage of crude protein in diet.

2.3.4 Water requirement for broilers

Broiler chicken in humid tropical environment will voluntarily consume an average of 21 and 170

litres of water for 100 birds per day at 1 and 6 weeks of age respectively during the rainy season

(Monsi and Ayodele, 1984).

15

According to NRC (19894) report, the estimate of daily water requirement of broiler of mixed sexes

at the end of the first 8 weeks of age are 20 litres and 380 litres / 100 birds respectively at an

environmental temperature of 21oC.

2.3.5 Mineral requirement of broilers

Minerals are inorganic elements frequently found in salts with either other inorganic elements or

organic compounds. They are required for formation of bones and teeth, act as hormones, activators

or enzymes and required for osmotic balance. They include macrominerals (Sodium, Calcium,

Phosphorus, Magnesium etc) and microminerals (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Iodine, Salt etc). Usually salt is

required between 0.25 and 0.50. Calcium and Phosphorus requirements are 1.0% and 0.7%

respectively.

2.3.6 Housing system

Housing of broilers could be in 2 forms; Deep litter system and Battery cages. Housing of broilers in

terms of floor space, flooring material, design of the house and type of equipment used plays

prominent role on broiler performance. Soares et al. (1992) expressed the variability of body weights

of broilers (56 day old) with the increase in stocking density. The housing density of 8, 11 and 14

birds/m2 given significant body weight of 2.27, 2.19 and 2.15 respectively. Anderson and Adams

1994 reported the effect of feeder spaces on growth of white leghorn pullets reared in the cages and

floor pens. Pullet allowed 5.4cm of feeder space were heavier (1329g) at 18 weeks of age than birds

allowed 4.0 or 2.7cm of feeder space (1289g and 1272g respectively). It was observed that caged

reared pullets were heavier than floor reared birds at 5, 11 and 19 weeks of age.

16

2.3.7 Temperature effect on broilers

Growth rate, feed efficiency, weekly body weight gain and meat yield are significantly decreased

when broilers are reared at high ambient temperature. Yalc et al. (1997) reported reductions of 33

and 23% in 4 – 7 week body weight gain and 7-week body weight gain respectively, of commercial

broilers reared under the same management during the winter seasons. The negative effect was

found to be greater in broilers with higher genetic potential (cahaner and Leenstra, 1992).

Under high ambient temperature, chickens cannot dissipate rapidly enough the heat they produced,

leading to reduced feed intake, heavy weight loss and low feed efficiency. Horst (1998) reported that

the ideal temperature for chicken is 20-250C and excess of 320C will lead to thermal stress.

2.3.8 Effect of genotype x environment interaction on broiler performance

Genotype by environment interaction entails responses of different genotypes to different

environment (Sheridan, 1990). Leestra and Cahaner (1992) reported that interaction between

genotype and temperature was clearly present for weight gain, protein deposition, feed and protein

efficiency but were less evident for fat deposition.

Marks (1990) reported the significant genotype by diet interactions in body weight and abdominal

weight in broilers fed on high energy diet or protein. He also reported high body weight for broilers

fed on high energy diet than that fed with high protein diets. Genotype X diet interaction had

significantly effect on body weight (P < 0.05)

17

2.4 DESCRIPTION OF BREEDS

2.4.1 Normal Indigenous Chickens

The local chicken of Nigeria constituted between 80-90% of the total chicken population in Nigeria

and is characterized by small body size, poor growth rate, small egg size (Ozoje and Ikeobi, 1995).

They are hardy and resistant to certain diseases. Their ability to thrive well under harsh conditions

has helped the birds in their adaptability to the tropic environment (Horst, 1989).

The adaptation of tropical breeds to prevailing harsh environmental conditions pre-supposes that

tropical animals are custodian or repository of unique genes. The indigenous chicken has a

preponderance of survival genes to the detriment of productive genes, which may partly due to the

fact that the birds have not been subjected to artificial selection for increased productivity, but to

more selection by the harsh environmental conditions (Ibe, 1998).

Mature live weight of Nigeria chicken breed ranges between 0.77-1.285kg (Ikeobi et al., 1996). The

average number of eggs lain per clutch is 8-9 within a laying period of 12-14 days. Rearing period is

64-70 days and the age at point of lay between 32-36 weeks with the age at first-egg within 155-165

days with similar variation in number of pauses (Ikeobi, et al., 1996).

The local chicken is seen as a genetic raw material for layer chicken production (Nwosu, 1989) and

has also been found to possess the potential to grow fast at early stages of life and therefore fit for

use as parents in broiler chicken development (Akinokun, 1990).

2.4.2 Anak Titan

This is an established commercial heavy breed (meat type) chicken. It has been improved for fast

growth through generations. It grows to an average body weight of 2.32kg for females and 2.7kg for

18

male at 8 weeks of age. The age can be reached with a feed efficiency of 1.91. It can grow to an

average body weight of 3.37kg for female and 4.51kg for male at maturity. The breed has the

capacity lay 253.6 eggs per annum (Anak Titan, 2000).

2.4.3 Giriraja

The Giriraja poultry breed is an India breed of chicken breed by scientist at the University of

Agriculture, Department of Poultry Sience, Hebbal Veterinary Institute, Bangalore, India. The breed

was specifically bred for the local farmers as background type of chicken that can be reared

extensively for egg and meat production.

Giriraja is a dual purpose breed and happened to be the best locally developed fowl in India and

therefore earned the name Miracle Species of India. They gain body weight of 2.5kg for female and

3.0kg for male at 7 to 8 weeks and an average body weight of 3.5kg for female and 4.5 kg for male

at maturity. The breed has the capacity to lay 280eggs per annum using extensive system of

management (Adebambo, 2002).

Special Features of Giriraja

Improved growth, egg production, egg size, hatchability and resistance to environmental

stress and certain diseases.

Segregating for feather patterns.

Attractive colourful plumage with an act mixture of single and pea shaped comb as is

commonly seen in the Indian native or desifowl.

19

2.5 RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF POULTRY

Poultry breeds are of great economic importance to the human race. Certain species of poultry are

used in biological control of insects and weeds. For example, about 220,000 ducks were reported by

the National Academy of sciences (1976) as control agents for insects, snails and weeds.

Others include

Source Of income.

Used in scientific research.

Used for celebration and sacrifices.

20

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS.

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENTAL SITE.

This research was carried out at the Poultry Breeding unit of the Department of Animal Breeding

and Genetics of the University of Agriculture Farm, Off Alabata road, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Alabata

(7º10'N and 3º2'E) is in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The area has a

prevailing tropical climate with a mean animal rainfall of about 1037mm. The mean monthly

ambient temperature ranges from 28oC in December to 36oC in February with yearly average of

34OC. Relative humidity ranges from 60% in January to 94% in August with a yearly average of

about 82%. The vegetation represents an inter-phase between the tropical rainforest and the derived

Savannah.

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL BIRDS.

The experimental birds consisted of chicks produced from breeds of birds (parent stock) maintained

at the department of Animal Breeding and Genetics poultry breeding Unit. The experimental birds

are from strains of Giriraja (G), Anak Titan (AT) and Normal Indigenous feathered chicken (N).

3.2.1 Mating procedure

All mating was done by artificial insemination. Semen was obtained from sires twice in a week in

the later part of the day and introduced into the left side opening of the hens cloaca. For each dam

0.1ml undiluted semen was used for insemination each time. The following mating design was

followed.

21

EXPERIMENTAL CROSSES

Mating Design

Straight Crosses Reciprocal Crosses

N x AT AT x N

N x G G x N

AT x G G x AT

Controls Legend

AT x AT AT - Anak Titan

G x G N -Normal feathered Indigenous chicken

N x N G - Giriraja

3.2.2 Egg collection and incubation

One hundred eggs each were collected from each of the lines. The eggs were collected daily for ten

days with a period of one week break between mating cocks. All the eggs were pedigreed and

carefully stored before incubation. Eggs for incubation were selected to ensure that no cracked,

discoloured or odd shaped eggs were set. The eggs were fumigated so as to destroy microbes using

fumes from mixture of 35g potassium permanganate in 53cc formalin per cubic meter of cabinet

volume. Circular air movement in the cabinent and speedy gas removal after 20 minutes fumigation

was mandatory. Ten days egg collection was set along sire lines at a temperature of 38-39oC and at

humidity of 55-66% for the eighteen days. From day 19 to hatching, the temperature was increased

to 39-40oC and humidity to 70-75%. The eggs are normally turned automatically through 90o I the

incubator at the commercial hatchery.

22

3.3 FEEDS AND FEEDING.

Breeders were fed on a diet containing 11.704MJ/kg metabolizable energy and 16% crude protein.

The chicks were fed ad libitum on a broiler starter diet that supplies 23% crude protein and

12.122MJ/kg metabolizable energy from 0 to 4 weeks of age. Thereafter, they were fed on a broiler

finisher diet that supplies 20.5% crude protein and 12.958MJ/kg metabolizable energy from 5 – 12

weeks. Clean water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION

Weekly body weight gain, feed consumed per replicate was taken on each genetic groups. These

data were taken on a weekly basis for 12weeks. All the progenies were reared together. The

following data were taken:

3.4.1 Initial body weight (IBW): This was obtained at the beginning of a week by weighing

individual bird in a replicate on sensitive measuring scale and summing up.

3.4.2 Final body weight (FBW): This was measured at the end of a week using a weighing scale.

It was taken as the sum of all the birds in a replicate after being weighed individually.

3.4.3 Body weight gain: was calculated subtracting initial body weight from final body weight of

the birds. The total weight gains of the birds were obtained by summing up all the body

weight gain of the birds in each replicate.

3.4.4 Initial feed weight: this was measured to the birds at the beginning of a week with the aid of

a weighing scale.

3.4.5 Weigh back: this is feed left in the feeding trough of each replicate of birds at the end of the

week.

3.4.6 Total weekly feed consumed (FC): was calculated by subtracting weigh back from initial

feed giving to the birds.

23

3.4.7 Feed efficiency: was calculated by dividing total weight gain of each replicate by total feed

intake for each replicate.

3.5 MANAGEMENT OF CHICKS.

On hatching, chicks from each strain were transferred to separate and previously disinfected brooder

cages according to genotype and batch in the same brooding unit. These chicks were properly using

tagged and every batch was brooded for a period of three to four weeks.

3.5.1 Litter management

Litter, which is soaked wood shaving combined with faeces was packed at an interval of two weeks.

This was to prevent disease infestation.

3.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Analysis to test for effect of age, genotype and replicate was carried out using the General Linear

Models procedure of Statistical Analysis System program (SAS, 1999). The following model was

used for weekly analysis of data.

YIJKL = µ + GI + RJ + AK + (GA)IK + (GR)IJ + (AR)JK + ε ijkl

Where

YIJKL = Observed value of dependent variable

µ = Overall mean

Gi = Effect of ith genotype

RJ = Effect of jth replicate

AK = Effect of kth age

(GA)IK = effect of genotype and age

(GR)IJ = effect of genotype and replicate

(AR)JK = effect of age and replicate

24

ε ijkl = random residual error.

Means were separated using the Duncan’s new Multiple Range Test (Gomez and Gomez, 1984).

25

CHAPTER FOUR.

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.

4.1 Results

Table 4.1;Analysis of Variance for weight gain , feed intake and feed efficiency

Source df Feed Intake(g) Wt gain(g) Feed Eff

Genotype 8 14226717.2*** 197656.54** 0.0096***

Replicate 3 27319963.4NS 1149613.2NS 0.0295NS

Age 11 41262749.8*** 3137102.72*** 0.0249***

Geno*Rep 2 9261832.7*** 766158.03*** 0.0126**

Geno*Age 88 578432.5** 11360782.68** 0.0093**

Age*Rep 33 769716.5** 11831604.22*** 0.0176***

Geno*Rep*Age 22 335488.7NS 17894654NS 0.006*

*** = highly significant

** = very significant

* = significant

NS = not significant

Table 4.1, it was found that genotype had a highly significant (P< 0.001) effect on feed intake and

efficiency with significant (P<0.05) on weight gain of the broiler chicken. Also age was highly

significant (P< 0.001) on feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency of the experimental birds. Age

and genotype interaction was significant (P< 0.05) on feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency.

Genotype and Replicate interaction had a significantly (P < 0.001effect on feed intake , weight gain

and significant (P< 0.05) on feed efficiency. Age and replicate interaction was highly significant

(P<0.001) effect on weight gain and feed efficiency and significant (P<0.05) effect on feed intake

26

Genotype by replicate by Age interaction was significant (P<0.05) on feed efficiency. Replicate

had no significant effect on Feed intake , weight gain and feed efficiency.

Table 4.2; Mean and standard deviation as affected by Genotype, and Age.

GENOTYPE Feed int(g) Wgt gain(g) Feed efficiency

N X AT 4845.42±80.44c 314.17±60.49de 0.08±.002c

AT X G 5885.17±75.59a 583.42±79.67abc 0.14±0.03ab

G X N 4851.17±83.34 c 472.17±10.95bcd 0.165 ± 0.04a

G X AT 4328.13±34.95d 639.87±76.39a 0.162 ± 0.01a

N X N 2514.96±27.65f 298.04±56.54e 0.129±0.01bc

AT X N 5224.92±71.8b 738.25±14.4a 0.144 ± 0.02ab

AT X AT 5920.67±75.32a 603.33±77.5abc 0.146 ± 0.03ab

N X G 5157±74.98 c 629.33±13.68ab 0.1211 ± 0.01bc

G X G 3511±290.07e 439.83±41.71cde 0.135 ± 0.01ab

AGE(wk)

1 1527±18.866j 304.93±38.36d 0.2 ± 0.02a

4 2900.86±24.65g 516±10.42bc 0.16 ± 0.02b

8 4745.67±41.56e 560.6±88bc 0.12 ± 0.01c

12 28332.47±58.2 a 637.8±12.93ab 0.08 ± 0.01d

Means in the same column with different superscripts are significantly different from each other (p <

0.05)

Table 4.2 shows the effect of genotype and Age on weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency on

broiler performance.

The mean values of feed intake and weight gain of broiler chicken throughout the experimental

period ranges from 2514.96± 27.65 to 5920.67±75.32 and 298.04±56.54 to 738.25±14.40. AT X AT

27

had the highest mean value of feed intake of 5920.67±75.32 followed by AT X G which had

5885.17±75.59 while N X N has the lowest mean value of feed intake.

Also the highest mean value of total body weight gain was observed in AT X N with 738.25±14.48

followed by G X AT which had 639.87±76.39 while N X N had the lowest mean value of weight

gain with 298.04±56.54 though the mean value of G X AT and AT X N are not significantly

different at (P<0.05). Also the highest mean value of feed efficiency G X N which had a value of

0.165±0.04 followed by G X AT with 0.162±0.01 while N X AT had the lowest mean value.G X N

was considered to have the best feed efficiency because of their high mean value of feed efficiency.

The highest mean values of age on feed intake and weight gain was observed in the 12th week with

8332.47±58.20 and 637.8±12.93 respectively with the feed intake and weight gain increasing

progressively from the 1st to the 12th week . However the mean values of feed efficiency was highest

in the 1st week with 0.20±0.02 and least in the 12th week with 0.08±0.01

Table 4.3: PEARSON CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS OF THE MEASURED TRAIT

FEED CONSUMED WEIGHT GAIN FEED EFFICIENCY

FEED CONSUMED 1.00

WEIGHT GAIN 0.32 1.00

FEED EFFICIENCY -0.32 0.65 1.00

From Table 4.3 it can be observed that feed consumed and weight gain are positively correlated

while feed consumed and weight gain are negatively correlated.

28

4.2 DISCUSSION

In the experimental work, it was discovered that genotype had a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect

on feed intake and feed efficiency with consequent significant (p < 0.05) effect on weight gain. This

may be due to the fact that the performance traits such as growth rate, feed efficiency are under

genetic factors (Giordani et al., 1993) and that the strain differences have significant effect on

growth performance and feed efficiency of broiler strain (Nallappa et al., 1992)

Also, the effect of age was highly significant (p < 0.01) on feed intake, feed efficiency and weight

gain .As a result of increasing age of the birds, the chicken strains used increasing quantities of feed

for maintenance of their body while less is utilized for growth. According to Leeson (2000) , it was

discovered that in the 7th day old chicks , about 80% of feed is directed to growth and only 20% is

needed for maintaining the small body size. Consequently, these percentages are reversed such that

only 20% of feed is needed for growth and 80% are required to maintain the ever increasing body

mass.

Furthermore, there is no significant (p > 0.05) effect of replicate on feed intake, weight gain and feed

efficiency. With regards to this result, it could be that the broiler strain in the same replicate

possessed the same genetic potential for those traits.

The strain of broiler, Anak, had the highest total mean value of feed intake which may be due to the

fact that it is a heavy breed that has been improved for fast growth through artificial selection (Anak

Titan, 2000).

Giriraja X Normal had the highest mean value of feed efficiency and is considered to have the best

feed efficiency. This might be due to the fact that both Giriraja and the normal indigenous are birds

adapted to the tropical environment and therefore expound less energy to

29

resist high environmental temperature and prevalent disease in the tropics (Adebambo, 2002; Horst,

1989).

30

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that Anak and Anak by Normal has the highest mean value of feed intake and

high value of weight gain respectively although they were not able to utilize their feed as efficiently

as the Giriraja x Normal strain of broiler with highest mean value of feed efficiency (0.165 ± 0.04)

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

Giriraja is recommended for use as sire whenever our Normal feather Indigenous broiler chicken is

to improve for feed efficiency.

31

REFERENCES

Adebambo, A.O. (2002). Evaluation of the genetic variations among growth traits of India and

Nigeria chicken genotype M. Agric Thesis. Pp 124.

Aduku, K.O. (1993). Practical livestock feeds production in the tropics . S. Askene and co.

Publishers Zaria, Nigeria Pp. 20.

Akinokun, O. (1990). An evaluation of exotic and indigenous chicken as a genetic material for

development of rural poultry. Workshop on rural poultry development in Africa held at

O.A.U. Ile-Ife. Nov. 13-16, 1989. Pp. 36-61.

Anak Titan,(2000). Broiler Parent Stock Management Manual. Pp 32

Anderson, E.O. and Adams, A.O. (1994). Effect of feeder space on growth of white leghorn pullets.

Poultry Sc. 1994 73pp- 958-964.

Anonymous (1989). How to house your Hens. African farming July-August. Pp. 11-13.

Cahaner, A. and Leenstra, F. (1994). Effect of high temperature on growth and efficiency of male

and female broilers from lines selected for high weight gain favourable science 71:

1237-1250.

Chineke, C.A. (2001). Interrelationship between Body weight and Egg production Trait in Olympia

Black Laprs Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 28.

Coon Craig, N. (2002). Broiler Nutrition, Commercial chicken meat and egg production

5th Edition, Norwell, Massachusetts; Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Dilorenzo,J. (1995): Industry News-Chicken Consumption Still Climbing. The National

Provisioner, June,pp.13

Forbes, J.M. (1986). Production of voluntary intake in farm animals. Butterworth, London. Pp. 145.

Francher, B.I. and Jensen L.S. (1989). Influence on performance and three to six weeks old broiler of

varying protein contents with supplementation of essential amino acid requirement.

Poultry. Sci. 68 (ii) 113-122.

Giordani, G; Melluzzi, A.; Cristofori, C. and Calini, f. (1993). Study on the performance of strains of

broiler. Animal breeding abstract 1993. 61. No 8.

Harvey, S.C.; Scanes, A.G.; Chadwick, A.K. and Belton, H.J. (1979). Growth hormone and prolactin

secretion in growing domestic fowl: influence of sex and breed. Brit. Poult.Sci. 20: 9-

17.

32

Horst, P. (19890. Native fowls as reservoir for genomes and major genes with direct effect and

indirect effect on adaptability and their potential for tropical oriented Breeding plans.

Animal Breeding abstracts 53(13) Pp. 93.

Ibe, S.N. (1998). Improving productive adaptability of Nigeria Local chicken. In: Proceedings of the

silver Anniversary Conference of the Nigeria Society for Animal prod. and the

Inaugural Conference of the West African Society for Animal Prod. Held at Gateway

Hotel, Abeokuta, Nig. 21-26 march, 1998. 464-465.

Ikeobi, C.O.N.; Ozoje, M.O.; Adebambo, O.A.; Adenowo, J.A. and Osinowo, O.A. (1996). Genetic

differences in the performance of the local chicken in South western Nigeria. Nigeria

Journal of Genetics. 11: 55-60.

Krchgerssner, M.; Kreuzer, M. and Ristic, M. (1993). Expression of sex difference in growth of

broilers. Animal Breeding abstract. 1993. 61. No. 8 Pp. 582.

Leeson, S.L.; Cahamer, A. and Summer, J.D. (1988). Production and carcass characteristics of

broiler chicken. Poultry Sci. 59:786-798.

Leeson, S. (2000): Is Feed Efficiency still a Useful Measure if Broiler Performance? Poultry Sci.

19:286-293.

Leclercq, B., Henry,Y. and Perez, J.M (1987). Feeding of non-ruminants livestock; intake

requirement and recommendations. Butterworth’s and Co. Ltd. Pp 3-6.

Leclercq, B. and Whitehead, C.C. (1988). Leanness in Domestic Birds. Genetic metabolic and

hormonal aspects. Butterworth’s and Co. Ltd. Pp. 97.

Marks, L. (1990). Genotype by diet interaction in body weight in broilers fed high protein or high

energy diet. Poultry science. 69. Pp. 2342-2349.

Monsi, A. and Ayodele, A. (1989). Water intake of broiler raised during the raining season in River

state of Nigeria. Journal of Animal Prod. Research 9: 25-41.

Nallapa, P.; Lokanath; and Ramapa, B.S. (1992). Relative performance of broiler strains. Animal

breeding abstract. No6 pp. 541.

National Research Council (NRC) (1994). Nutrient requirement of poultry. National Academy of

science. Washington D.C.

33

Nwosu, C.C. and Asuquo, B.O. (1985). Body weight improvement in the local chicken Prod. 10th

Annual Conference Nig. Society for Animal Prod. Ile-Ife Nigeria. Pp 14-32.

Olomu, J.M. (1980). Protein and energy nutrition of poultry in Nigeria. In breeds and Nutritions of

Polutry in Nigeria. Published by Nigeria Branch, World poult. Sci. Asso. Pp. 41-58.

Oluyemi, J.A. and Oyenuga, V.A. (1971). A preliminary evaluation of the Nigerian Indigenous

fowls as table birds. Proc. Agric. Soc. of Nigeria. 8: 22-25.

Oluyemi, J.A. and Roberts, F.A. (1978): Poultry production in warm wet climates (Macmillan

Tropical Agriculture, Horticulture and applied ecology series) pp 125.

Oluyemi, J.A. and Roberts, F.A. (1979): Poultry Production in Warm Wet climates. Macmillan Press

Ltd. London 1st edition. Pp. 121-124.

Oluyemi, J.A. and Roberts, F.A. (2000): Poultry Production in Warm Wet climates. Macmillan Press

Ltd. London 1st edition. Pp. 121-124.

Sheridani, A.K. (1990). Genotype by environment interaction Pp. 897-912 in Poultry Breeding and

Genetics R.D. Crowford, ed. Elsevier, Amsterdan, The Netherlands.

Smith, A.J. (1990): Poultry Tropical Agriculturist Series Macmillan, London.

Soares, P.R.; Fonseca, J.B and Siver, M.A. (1992). Performance of broilers of 4 commercial strains.

Animal Breed. Abstract 62 No. 7 Pp 548.

Trait, C.G. (1980). Problems facing the poultry industry in Nigeria. Proc. 1st comtinuing Education

Seminar.

Tzeng, R. and Becker, W.A. (1981). Growth patterns of body and abdominent fat weight in male

broiler chickens poult. Sci. 60 (6) 1101-1106.

Washburn, K.W. (1995): Genetic variation in efficiency of feed utilization and its relationship in

carcass fat. Pg 41.

Wiseman, J. (1987). Feeding of non-ruminant livestock. Butterworth’s and Co. (Pulisher) Ltd. Pp.

70-77.

34

Yalcin, S.P.; Settar, S.O. and Cahamer, A.Y. (1997). Comparative evaluation of poultry stock in hot

climates. Poultry Sci. 76: 921-929.