The effects of different protein and energy levels and time of change from starter to finisher ration on the performance of broiler chickens in the tropics.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the optimum protein and energy levels for starting and finishing broiler chickens and the optimum time of change from broiler starter rations to broiler chicken finisher rations. We tested four protein levels (17, 20, 23, and 26%), each fed at three energy levels (2800, 3000, and 3200 kcal/kg diet). For starting chickens, maximum weight gains, feed efficiency, and lowest feed cost per kilogram live weight gain were obtained on the rations containing 23 or 26% protein. Differences in dietary energy levels did not significantly affect weight gain and feed consumption. Feed efficiency improved with increase in dietary energy levels although the differences in feed efficiency between any two consecutive groups were not significant. Feed cost tended to increase nonsignificantly with increase in energy level. For finishing broiler chickens, dietary protein level did not have any significant effects on weight gains. The poorest weight gain, feed efficiency, and feed cost per kilogram gain were obtained on the rations containing 17% protein. The differences in feed efficiency between protein levels of 20, 23, and 26% were not significant while no two consecutive protein levels among the 20, 23, and 26% protein diets gave feed cost per kilogram gain that was significantly different from each other. Weight gain, feed consumption, and feed cost per kilogram gain were not significantly affected by dietary energy levels. Efficiency of feed conversion tended to improve with increase in dietary energy levels, although differences in feed efficiency between 3000 and 3200 kcal/kg diet were not significant. Performances of birds fed the starter ration for 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks before changing to the finisher ration were not as good as those fed the starter ration for 5 or 6 weeks before being change) to the finisher ration or those fed the starter ration for the 9 weeks experimental period. The results of the present work indicate that a protein level of 23% and energy level of 2800 to 3000 kcal/kg diet may be recommended for starting broiler chicks raised in Nigeria. For finishing broiler chickens, a protein level of 20% and energy level of 3000 kcal/kg diet may be recommended. The optimum time of change from broiler starter to broiler finisher may be recommended at 5 or 6 weeks of age.