Effect of feed form and metabolizable energy level on the performance and carcass quality of broiler chicks [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The effect of feed form and metabolizable energy level on the performance and carcass quality of broiler chicks were studied. Two feed forms, ground or whole sorghum grains (G.S.G. or W.S.G.), with three levels of metabolizable energy (2977, 3088 and 3199 Kcal/kg) which replicate 4 times were used in 2x3 factorial design. A total of 120 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks of commercial strain, (Hybro-type) were randomly distributed into 24 pens, each containing equal weight at the rate of five chicks per pen for 7-weeks duration. Health of' the stock and performance parameters were recorded. At the end of he experiment, the birds were slaughtered and dressing percentages for different treatments were recorded. The results indicated that, the energy level had a significant (P<0.05) effect on performance of broiler chicks. Birds fed the highest energy diet (3 199 Kcal/kg) showed better results in body weight gain and feed efficiency with the lowest feed intake as compared to the other two diets (2977 and 3088 Kcal/kgj. Birds fed the whole sorghum grain diet produced significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight of gizzard percentage as compared to those fed ground sorghum grain diets.