Response of Pullet Chicks on Energy and Protein Ratios in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the appropriate ratio of energy and protein to maintain optimal growth of pullet chicks that will lead to optimum layer performance. Materials and Methods: A total of 270 day-old chicks (Isa Brown), were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×3 factorial arrangement forming 9 treatments with 30 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times. The chicks were fed diets containing 3 energy (2500, 2700 and 2900 ME (kcal kg^–1) and 3 crude protein (CP) levels (18, 20 and 22%) from 2-7 weeks of age. Results: Feed intake of chicks increased with increase in E:P-ratio (from 124.97-139.60 g bird^–1 week^–1) while at 20 and 22% CP, feed intake of chicks decreased with increase in E:P-ratio. Body weight gain increased with increase in protein levels at the three energy levels. Birds fed on 2500, 2700 and 2900 ME kcal kg^–1 showed increased body weight gain (281.17-524.17 g, 282.50-325.83 g and 362.00-492.33 g, respectively) with increment in CP levels from 18, 20 and 22%. Similarly, lower feed conversion ratio was observed in birds fed 18, 20 and 22% CP. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that starter chicks fed low energy-high protein diet (2500 ME (kcal kg^–1) at 22% CP level grew significantly faster and had lower cost kg^–1 gain (₦ 194.25) as compared to other combinations (₦ 204.15 to ₦ 234.57), therefore it is recommended that, starter chicks could be fed on 2500 ME (kcal kg^–1) diet at 22% crude protein.