Performance of Broiler Chickens on Commercial Diets Mixed with Whole or Ground Wheat of Different Varieties

Abstract

To study the effects of mixing commercial diets with whole wheat on bird performance with respect to growing ages, each of four whole or ground wheat varieties was mixed with commercial diets in the presence or absence of enzyme at the following rates: 10% from 7 to 14 days of age, 20% from 14 to 21 days of age, 30% from 21 to 28 days of age, and 50% from 28 to 35 days of age. A control group of broiler chickens was fed only commercial diets throughout. Birds performed well on diets mixed with 10% and 20% wheat, whether ground or whole. Feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) depressed only in birds fed diets mixed with 50% of both whole and ground wheat. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in birds fed diets mixed with 30% and 50% whole and ground wheat. There were no significant effects of wheat variety, wheat form, or enzyme addition on bird performance. Although enzyme addition significantly reduced digesta viscosity, it did not improve overall bird performance in diets containing whole or ground wheat. Gut length was significantly longer in birds fed all diets mixed with ground or whole wheat compared to those fed the control diet. It is concluded that birds can regulate feed intake unless they are fed a diet containing 50% wheat up to 28 days of age, and they grow optimally unless fed a diet containing 30% wheat from 21 to 28 days of age. Furthermore, it is suggested that fortification with essential nutrients is necessary at early growing ages when diets are mixed with high levels (>30%) of whole or ground wheat.