A21. Feeding and Nutrition of Broiler Chicks

Question 1

BW at hatching and slaughter,

Answer 1

Birth; 40g

Slaughter; 2.7 kg

Question 2

Length, and periods of fattening

Answer 2

28-40 days, Less than 6 weeks
Starter 0-10
Grower 11-24
Finisher –> day 40

Question 3

Physical form of diets

Answer 3

Seedeaters; Should be similar to seeds
o To enhance feed intake: more seed like, lower fed intake: less like seeds

Use Pellets: size and length adjusted according to the animal
- By using pellet we maximize the energy consumption
- usually with premix with vitamins and minerals.
Use Crumbles in day old chicks - starter
Pellets; Grower/ finisher.

Question 4

What breed is the most common in broiler chicks

Answer 4

White cornish male x playmouth rock female = broiler chick (hybrid

Question 5

Aim of the fattening

Answer 5

Fast growth and low costs.

Highest possible efficiency

Question 6

Explanation of the changes of dietary protein and energy densities

Answer 6

Change of body composition will determine the feeding method
o Hatching until 3 weeks –> Protein inbuilding (need more proteins)
o From 3 weeks until slaughter; Fat inbuilding
- they loose their growth capacity, dont want the fat, and its not longer economical

Question 7

Nutrient requirements of broiler chicks

Answer 7

ME: 12-13
CP; 23-21-19
Lysine; 14-12 -10

Question 8

feed efficiency,

Answer 8

How many kg feed must be consumed related to 1 kg BW
• 1,6 kg/kg

P:E = Set up protein: energy ratio –> to calculate the optimal diet

Dressing 70 %

Question 9

physical form of diets,

Answer 9

Crumbles (chicks)

Pellets (grower and finisher)

Question 10

supplements

Answer 10

o Animal fat cannot be used – forbidden
o Only plant origin feedstuff can be used
o Feeds containing a lot of oil – eg full fat soybean
 Add protein and energy
• Vegetable oil – sunflower, rape seed

Vitamin and mineral supplementation
• Premixes added to diet

Question 11

tap water intake

Answer 11

• 2-2,5 l/kg DM intake
• Bell type drinkers followed with Nipple drinkers
• If feed intake drops, we have to check the water supply
• Less water means less feed intake

Question 12

Housing /technology

Answer 12

• Ad libitum
• Automatic feeders
• Housing: Closed confinement, deep litter

Mixed sex or sex depended rearing
Males reach slaughter weight earlier, separated sex can be advantageous (maximaze growth)

Question 13

Lights

Answer 13

Not as important as in laying hens
-	Continuous 
o	 First 1-2 days 24/h/day 
o	3rd day 23 h/day
o	21 days  (change from 20 Lux to 8 lux – intensity)
-	Interrupted
o	Same first 
o	3-21 days  (23 h/day). 20- 8 h)
o	22days,   1-2 light, 2- 4 dark.