R. Bras. Zootec.01/Feb/2003;32(1):162-70.
Protein and metabolizable energy levels in pre-starter rations (1-7 days) on broiler performance from 1 to 21 days
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982003000100021
This experiment was carried out in order to evaluate performance, nitrogen and dry matter balance and morfometrical measures of broilers raised with different levels of protein and energy on pre-starter phase (1 to 7 days of age). In a completely randomized design, 336 one-day old chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme 2 x 3 (metabolizable energy 2,850 and 3,000 kcal/kg and crude protein – 20, 23 and 26%) with four replicates with 14 birds each. The digestibility trial occurred in the first week, and the total excreta collection method was used from 4 to 7 days of age. The results indicated that feed intake and feed conversion from 1 to 7 days, and feed intake from 1 to 21 days, showing that the 23% and 26% CP gave the best results for pre-starter phase in this experiment. The metabolizable energy levels did not affect the performance neither nutritional balances of dry matter and nitrogen.
Keywords: broiler; feeding program; performance; pre-starter ration