R. Bras. Zootec.01/Apr/2000;29(2):502-6.
Effect of two feeding programs on the performance and carcass yield of two commercial strains of broilers
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982000000200025
With the objective to evaluate two feeding programs (4 and 3 phases), on the performance and carcass yield of two commercial strains (Hubbard and Arbor Acres), 1,600 1-d chicks were used, 800 of each strain. A completely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 x 2 (program x strain x sex) factorial arrangement, with four replicates, was used. During the period from 1 to 46 days period, no effects were verified due either to programs or strains on weight gain and feed intake. For feed:gain ratio, there was interaction between sex and strain Arbos Acres; the males had better feed:gain ratio than females. In relation to the yield of eviscerated carcass (without head, feet and neck) and percentage of abdominal fat, there was no difference between strains and programs. In the conditions in which this experiment was developed, it is possible to use any feed programs.
Keywords: broilers; carcass yield; feeding programs