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Changing Time of Feeding Starter, Grower, and Finisher Diets for Broilers 2. Birds Grown to 2.2 kg

Poultry Science Department, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701; Phone: (501) 575-2065; FAX: (501) 575-3474

Correspondence: P. W. Waldroup

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate time of feeding starter, grower, and finisher diets for male broilers grown to 42 days to achieve a target weight of 2.2 kg. Diets were formulated to meet nutrient levels typical of current industry practice. Starter diet was fed to 7, 14, or 21 days. Finisher diet was fed beginning at 21, 28, or 35 days or not fed at all; grower diet was fed for variable times depending upon termination of feeding starter diet and initiation of finisher diet. Live performance and carcass characteristics were examined.

Male broilers grown to 42 days attained the desired weight of 2.2 kg on all feeding programs evaluated. Optimum time for feeding starter diet for birds grown to approximately 2.2 kg appears to be no more than 14 days and may lie between 7 and 14 days. Inclusion of finisher diet in the feeding program earlier than 35 days resulted in reduced body weight, a deterioration in feed conversion and calorie utilization, an increase in abdominal fat, and reduction in breast meat yield. Given typical cost differences among starter, grower, and finisher diets, changing diets at earlier ages may have considerable economic impact. Use of diets of different nutrient content may alter these recommendations.

Key Words: Broilers • carcass composition • feeding systems • starter diets

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