Effect of different bedding materials on growth performance, physiological response and economic efficiency in three commercial broiler strains Irfan M.1, Mehmood S.1, Mahmud A.1, Hussain J.1, Saima2, Shaheen M.S.1, Ahmad S.1, Zia M.W.3,* Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan 1Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan 2Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan 3Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Lahore-54000, Pakistan *Corresponding author's e-mail: doctorwsi639@gmail.com
Abstract The experiment was conducted at Ravi Campus of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan to assess the effect of wood-shaving, wheat-straw, corn-cob pulp and rice-husk (bedding materials) on the performance of three commercial strains of broiler viz, Ross-308, Cobb-500 and Arbor Acres. Three-hundred-sixty day-old chicks, 120/strain were distributed into 36 replicates (10 birds/replicate) according to 4×3 factorial arrangements. Weekly weight gain, FCR, livability and rearing cost was recorded. Birds raised on corn cob pulp exhibited enhanced (P≤0.05) body weight, FCR, lesser rearing cost and superior (P≤0.05) livability. Among strains, Ross-308 and Cobb-500 showed improved performance compared to Arbor Acres. Serum glucose and immune response were not affected by bedding material or strain; serum cholesterol was higher at rice husk; abdominal fat pad and foot pad dermatitis were higher at corn cob pulp and wood shaving. It was concluded that corn cob pulp proved to be a better bedding material, especially in Ross-308 and Cobb-500. Top Keywords Broiler, Bedding materials, Economics, Growth, Immune response. Top |