Evaluation of different litter materials on performance of commercial broilers Umesh B U*, Thirumalesh T, Venkatesha M M, Bhushan M Bharat, Gowda B G Veeranna, Satheesha G M Department of LFC, Veterinary College, Shivamogga, KVAFSU *Corresponding Author's Email: umeshbu71@gmail.com
Online published on 28 March, 2024. Abstract A 6 week study was conducted on 240 Commercial day old broiler chicks. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatments (4 replicates of 20 birds each) consisting different litter material like paddy husk, ragi husk, shredded areca nut sheath waste and smashed maize cobs. The birds were reared on deep litter system of housing. All the groups were provided with similar environmental and managemental conditions throughout the experimental period. T1; paddy husk , T2; ragi husk, T3; shredded areca nut sheath waste and T4; smashed maize cobs on the performance and cost of production of commercial broilers reared in deep litter system of rearing. Among different litter materials like paddy husk, maize cob, ragi husk and shredded areca nut sheath waste, there was an improvement in body weight gain, feed consumption, FCR and mortality rate in paddy husk group when compared to other litter materials. BCR ratio was comparable among different treatment groups. Therefore, In addition to paddy husk, other litter materials can be used as an alternative in broilers if available at cheaper cost. Top Keywords Broilers, Performance, Litter materials, Paddy husk. Top |