Impacts of Phase Feeding Schedules on Performance and Economic Efficiency in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Introduction: Family and small-scale poultry farms play important roles in livelihoods in Nigeria. Optimizing phase-feeding transitions could prevent growth loss or unnecessary feed expenses, enhance growth performance, reduce costs, and improve overall profitability. The present study aimed to identify the most effective timing of phase-feeding by evaluating key growth performance indicators alongside economic returns in broiler chickens.
Materials and methods: A total of 160-day-old Abor Acre broiler chickens were divided into five groups, each with four replicates of eight chickens, based on weight equalization ranging from 38.56 to 39.13 grams. The control group had the starter phase of 0-28 days and finisher of 29-42 days (T1), the second group had a starter phase of 0-7 days and finisher of 8-42 days (T2). The third group included a starter phase of 0-14 days and a finisher of 15-42 days (T3). The fourth group had a starter phase of 0-8 days, a grower of 9-21 days, and a finisher of 22-42 days (T4), and the fifth group included a starter phase of 0-10 days, a grower of 11-24 days, and a finisher of 25-42 days (T5), arranged in a completely randomized design. The nutrient composition of the diets was determined for groups. Final body weight and economic metrics, such as total revenue, net income, and estimated profit, were derived from growth parameters and feed costs over 42 days.
Results: The current results indicated that chickens in T4 had significantly higher final body weight (1915.34 ± 169.40 grams) and weight gain (1876.24 ± 169.34 grams) compared to other groups. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and feed cost per kilogram of body weight gain did not differ significantly across the groups. However, T4 resulted in the lowest feed cost per kg gain (711.42 ± 58.77 ₦ = 0.576 USD). Additionally, chickens in T4 achieved higher total revenue at 4224.00 ₦ (3.4201 USD), net income at 1611.44 ₦ (1.30477 USD), and significantly higher estimated profit (38.15%) compared to those in T1 and T3.
Conclusion: The present study indicated that starter duration of 8-10 days can significantly enhance both growth performance and economic outcomes in broiler chickens.