Effects of feed intake restriction and micronutrients supplementation on ascites mortality and leg characteristics of broilers Article uri icon

abstract

  • The aim of the present study was to compare two feed restriction regimes with two levels of micronutrients on ascites and leg abnormalities in broilers. A complete randomised design within a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments examined the effects of feed restriction and micronutrients on ascites and leg abnormalities presentation. Twelve hundred day old Ross×Peterson chicks were assigned to the following treatments: Feed restriction time, FRT, (112 and 210 h) and micronutrient supplementation, MNS, ( and -). Weight gain and feed conversion were not affected (P >0.05) by FRT or MNS. Total mortality, ascites mortality and leg abnormalities were modified (P <0.05) by both FRT and MNS, chickens with a feed restriction of 112 h had higher (P <0.05) mortalities (as total and as by ascites) and leg abnormalities than chickens with a feed restriction of 210 h. Also, chickens supplemented with micronutrients had lower (P <0.05) mortalities than chickens not supplemented. Tibia characteristics (weight, length, density and ash content) were not modified by FRT and MNS. Also, FRT did not affect (P >0.01) Ca and P concentrations, and the Ca:P ratio in tibia. However, both Ca and P, and Ca:P ratio were modified by MNS (PB0.001). Chickens supplemented with micronutrients had lower Ca concentrations and higher P concentrations in tibia than chickens not supplemented. Feed restriction for 210 h and micronutrient supplementation decrease ascites mortality. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
  • The aim of the present study was to compare two feed restriction regimes with two levels of micronutrients on ascites and leg abnormalities in broilers. A complete randomised design within a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments examined the effects of feed restriction and micronutrients on ascites and leg abnormalities presentation. Twelve hundred day old Ross×Peterson chicks were assigned to the following treatments: Feed restriction time, FRT, (112 and 210 h) and micronutrient supplementation, MNS, (%2b and -). Weight gain and feed conversion were not affected (P >0.05) by FRT or MNS. Total mortality, ascites mortality and leg abnormalities were modified (P <0.05) by both FRT and MNS, chickens with a feed restriction of 112 h had higher (P <0.05) mortalities (as total and as by ascites) and leg abnormalities than chickens with a feed restriction of 210 h. Also, chickens supplemented with micronutrients had lower (P <0.05) mortalities than chickens not supplemented. Tibia characteristics (weight, length, density and ash content) were not modified by FRT and MNS. Also, FRT did not affect (P >0.01) Ca and P concentrations, and the Ca:P ratio in tibia. However, both Ca and P, and Ca:P ratio were modified by MNS (PB0.001). Chickens supplemented with micronutrients had lower Ca concentrations and higher P concentrations in tibia than chickens not supplemented. Feed restriction for 210 h and micronutrient supplementation decrease ascites mortality. © 2011 Taylor %26 Francis.

publication date

  • 2011-01-01