Effect of chick weight, geometric mean diameter and sodium level in prestarter diets (1 to 7 days) on broiler perfomance up to 21 days of age

Abstract

Seven hundred and twenty Ross 308 chicks were raised in a controlled environment room, distributed in a factorial design with 3 hatching chick weights (37, 40 and 44 g), 3 geometric mean diameter (GMD) (0.561; 0.783 and 0.997 mm) and 4 total sodium levels (Na) (0.12; 0.24; 0.36 and 0.48%) in the pre-starter diet (1 to 7 days). From 8 to 21 days (d) one single basal diet was used for all treatments. The thirty seven-gram chicks had the smallest yolk sack weight at 4d, smallest body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) at 7d and 21d, but the same feed conversion (FC) than the other groups of hatching weight. Chicks receiving diet with intermediate GMD had the greatest BW and FI at 7d, but at 21d this effect was no longer seen. The diet with finest particle size resulted in birds with the smallest gizzard weight at 7d. The 0.12%Na diet was statistically different from the other Na levels, resulting in chicks at 7d with the worst FC and lowest body weights. At 21d, BW still was the lowest for this group of chicks. Birds with 0.48%Na produced more watery excreta and less dry matter in the carcass at 7d. Water consumption (C H2O) was influenced linearly by chick weight up to 0.36%Na level. In the 0.48%Na level, 40 and 44 g chicks had similar C H2O, which was different from 37-g chicks. For best performance, Na values were set from 0.31 to 0.48%. The three studied factors influenced quality of pre-starter diet and consequently chick performance

Effect of Particle Size of Starter Diet on Broiler Chicken Performance

“…This effect can be related to the feed physical form, but also to the type of production envisaged. In the present study, the improvement observed in BW and FCR at 7 days of age was also reported by Ribeiro et al (2004) with feed particle size close to 0.8 mm. Similarly, Mingbin et al (2015) found feeding medium or coarse particle size diets caused a significant increase in broiler average daily gain and average daily feed intake during the starter phase.…”

“…Particle size of diet may have an impact on feed consumption and ingredient digestion as a result of changes in gastrointestinal tract structure and digestive secretions (Ribeiro et al 2004). In the current study, no marked effect of FI on the overall period was noted (P>0.05).…”

“…For the first week of life, Ribeiro et al (2004) suggested a maximum GMD limit; particles larger than 0.80 mm may reduce bird feed intake. In the same line, Nir et al (1994b) found a preference for intermediate particle size (between 0.64 mm and 1.4 mm) during the first week of life, followed by a preference for particles larger than 1.14 mm at 21 days.…”

Electrolytes, dietary electrolyte balance and salts in broilers: an updated review on growth performance, water intake and litter quality

“…Maiorka et al (2004) observed a quadratic response for increasing Na levels (from 0.10 to 0.46%) in pre-starter diets on body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), FI and water consumption. Ribeiro et al (2004) suggested a wide range of Na levels, from 0.31 to 0.48%, in pre-starter diets for optimum performance. These results were similar to the earlier findings of Vieira et al (2003) who reported 0.38% and 0.40% Na for BWG and FCR respectively, for the first seven days of age.…”

The effects of inclusion level and source of sodium in diets for growing turkeys. A review

“…According to some authors (Maiorka et al, 2004;Ribeiro et al, 2004), a higher Na level (over 0.40%) is optimal for water consumption, feed intake and body weight gain. Koreleski et al (2010) and Jankowski et al (2011b) recommend a lower Na level, 0.15% and 0.12%-0.17%, respectively, for starter diets, and 0.12%-0.16% and 0.11%, respectively, for finisher diets.…”