Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Divya V, Sankaralingam S and Anitha P

Abstract:
This study was undertaken at University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala to investigate the effects of varying levels of dietary protein and energy on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Gramasree male birds reared from 0-12 weeks of age. 288 day-old Gramasree male chicks were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments in a 3x2 factorial experiment with three levels of dietary proteins (22, 20 and 18 percent CP) and two levels of energy (3100 and 2800 kcal ME/ kg). At the end of 12weeks of age, the mean cumulative body weight gain and cumulative feed consumption was significantly (p≤0.05) higher in birds fed with diet containing 20 percent CP and 2800 kcal ME/ kg. The birds fed with higher protein diets (22 and 20% CP) showed significantly (p≤0.05) higher body weight gain. The birds fed with 2800 kcal ME/ kg had significantly (p≤0.05) higher feed consumption. Among different protein levels, significantly (p≤0.01) better cumulative FCR was observed in birds fed with diet containing 22 and 20 percent CP. Significantly (p≤0.01) better cumulative FCR was observed in diet containing 3100 kcal ME/ kg. In conclusion, protein level in the diet at 20 percent CP and energy level at 3100 kcal ME/ kg were met the growth requirement of Gramasree cockerels.