Efecto de diferentes niveles de proteina en la dieta de pollos de engorde sobre su rendimiento biológico y económico (ING)

Abstract

160 unsexed, one-day-old, Indian River chicks were distributed in a complete randomized design to determine the adequate economical and biological protein level using domestic local feedstuffs to balance their starting and finishing diets. In the starting period (0-4 weeks) the protein levels were 18, 20, 22 and 24% while in the finishing period (5-7 weeks) 14, 16, 18 and 20%.

The group fed with the lowest protein level during the starting period was also fed with the lowest protein level in the second period. In both periods the diets were isocaloric (3000 kcal EM/Kg diet). Water and feed were offered ad libitum.
Feed intake (g/10 birds/day) weight gain (g/10 birds/day)and feed conversion were evaluated. There were significant statistical differences (P≤0,05) for feed intake during both periods. In the starting period, the birds fed the lowest protein level showed the lowest intake. In the finishing period, the 14, 16 and 20% protein levels showed significant differences among them, and feed intake increased as the protein level did.
As for weight gain, significant statistical differences (P≤0,05) were found among all treatments during the starting period. In the second period, only the 18 and 20% protein levels did not differ significantly.
Feed conversion showed a similar pattern in both periods. However, the only significant difference found was between the two lowest and the two highest protein levels. 
The economic analysis showed that the higher economic yield is not reached getting high net profits but getting high net profits at a low cost.