broiler chicken production and management
TRANSCRIPT
2013
Broiler chicken
production and
Management Light Management for poultry Farm
Dr.M.Muruganandam.
Broiler chicken production
and Management
First Edition -2013
ISBN-978-9982-22-498-7
Publisher and Author
Dr.M.Muruganandam,
Email- [email protected]
Dedicated to
Prof J.P.Arockiam
Preface
This book Broiler chicken
production and management provided in
formations for attain maximum production
through Light management. This book
was prepared based on consolidation of
our ten research articles most of which
were published in various journals. So I
thank to all co-workers, Lab technicians
editors, researchers and all of them. I
sincerely thank to many students who
were assisting in my Lab work time. I
have referred many authors wok during
preparation. I thank to all of them. Finally
I thank to management of St.Xavier’s
college, Palayankottai, South India for
providing necessary facilities for this
work.
M.Muruganandam.
Contents
Light Management
Photoperiod
Colour Light
Feeding Behavior
Geomagnetic Sensitivity
Hematological changes
Serum Cholesterol and Sugar
Green Light
Vitamin Supplement
Alternate Day Feeding
Recommendation
Bibliography
1. Light Management
The poultry industry plays an
important role in the production of poultry
Meat and increases the income of the
developing countries and also provides
employment to people. There are many
strategies used to improve the production
of broiler chicken. Light management is
one of the strategies. Here many
experiments were conducted and findings
were discussed. This book provided in
formations regarding Light management
for better broiler chicken production in
Poultry Farm.
Light management is one of the
important tools for producing heavier
chickens. Dingle reported that chicken
house under constant lighting tend to eat
continuously around the clock and gain
more weight than chickens under other
lighting schedules. Squibb and Collier
also reported that feed efficiency was best
for constant light group than constant dark
group.
The experimental results of Souza
showed that the broiler chicks in dark
house consume less feed than those reared
in natural day light. The photoperiod
mainly influences the physiology of
broilers. There is strong relationship
between light intensity and flesh
production of birds. Already many
workers observed that low intensity light
has positive stimulants on the growth in
chickens.
The photoperiod was also found to
influence on sexual maturity of chickens.
The increased day length was found to
stimulate the sexual maturity and egg
production while the decreased day length
reported decreased sexual maturity and
egg-production. Many researchers have
worked on the colour light influence on
production and breeding of chickens.
According to Foss et al, the chick growth
was significantly stimulated by green light
environment, when compared to other
light environments. He suggested that this
was not accompanied by an increase in
feed intake. Souza also reported green
light increases the growth rate of broilers.
Many researches indicated that the red
light exposed birds showed some
inhibition on growth rate and blue light
environment also had negative influence
on growth.
Souza also observed inhibition of
growth in blue-light environment. In our
laboratory experiments showed green light
exposed broilers attain more weight
compared to other colour light exposed
birds. Based on previous works and our
works, it is concluded that the constant
low intensity green light is suitable for
produce heavier broiler chickens in farm.
2. Photoperiod
The technology development is to
increase the broiler production and is
important to the industry. In this study, an
attempt has been made to study the effect
of lighting regimes on production of
broiler chicken.
Four batches of birds were grown in
four separate compartments with six birds
in each. The I and II batches were exposed
to two white light regimes 12L: 12D and
16L: 8D, Similarly III and IV batches
were exposed to blue-light regimes 12L:
12D and 16L: 8D. In all the birds were
provided same commercial feed with
maximum in take level. The experiment
was conducted for 35 days. These studies
were carried out from 3rd week age
onwards.
At the end of 8th week the birds
receiving white light (16L: 8D) gained
more body weight than the other groups.
Birds receiving white light (16L: 8D)
gained 1145 gm and blue light (16L: 8D)
gained 1048 gm body weight. Table
shows the weekly increasing level of body
weight in different lighting regimes.
At 8th week of age, birds exposed to
white light gained higher body weight
than the blue light exposed birds. Growth
inhibition was observed in blue light
environment, Souza results shows that
increase in photoperiod leads to increase
in body weight. This may be due to
increasing amount of food intake in
chicken house under constant lighting
tends to eat continuously around the clock
and gain more weight than chicken under
other lighting schedules. This study
indicated that better body weight gain
could be achieved by increasing the
photoperiod. On the other hand the gain
was inhibiting by the blue light
environment.
Table-1.The body weight (gm/bird) of broiler chicken
exposed to different lighting regimes. (n=4)
Weeks
White
Light
12L : 12D
White
Light
16L : 8D
Blue
Light
12L : 12D
Blue
Light
16L : 8D
4 421
28.69
484
57.54
408
59.74
484
57.54
5 668
105.31
688
108.74
563
86.55
693
109.96
6 776
137.56
814
88.06
658
122.78
779
104.43
7 873
106.26
955
50.66
808
94.65
933
95.35
8 1013
111.77
1145
60.28
913
105.63
1048
112.95
3. Colour light
In broilers chicken, better body
weight can be achieved by increasing the
photoperiod. It is obvious that photoperiod
influences the physiological activity and
particularly the sexual maturity.
Researchers were experimentally proved
by the increasing day length, stimulate the
sexual maturity and egg production.
Similarly the decreased day length leads
to retarded sexual maturity and egg
production. The present study attempted
to find out the variation in the growth
among the three monochromatic light
sources such as red, green and blue.
In this study Monochromatic lights
of different wave lengths were used.
Broiler chickens were exposed to different
colour light environments such as red,
blue, green and normal control light. Four
groups birds (each 10 birds) were grown
in different compartments in which four
different colour light sources were
provided continuously (one control group
has normal light). Natural light sources
were prevented and allowed the birds to
live in experimental light environments.
The floors of the compartments
were covered with husk as litter. The litter
was stirred daily and replaced once in a
weak. Exhaust fan was fixed in the room
to remove, the ammonia smell in the air.
Each compartment was provided with
feeding troughs and water prepared for
this purpose. Sufficient drinking water
was provided.
Experimental birds were provided
with known quantity of food. The unfed
were collected and weighted to find out
food consumption. Similarly the water
consumption was measured and weights
of the birds were recorded.
Maximum body weight ( 2233 g)
was observed in green light environment
where as the lowest weight (2080 g) was
observed in blue light environment.
Regarding feed intake chicken growth
under blue light showed on increased
intake ( 1845.42g) compared to green
light (1776.71 gm) which was the lowest.
In green light environment weight was
maximum and intake was minimum.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in the
III week was 6.3 in control group. FCR
ratio was nearly same in all the groups.
Surprisingly in the V week, the chicks
under red light had FCR of 4.02% where
as control had only 2.85% FCR. the VI
week had nearly 4% of FCR in all groups.
In the final week (VII week) chicks under
green light environment had only 2.7%
FCR where as all other group had 3.5%
FCR. This indicates that after VII weeks
feed conversion ratio was not
advantageous. Increased weight was
observed in control, blue, and red up to V
week, but maximum weight was observed
in green light only during VII week. Table
shows all the values of growth parameters
at different weeks.
Dingle reported that chicken under
constant lighting tend to eat continuously
and gain more bodyweight. In this work,
24 hrs lighting were provided in all the
treatments during the experiment. Squibb
and Collier also reported that the growth
rates were significantly higher under
constant lighting than constant darkness
schedules and feed efficiency was the best
for constant lighting group and poorest in
constant darkness chicks. Light intensity
plays a major role for positive stimulus on
growth of chicks many researchers
reported this fact. So during these
experiments only low intensity was
provided in all the treatments.
Birds under in green light
environment have less feed intake and
maximum body weight gain were attained.
The feed intake and FCR value were more
or less same in all the treatments.
Table:2 Body weight (gm), feed intake (g) and FCR.
Light
Source
Control Blue Green Red
Third
week
Body
weight
296.8
75.6048
294.5
34.355
288.8
18.498
284.5
17.26
Feed
intake
908.57
56.1036
798.57
48.452
818.57
42.003
782.85
42.51
FCR 6.2746 5.526 6.072 5.908
Fourth
week
Body
weight
751
39.285
695
61.886
732
45.41
744.5
35.34
Feed
intake
1089.28
900.71
981.142
900
9345
93.24 96.799 209.44
FCR 2.398 2.248 2.213 1.956
Fifth
week
Body
weight
1171.5
67.66
1102.5
88.98
1150.5
76.71
1134.5
75.80
Feed
intake
1162.14
212.79
1504.20
229.66
1553.57
175.61
1517.0
225.17
FCR 2.852 3.69 3.712 4.027
Sixth
week
Body
weight
1609.5
104.30
1555
158.90
1590
141.02
1625
75.80
Feed
intake
1824
45.24
1717.42
166.288
1825
66.95
1701.42
55.65
FCR 4.164 3.795 4.243 3.4687
Seventh Body 2111 208 2233 2137
week weight 160.86 117.85 183.002 205.69
Feed
intake
1767.17
96.61
1845.42
133.15
1776.71
97.248
1808.57
65.609
FCR 3.515 3.515 2.763 3.532
4. Feeding Behavior
Many researchers have worked in
the light influence on broiler chicken. In
this attempt different colour light
environment influence on feeding
behavior of the broiler chicken were
studied.
The four compartments with four
different colour lights viz. white (control),
blue, green and red were used for this
study. The 10 lux light intensity was
maintained in all the compartments. Each
compartment contained 12 birds were
maintained and monitored 24 hours
continuously. Light were provided 24
hours. The experiment was conducted five
weeks period of that time behavior was
monitored three times.
The results shows that blue light
exposed animals showed more feeding
behaviors compared to other light
environment (21.91%). but Souza reported
that there was an inhibition of growth in
blue light environment. Minimum
percentage of feeding behavior was
observed in control light (15.91%)
exposed birds. The green (18.33%) and
red light (19.66%) exposed bird showed
more or less same amount of feeding
behavior. The blue light has maximum
influence on feeding behavior as
compared to other light environment.
Table-3. Mean value of feeding behavior at different
colour light environment:
Light Feeding behaviour (%)
Control light (white) 15.91%
Blue 21.91%
Green 18.33%
Red 19.66%
5. Geo Magnetic Sensitivity
For navigation, some animals with
the help of their magnetic sensitivity, they
utilize the Earth’s Magnetic fields. The
magnetic sensitivity is due to the presence
of magnetic materials in biological origin.
Several evidences have strengthened this
concept. The marine magnetic bacterium,
which is found in marine mud,
consistently swims towards northern
direction. Similarly fresh water microbes
exhibit a passive orientation to north.
Electric fishes have the electromagnetic
phenomenon. The fishes, which are act as
a conductor, during swimming through the
earth’s magnetic field and produce
electricity. The electric field directs the
passively drifting fishes on the upstream
and downstream of the ocean current and
may indicate the actual compass direction.
During active swimming the current
produced may indicate the actual compass
direction. The electromagnetic sensing of
fish depends on the high conductivity in
seawater and less in Freshwater.
In land, air provides insulation to
prevent any channel for the return current
and hence this principal may not be
applicable. To perceive the magnetic
compass direction, an entirely different
principal is in land animals. The honey
bees carry in their abdomen, discrete
bodies of ferromagnetic materials
presumably magnetite. This suggests that
their magnetic sense is distinctly different
from the electromagnetic or induced field
sensitivity.
Similarly magnetic material called
magnetite ( 43OFe ) which has been
identified in pigeons.
The homing pigeon use familiar
land marks can find their way home
without the light of the sun on an overcast
day. The normally head in the correct
direction during the period of flight.
However, they become disoriented if
small magnets are attached to heads. In
this attempt the artificial magnetic field
can alter the magnetic sensitivity of the
pigeon. The magnetite is found as small
black structure between the brain and
skull of the pigeon. In newly released
homing pigeons local magnetic anomalies
produce disorientation due to the iron
deposits. More reported that the free
flying natural migrants are also affected
by natural disturbances in the
geomagnetic field. Here this attempt
shows the relationship between
monochromic light and magnetic sense of
broiler chicken.
In this attempt, broiler chickens
were exposed to different colour light
environment such as red, blue, green and
normal control light. Four groups of birds
(each 12 birds) were grown. Four different
colour light source were provided to four
different compartments. In all the
treatment light were provided day and
night continuously. The natural light
sources were prevented and allowed the
birds to live in experimental light
environments. The floors of the
compartments were covered with husk as
litter. To study the direction behavior of
birds, they were monitored for 24 hours
continuously.
Maximum percentage of birds
(76.04%) faced towards north direction in
blue light environment and minimum
number of (57.9%) in control light
environment. Most of the birds were
facing towards north or west only a
small percentage were facing towards
east and south. In red light environment
maximum birds were south facing
(9.37%) compared to other light
environment, the control group has
maximum west facing (29.16%) compared
to other west facing birds of different
colour light environment.
A study on the behavior of broiler
chicken in different colour light
environments showed that the birds
selected northern direction for taking rest.
A maximum of 76% of birds selected
northern direction in blue light
environment which is the positive
influence on the magnetic sensitivity in
the birds. The present study reveals that
the birds in blue light environment
showed an inclination forest facing
northern direction and the other groups
such as red and green light also preferred
that direction.
Table 4: Mean percentage value of birds in
different directions at different monochromic light
environment during 24 hours.
Light Source East
(%)
West
(%)
North
(%)
South
(%)
Control 7.98 29.16 57.98 6.25
Blue light 2.43 15.62 76.04 5.55
Green 3.47 17.70 70.83 3.47
Red 9.3 14.23 67.01 9.37
6. Hematological Changes
Approximately five percentage of
live weight of domestic foul is blood, 75%
of blood is water and 25% are solids, the
red blood cell is small and oval in stage
and contain large nucleus. The
erythrocytes as transporters of which is
the major function and as essential
component of blood. The leucocytes are
larger size and fewer in number than
RBC. Blood parameters such as RBC,
WBC, Hemoglobin content, packed cell
volume & blood clotting time, etc., are
closely related with various factors such
as environmental factors and behavioral
habits, reproductive cycle, sex age,
metabolic activity and spewing period.
Blood parameters are indices of
internal environment of living organisms.
There is a greater importance of blood in
the diagnosis of disease and for medicine.
Total blood cell count and differentiated
count provide useful information for
assessing the physiological and metabolic
changes has been utilized in treatment of
various disorders in domestic animals.
Increased exposure to light may
stimulate the immune system by
increasing numbers of WBC and also
lymphocyte irresponsive on the basis an
attempt has been make on hematological
aspect irresponsible to the effect of light
influence.
In this study, there are four
compartments, each compartments
contains ten birds for rearing. Different
light sources such as white light (control)
blue, green and red light were provided
day and night under the lighting treatment
the hematological changes, were studied.
For the blood collection the large
bronchial vein in the elbow region was
placed gently using a 2 ml disposable
syringe without damage. These studied
were carried out from 4th week onwards.
The blood was sample up 0.5 mark
of RBC pipette. Before clotting, it was
immediately transferred to the Hoem’s
solution and was sucked up to the level of
10/mark of the pipette. The solution was
mixed well by constant rotation; one drop
of this diluted solution was placed in the
Newbauer double ruled containing
chamber. About 3 minutes time was
allowed for the corpuscles to settle. The
number of erythrocytes in so small at the
four corners and are of 16 at the centre
was counted. This total number was
multiplied by 10,000 to give the total
number of cells in 100 ml of blood. The
total WBC count was followed by Hesser.
For the differential count of WBC,
first blood was directly collected on a
clean slide and quickly smeared, air dried
and stained in wrigh’t stain. Differential
blood Count (DC) was performed after
straining the slides with wright’s stain
shall haemometer was used to determine
the haemoglobin estimation was followed
by method samuel.
The results shows that a gradual
increase of RBC count in all groups from
4th week to 8th week. Among these groups
green light showed en elevated rate 3.7
0.1 million cells/ 3mm while the least value
was 3.2 0.2 million cells/ 3mm in blue
light . The trend for WBC count showed a
similar procedure to that of RBC in all
groups had a gradual increase between 4th
and 8th week. Highest count was observed
in green light environment 25166.6 288
cells/ 3mm . The lowest count was in blue
light 2166.5 1040 cells/ 3mm .
The lymphocytes were observed in
large numbers in all groups. A maximum
level was observed in red light
environment (80.3 5%) where as in
blue environment the count was 76.9
0.5. heterophil percentage was high in
blue light environment 14 7%. the
lowest value was in green light 106 1%
one interesting observation is this was in
the 4th week values in all groups were
higher than 8th week .
The percentage of basophile was
low in all groups, maximum was observed
in red and green light environment 2 0/
Eosinophil percentage showed a peculiar
trend of having maximum in control 7.3
1.1. Among experimental groups red
showed elevated level of 6.3 0.5% and
lowest was observed in blue light
macrophage percentage was high in green
light and blue light, red light showed
lowest value of 1.3 0.5. The
hemoglobin percentage at the end of the
8th week was around 10.5% in all the
groups where as between 4th and 8th week
a clear variation was observed.
Blood parameters such as RBC,
WBC, hemoglobin percentage, packed
cell volume indices erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, blood clotting time
etc., have been altered by various factors.
Souza reported that increased
exposure of light may be stimulated
immune system by increasing the number
of WBC. The lymphocytes basophiles and
Eosinophils numbers were also
significantly higher in 16L: 8D exposed
birds, which were observed by
Pennsylvania state university. Not only
the increasing photo period, but also
monochromic light can influence the
blood constituents. But this present
observation showed more WBC’s content
observed in green light exposed birds. The
differential count of WBC’s was not much
difference in all treatments. In
lymphocytes, there was increasing trend in
all treatments except control light. At the
lymphocytes were observed in all the
treatments. In the case of eosinophils, up
to 7th week, there was a increasing trend
except in red light. In the red light 6th
week had more number of Eosinophil.
After that they decreased in number. So
this observation confirmed, that the colour
light influence the physiology of birds and
the green light some positive influence on
leukocyte production.
Table:5 Total RBC Count (millions cells/3mm ) in
different colour light environment.
Light 4th
week
5th
week
6th
week
7th
week
8th
week
Control 1.4
0.05
2.1
0.1
2.2
0.15
3.4
0.1
3.5
0.05
Red 1.4
0.05
2.1
0.15
2.24
0.19
3.0
0.11
3.5
0.15
Green 1.9
0.15
2.25
0.05
2.3
0.05
3.2
0.11
3.7
0.11
Blue 1.9
0.1
2.25
0.1
2.7
0.15
3.0
0.05
3.2
0.2
Table:6 Total WBC Count (cells/mm) at different colour
light environment.
Light
Sourc
e
4th
week
5th
week
6th
week
7th
week
8th
week
Contro
l
133.33
233.6
14166.
6
288.6
17666.
6
1040.8
23666.6
577.3
24000
500
Red 18666.
6
577.3
19000
1000
20000
500
22500
500
24333.3
288.6
Green 16666.
6
577.3
17500
500
18000
500
208333.
3
763
275166.
6
288.6
Blue 14833.
3 3
17000
500
18000
500
20666.6
208.6
21166.6
1040.8
Table: 7 Hemoglobin content (g%) at different
colour light treatment.
Ligh
t
4th
week
5th
week
6th
week
7th
week
8th
week
Cont
rol
6 0.
1
6.9
0.3
8.3
0.1
9.7 0
.05
10.3
0.2
Red 8.5
0.05
9 0.
2
9.06
0.1
9.4 0
.15
10.6
0.28
Gree
n
8 0.
1
8.6
0.05
8.7
0.1
9.8 0
.1
10.6
0.2
Blue 8 0.
11
8.2
0.15
8.7
0.05
9.06
0.11
9.65
0.4
7. Serum Cholesterol and sugar
Many researchers studied the
relationship between serum components
of broilers with related to exogenous and
endogenous factors. Kendu et al reported
that the ESR, cholesterol, protein and
calcium concentrations were found to be
higher in females than male chicks. Stukie
reported 20% fall in the blood glucose
level in intake cocks following 24 hours
of starvation. Normal cockerels generally
respond to fasting with the increase in
plasma free fatty acids and decrease in
blood glucose. In this attempt, the
relationship between the colour light
influence on blood sugar and cholesterol
of the chicks was evaluated.
Broiler chicks were reared in four
separate compartments. Each
compartment has ten birds and provided
with different colour light such as green,
red, blue and white (control) in (24 hours).
The blood was collected from the large
bronchial vein in the elbow region. At the
end of the experiment, serum sugar and
cholesterol were estimated. Three week
old age broiler chicks were uses in this
study. The light exposed up to five weeks.
Blood sugar depends on many
physiological factors. In this experiment
lesser amounts of sugar were recorded in
green light exposed birds. . The control
and the red light exposed birds had
highest level in blood sugars. The green
light exposed birds has lesser sugar when
compared to red and control light. So it
indicates that green light exposed birds in
active physiological condition.
Cholesterol is a basic lipoprotein
component in serum in which the level is
based on many factors. Here control
(white light) and red light exposed birds
had highest level of cholesterol. Our
previous studies show the green light
exposed birds attained maximum growth
compared to all other treatments. Further,
the green light exposed birds have lower
level of cholesterol and sugar compared to
red light environment. It indicates that
they are in stress free environment and
good health condition.
Table-9 Serum sugar (mg) of different colour light
exposed birds.
1. Control 120
2. Red light 113
3. Green light 105
4. Blue light 108
Table-10 Serum-cholesterol level (mg) of different
colour light exposed birds.
1. Control 100
2. Red light 100
3. Green light 91
4. Blue light 65
8. Green light
The chicken growth was stimulated
by green light environment when
compared to other light environment. This
was not accompanied by an increase in
feed intake. Research was conducted at
our lab St. Xavier’s college, confirmed
that green light environment stimulate
growth of broiler chicks. In this study, the
effect of green light intensity on growth
performance of broiler chicks was studied.
Four different green light intensities
were tested to I, II, III and IV batches
were exposed to 10, 20, 30 and 40 lux of
light intensity respectively. The birds were
provided with known quantity of feed and
water. Locally available commercial feed
were used in all batches. Initially 52 gram
weight chicks were introduced in all the
batches. The chicken was weighed ones in
a week. The intensity of light was
measured by using the lux meter. The
light was exposed at 2 feet above the lux
meter.
The performance of birds during
period was evaluated in terms of weight
gain and feed intake. The experiment was
conducted for 6 weeks from the day old
chick stage. At the 6th week of age birds,
receiving 10 lux intensity of light resulted
in a higher body weight than the birds
receiving 20 lux light intensity. The
significant result was also noted in the 1,3
and 5th week of age. At the end of the 6th
week, the body weight for I, II, III, and IV
batch of birds were 932 gm, 850 gm, 810
gm and 696.97 gm respectively. The batch
receiving 40 lux intensity shared poor
performance than other batches. The birds
exposed to 20 lux and 30 lux light
intensity showed slightly better
performance.
The weight gain of I, II, III and IV
batch were respectively 850 gm, 798 gm,
758 gm and 641.37 gm. The production
was more in the I-batch and least in the IV
batch. Table shows weight of broiler
exposed to different intensities of green
light. The cumulative feed intake for I, II,
III and IV batch of birds were 2752 gm,
2650.93 gm, 2718.9 gm and 2251.2 gm
respectively. Birds receiving 10 lux and
30 lux light consumed significantly more
feed compared to another batch and less
feed intake was recorded in the batch
receiving 40 lux light intensity. The total
water consumption for 42 days were
7103.20 ml, 11604.6 ml, 10890.1 ml and
9168.6 ml of I, II, III and IV batch
respectively. The birds exposed to higher
light intensity consumed more water than
I-batch less water consumption was
recorded in the batch receiving 10 lux
intensity. Table shows feed intake and
water consumption of broilers exposed to
different intensities of green light.
This study shows that at the lower
intensity (10 lux) of light the broilers
gained more body weight than the higher
intensities of light. These findings were in
agreement with previous researchers.
They found out the broilers exposed to 20
lux and 15 lux gained 1670 gm and 1717
gm respectively. At the 6th week of age
birds received 10 lux light intensity
resulted in a higher body weight gain than
birds receiving 20 lux light intensity. Low
body weight was reported in the batch
receiving 40 lux light intensity. The
results well agreed with earlier findings.
Low intensity lighting tends to produce
heavier chickens reported by many
researchers.
Green house reported that for
greater economy the light intensity could
be kept to a minimum. In this study the
birds were gain continuous light to
increase the feed intake. The cumulative
feed intake was more in the 10 lux
intensity exposed birds. Squibb and
Collier reported that growth rates were
significantly higher under constant
lighting (L:L) and constant darkness
(D:D). Schedules and feeding efficiency
was best for L:L group and poorest in the
D:D chicks. The lesser water consumption
noticed in the batch receiving 10 lux
intensity. At higher intensity the water
consumption was more. This study
indicates that the birds grown in green
light environment at a lower intensity (10
lux) give more body weight than any other
environment. The production also better
than the other groups.
Table-11 shows Feed intake, water consumption and
body weight gain of broiler chick exposed to different
intensities of green light
Light
Intensity
(lux)
Duration-
(week)
Total
Feed
intake
(gm)
Total water
consumption
(ml)
10 0-6 2752.52 7103.20
20 0-6 2650.3 11604.6
30 0-6 2718.9 10890.1
40 0-6 2251.2 9168.6
9. Vitamin Supplement
Folic acid is water soluble vitamin
which is easy to destroy by heat and
sunlight. Folic acid is required for normal
cell formation and it is involved as a
coenzyme in one carbon transfer
mechanism. In the presence of ascorbic
acid, Folic acid is involved in
homocysteine, synthesis, histidine
synthesis and pyrimidine synthesis for
base nucleotides of DNA and RNA.
The conversion of folic acid to
folanic acid requires vitamin c for active
coenzyme form. It is required for the
synthesis of nucleic acid. Folic acid is also
necessary for normal cell division and
multiplication. Supplementation of
ascorbic acid and folic acid induce the
nucleic acid synthesis and cell division.
The role of vitamin C in cellular
physiology is not completely known. It is
clear that ascorbic acid is necessary for
the production and maintenance of
intracellular substance involved in wound
repair. Ascorbic acid also involved in
maturation of erythrocytes for
maintenance of normal blood hematology.
Ascorbic acid also plays a major role
synergistically with vitamin E and it is
also involved in the maintenance of
intracellular antioxidants and free radicals
traps. It also acts with vitamin E and
selenium to maintain activity glutathione
peroxides and superoxidase dismutase. In
this attempt, influence on different levels
of supplementary ascorbic acid and folic
acid on growth and behaviors of broiler
chicks were recorded.
The chicks of vencob strain were
purchased from local commercial hatchery
in Tirunelveli, Sound India and they were
given glucose water to overcome in
journey tiredness. Vitamin B complex
liquid was given to chicks along with
water. The brooding chicks were not
directly released on paddy husk mainly to
avoid excess consumption of fibrous stuff,
so the chicks were stocked in brooder pan
and vaccinated with F vaccine through
eyes and nostrils 7th day to prevent rickets
diseases.
The brooder pan was 30 cm height
and 50 cm length and breadth. The floor
was converted by paper. Light and heat
was provided with 60 watt bulb. The
temperature of brooder pan was regulated
with the help of thermometer. After
acclimatization the chicks were
transferred to experimental compartments.
The housing was divided into six
compartments of 0.9 m length, 0.5 m
breadth and 0.5 m height. Each
compartment was divided by the
cardboards. The floor of the compartment
was covered with paddy husk. The litter
was stirred daily and replaced once in a
week to avoid its contamination. Each
compartment was provided with feeding
and water.
The chicks were provided with
locally available commercial poultry feed
with different supplementary level of
ascorbic acid and folic acid. The feed
consumption and the vitamin
supplementation is given in table.
Every week all the chicks were
weighed water intake and feed intake were
also recorded. The increase in weight,
FCR and SGR were calculated. To study
the behavior of birds’ activities were
monitored continuously for 24 hrs. In the
behavior feeding, drinking, standing,
moving, patting and rest attempts were
recorded.
The maximum weight was observed
in 25mg/kg of folic acid and 300 mg/kg of
ascorbic acid supplementary treatment.
The increased body weight was observed
in the above said treatment. Maximum
feed intake and water intake were also
observed in this diet, the water intake
gradually increased in all the treatment
groups. The minimum weight was
observed in which 5 mg folic acid and 300
mg ascorbic acid was added.
The water intake of first second and
third diet increased up to 5th week, but in
the 6th week water intake was decreased.
The 4th, 5th and 6th diet showed increased
water intake up to 6th week.
The highest FCR value was
observed in 3rd and control diet. The 3rd
diet had 5 mg folic acid and 300 mg
ascorbic acid supplementation. The FCR
value of first and second diet increased in
ascending orders.
The maximum SGR (31.498) value
was observed in 6th diet. Third and fourth
diet had more or less the same SGR
values. The minimum SGR values were
observed in 5th diet. The SGR values of 5th
diet gradually increases up to 5th week and
suddenly decreased in 6th week. Figure
3.12 show all the growth parameters of
different level of ascorbic acid and folic
acid fed broiler chicks.
Table shows mean value of all the
behavior observed in different diet groups.
The minimum feeding attempt (4.16%),
drinking attempt (5.08%), standing
behavior (20.35%) and patting behavior
(2.8%) were observed in 3rd diet
maximum feeding attempt (17.73%)
observed in 5th diet and drinking attempt
(15.73%) observed in 4th diet. The 6th diet
has minimum moving behavior was more
other diet groups.
The feed ingredients generally
provided enough folic acid to the broilers.
But 1-1.5 mg/kg folic acid
supplementation was recommended by the
Roche scientific corporation for better
growth and survival. Folic acid plays an
important role in cell division and also
involved in the pyrimidine synthesis for
the base of nucleotides, DNA and RNA.
The maximum growth was
observed in 6th diet which had 25 mg folic
acid and 300 mg ascorbic acid per kg
supplementation.The higher concentration
leads to more interaction of both vitamins
and growth was increased. In this
experiment, water intake (3245 ml) and
feed intake (1288 g) was higher amount
compared to other treatments. This
supplementary folic acid 25 mg/kg and
ascorbic acid 300 mg/kg can be
recommended to farmers. Normal growth
for broiler is 7 weeks but in this attempt
growth was advanced in one week.
The environmental factors can alter
the behavior of birds. The present dietary
supplementation of folic acid and ascorbic
acid showed altered behaviors. The
changes observed in the behaviour pattern
are based on the level of supplementary
vitamin provided in the experimental diet.
In 6th diet vitamin provided in the
experimental diet. In 6th diet with 300 mg
vitamin c/25 mg folic acid has influenced
the body weight, feed intake and patting
behaviors where as it reduced the
alertness, drinking water behavior and
moving behavior. Birds in the third diet
300 mg vitamin c/5 mg folic acid showed
a different pattern in the rest and alertness
were maximum where as the minimum in
body weight, feed intake, feeding
behavior, patting behavior, drinking
behavior and water intake.
Table-12 Feed formulation for experimental broiler
chicks
S.No. Ingredients Starter
feed (kg)
Finisher
feed (kg)
1. Maize 300 340
2. White Jouver 70 70
3. Cambu 70 70
4. Broken rice/wheat 80 100
5. Sunflowers oil cake 100 100
6 Deoiled G.N.C. 100 80
7. Seyabean meal 160 130
8. Dry fish 95 85
9. Mineral mixture 25 25
10. Ultra proplus 500-750 gm 500 to 750
gm
11. Common Salt - 50gm
12. Ultracil/ UTPP 250 gm 250 gm
13. Live fit-vit 150 gm 200 gm
Table-1 (a) Supplementary vitamins in test diet
Vitamins 1 2 3 4 5 6
Vitamin C (mg) 0 150 300 0 150 300
Folic acid (mg) 5 5 5 25 25 25
Table-13Feeding attempt, Drinking Behavior, moving
behavior, Resting chicks and Alertness in Broiler
Chicks fed with Ascorbic acid and Folic acid
S.N
O
Dietvit
e/ folic
acid
(mg)
1.
Feeding
(%)
2.
Driki
ng
3.
Pathi
ng
4. Moving
1. 0/5 9.25 7.4 7.4 12.95
2. 150/5 10.64 6.01 5.09 9.85
3. 300/5 4.16 5.08 2.8 9.25
4. 0/25 10.18 15.73 6.10 11.56
5. 150/25 17.73 6.94 8.32 12.06
6. 300/25 13.41 5.55 8.78 6.0
Table-14 Feed intake of Broiler chicks provided with
Ascorbic acid and Folic acid supplementation.
S.No
.
Diet vit-E /
Folic acid
supplementatio
n (mg)
I
week
II
week
III
week
IV
week
1. 0/5 284.
6
537 716.
5
993.6
2. 150/5 398.
6
554.
2
730.
8
1007.
6
3. 300/5 524,
4
524,
2
697.
2
980.2
4. 0/25 474.
0
530.
3
697.
3
996.1
5. 150/25 496.
2
544.
8
693.
3
989.7
6. 300/25 404.
5
722.
8
950 1288
Table-15 Water intake (ml) of the broiler chicks
(Ascorbic acid and Folic acid supplementation diets)
S.No. Vitamin
/
Folic
acid
(mg)
1st
week
2nd
week
3rd
week
4th
week
1. 0/5 999.4 2305.5 2611.1 2594
2 150/5 983.3 2205.5 2611.1 2511
3. 300/5 927.7 1147.7 2561.1 2422
4. 0/25 956.6 1416.6 2438.8 2594.4
5. 150/25 1050 1622.2 2488.8 2559.5
6. 300/25 1176.6 2600 2380 3245
Table-16 Body weight (gms) of the broiler chicks (Ascorbic acid and Folic acid supplemented diets)
S.No. Vitamin
C /
folic
acid
(mg)
Initial 1st
week
2nd
week
3rd
week
4th
week
1. 0/5 206.2 472.7 798.8 1240 1734.4
2. 150/5 208.8 492.2 823.3 1278.8 1856.3
3. 300/5 196 495.45 820 1227.6 1667.7
4. 0/25 201.2 490.5 811.1 10512 1703.3
5. 150/25 209.7 483.3 808.3 1175.5 1843.3
6. 300/25 225.8 368.3 945 1366.6 2047.8
Table-17.FCR (%) Value for the broiler chicken
S.No. Diet (Vit-C
/ Folic
acid)
(mg)
Initial 1st
week
2nd
week
3rd
week
1. 0/5 1.0678 1.6467 1.6241 2.0098
2. 150/5 1.5517 1.6778 1.6406 1.7448
3. 300/5 1.7410 1.6184 1.7105 2.2272
4. 0/25 1.6784 1.6541 1.9554 1.8611
5. 150/25 1.8136 1.6740 1.8907 1.4821
6. 300/25 1.892 1,2533 2,2533 1.8907
Table-18 SGR (%) Value for the broiler chicken
S.No. Diet ( Vit-C
/ Folic acid)
(mg)
1st week 2nd week 3rd week
1. 0/5 11.8516 19.3466 25.6288
2. 150/5 12.2501 19.5991 25.8900
3. 300/5 13.2493 20.4455 26.2100
4. 0/25 12.2303 19.9155 25.1249
5. 150/25 11.9279 12.6625 31.0519
6. 300/25 6.9892 20.3747 25.7204
10. Alternative Day Feeding on Growth
performance
The several methods of feed
restriction programs were employed by
many researchers which may classified as
(1) Limited time feeding in which pullets
have access to fed for a limited number of
hours per day. (2) Quantitative feed
restriction in which pullets are allowed to
consume a fraction of what a control
group receives and (3) Nutrient restriction
like energy, protein or essential amino
acids. One advantage of the programmes
and 2 over nutrient restriction programme
is that a special feed formulation is not
necessary. However some researchers
observed that limited time feeding was not
an effective method of feed restriction.
We have report that limited time feeding
or skip a day feeding had no Economic
over libitum fed birds.
In this attempt, two batches birds
were experimented. The I batch as fed
regularly (control) and II batch was fed in
alternate days. The experiment was
conducted for 42 days. The amount of
feed intake and water consumption was
quantified regularly. The birds were
weighted once in a week. Each batch
consisted of six birds. The performance of
birds during growth period was evaluation
interms of weight, feed intake and
production.
Birds, which were fed daily gained
significantly, better at the 5th week of age
than the alternate day fed birds. At the 2nd
and 6th week of age, the daily fed birds
gained significantly, better than the
alternate day fed birds. At the end of 6th
week, the mean body weight for control
(daily fed) and alternate day fed birds
were 795g and 675g respectively. Table
shows mean body weight of daily
(control) and alternate day fed birds.
Total feed intake for control and
alternate day fed birds were 2545.16 g and
2222.67 g respectively more fed intakes
was recorded at the 1,2 and 5th week of
age in alternate day fed birds. However, at
the 6th week of age more feed intake was
recorded in the control group. But in the
alternate day fed group the consumption
of water was significantly more (7002.4
ml) than the control group (6017.95 ml)
significant differences in the consumption
of water from 1-6 week were notified.
Total production for control and
alternate day fed birds were 743 g and 623
g respectively. Better production was
observed in control group and more
production was recorded at the 5th week of
age in it. Similarly in alternate day fed
birds more production was noticed (161 g)
at 5th week of age. Table shows feed
intake, water consumption and production
of daily and alternate day fed birds.
The alternate day feeding had no
economic advantage over the adlibitum
fed birds. In the results it is clear that the
fed intake was more in the alternate day
fed birds than the control group. But there
was no increase of production in the
alternate day fed birds. Alternate day
feeding was found to depress body
weight, but it increased the feed intake
and it also increased the water
consumption. The skip a day feeding was
also shown by Reddy and Eswaraiah.
They found that growers which were
given ad-libitum feed or any of the low
protein diets from 7.20 weeks gained
significantly better than those given
limited feeding or skip or day feeding. It
was also reported that the efficiency of
feed utilization in full fed birds was
significantly better than limited time
feeding or skip a day feeding programme.
Similarly the production was less in
the alternate day fed birds. Lee et al
observed that limited feeding was not an
effective method of fed restriction. The
ultimate value of any feed restriction
programme for poultry producer, however
it’s efficient on economic returns.
Although a considerable amount of work
has been with feed restriction, the results
have been conflicting. The reason for
these conflicts may be related to different
in strain used, the level of restriction or
the method of restriction employed, recent
increases in fed costs have resulted in the
renew interest in feed restriction.
Table-19 Mean body weight (g/birds) of control and
alternate day fed birds
Week Control Alternate day fed
birds
1. 67 7.64 70 7.22
2. 151.2 28.86 199 17.48
3. 284 35.23 235 43.6
4. 465 50 399 65.98
5. 689 50.63 560 101.78
6. 795 106.2 675 36.05
Table-20 Feed intake, water consumption and
production of daily and alternate day fed birds.
Mode of
Feeding
Wee
k
Feedin
g
intake
Water
consumptio
n
Productio
n
Daily
(control)
1. 101.83 203.34 15
2. 269.15 375.84 84.2
3. 426.84 761.67 132.8
4. 532.84 1358.3 181
5. 577.5 1680.1 224
6. 637 1638.7 106
Total 2545.16 6017.95 743
Alternat
e day fed
1. 203.67
(days)
316.7 18
2. 274.17
(3 days)
507.5 49
3. 416
( 4
days)
900.7 136
birds 4. 321.67
(4 days)
1657.5 144
5. 579.16
(4 days)
1715.8 161
6. 428
(3 days)
1904.2 115
Total 222.67 7002.4 623
Recommendation
Increased photoperiod in poultry farm
leads to more production.
It may be due to increasing amount of
food intake in chicken under constant
light.
Birds under green light environment
have less feed intake but attain higher
body weight. The low intensity green
light (10 lux) gives better performance
in growth compared to other higher
intensity green lights.
Green light environment produce
stress free condition to birds and also
induce less WBC production i.e., gives
more strength to immune system.
Blue light environment inhibit the
growth and weight gain of the birds.
So low intensity green light produce
more growth and strengthen immune
system ,It is recommended to poultry
Farms.
Folic acid 25 mg with 300 mg vitamin
c /feed supplementation in feed induce
higher growth rate without any side
effects. It is also recommended.
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About the Author
Dr.M.Muruganandam is working
in Einsteein Bio-Engineering Research
Foundation. He is an Editor of African
journal of Biotechnology and
International journal of Medicine and
Biomedical Research. He is also
Reviewer and Editorial board member in
Various National and International
journals.
ISBN-978-9982-22-498-7