EFFECT OF FEEDING TIME ON LAYING PERFORMANCE OF BROILER BREEDERS RAISED UNDER TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A total of 180 Marshal Broiler breeders within age range 40 to 48 weeks were used to investigate the effect of feeding time on laying performance and survivability. The weights of the birds were equalized and divided on the basis of feeding time into three (3) treatments (3, 5 and 7 AM) for an experimental period of 6 weeks with each treatment consisting of 60 birds. Each treatment was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 20 birds per replication. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed feeding time had no significant (p>0.05) influence on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, average egg laid and average egg mass. However, birds fed at 3 and 5 AM recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher (69.19 and 69.83%, respectively) hen-day egg production percentage than 60.55% recorded in birds fed at 7 AM. Mortality rate was significantly lower in birds fed at 3 AM (14.84%) when compared with 36.28 and 25.31% recorded respectively for birds fed at 5 and 7 AM. Hence, feeding broiler breeders at 3 AM is recommended for optimal egg production and higher survivability rate.