Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
An International Journal
The present study, entitled "Effect of different types of litter material on the performance and carcass yield of broiler chicken," was conducted with 120-day-old, straight-run broiler chicks (Cobb-400), which were assigned to four types of litter material, namely; paddy husk (T1), sawdust (T2), wood shavings (T3) and chopped paddy straw (T4) and reared under standard management practices. After the completion of 21 days, each group was replicated five times in a Completely Randomized Design. Statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of litter types on final body weight and feed conversion efficiency. Body weight was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups T2, T3 and T4 as compared to T1 reared on chopped paddy straw. The best FCE was observed in groups reared on sawdust and wood shavings. Weight gain and feed intake were unaffected by different types of litter. Numerically, the highest live ability (100%) and best performance index, higher carcass yield, and dressing percentage were observed in birds reared on wood shavings. The interaction of litter type and days had a significant effect on pH, moisture per cent and bulk density over time. The least cost of production, higher net profit, and benefit-cost ratio were observed in group T3. Hence, it was concluded that birds reared on wood shavings (T3) performed better in terms of body weight, feed efficiency, live ability, performance index, carcass traits, net profit, and benefit-cost ratio as compared to those reared on other litter materials. Based on the above findings, wood shavings may be considered a viable unconventional litter material for optimum broiler production.
Research Article | Published online : 03-Oct-2023