ENERGY AND PROTEIN-REQUIREMENTS OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS IN HOT-HUMID CLIMATE

Energy and protein requirements of commercial (IBL-80) broilers were determined under hot-humid conditions in a 3 x 3 factorial design using 20, 22 and 24% protein levels with 2 500, 2 700 and 2900 Kcal ME/kg. Both protein and energy contents of the diet had significant effect on growth rate and food conversion efficiency. The abdominal fat deposition, meat to bone ratio and dressing percentage were influenced by the energy content in the diet. The best interaction effect of protein x energy combination on growth rate and food conversion efficiency was reflected in 22 to 24% protein with 2 900 Kcal ME/kg. However, keeping in view the cost on feed for producing unit live weight, practical feasibility in formulating feed from available ingredients, growth rate and efficiency of food utilization, a 22% protein with 2700 Kcal NE was found optimum. The birds must be send to the market when they attain an average live weight of 1 to 1.3 kg for economical returns.