title: Effect of previous diet on feed intake and body weight gain of broiler and Leghorn chicks.
abstract: An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of previous diet on feed intake and weight gain, in the subsequent period, for broiler and Leghorn cockerels. Three dietary treatments, consisting of 20% protein and either 2400, 2800, or 3200 kcal Me/kg, were fed in combinations consisting of three, 2-week periods, with nine combinations in all. The experimental design was balanced for residual effects, and period weight gains and feed intake were determined. Analysis of the data by period indicated that treatments by residual interactions were confined to the final period. Therefore, it was concluded that diets fed in the previous two periods may be acting in combination to effect weight gain and feed intake in the final period. Examination of the pooled period data indicated that for optimum performance, broilers required a dietary regimen consisting of increased calorie-to-protein ratios with time while Leghorns required lower calorie-to-protein ratios. Type differences were also observed in the ability to adapt to high protein, low intakes: Leghorns grew optimally but body weight gain for broilers was reduced with such a feeding program.
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins