Authors: O. M. Sogunle, A. Q. Owolabi, N. A. Olaniyi, A. O.Fanimo
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 2010 Nigerian Society for Animal Production
Abstract
A total of one hundred and fifty, a day-old keets were used in an experiment arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the aim of determining the effect offeed particle size on the
performance of the keets. The keets were randomly divided into three treatment groups viz; 1, 2 and 3mm particle sizes having 45 keels each. These were further subdivided into three replications of 15 keets per replicate. The keets were reared for 56 days post 21days of brooding. They were fed and watered ad libitum. Data collected were subjected to One-Way Analysis of Variance. The proximate composition of the feed particle sizes were statistically similar (P>O. 05) in contents. The results obtained revealed significant (P<0. 05) differences in all the parameters considered with the exception of the initial weight. The keels on Zmm feed particle size had the highest final weight of 1529.73 ± 8.74g/bird; the highest weight gain of26. 85 ± 0.16glbird/day; the highest feed intake of 44.50 ± 0.54glbirdlday; the best feed: gain of 1.66 ± O.03 and the best protein efficiency ratio of 3.10 ± 0.05. The highest mortality of33.33 ± 0.00% (11 = 15) was recorded in keetsfed Bmmfeed panicle size. The
results showed that birds fed 2mmfeed particle size depicted potential for efficient utilization
ojjeed which is related to the fine texture of the feed Hence, it could be concluded that keels
up to 11weeks of age call be managed effectively on feed particle size 2mm.