H.B. Yusuf, J.A. Olusiyi, M.M. Yahya and A.I. Abdullahi
Objective: This study aimed to determine the appropriate ratio of energy and protein to maintain optimal growth of pullet chicks that will lead to optimum layer performance. Materials and Methods: A total of 270 day-old chicks (Isa Brown), were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3×3 factorial arrangement forming 9 treatments with 30 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times. The chicks were fed diets containing 3 energy (2500, 2700 and 2900 ME (kcal kg1) and 3 crude protein (CP) levels (18, 20 and 22%) from 2-7 weeks of age. Results: Feed intake of chicks increased with increase in E:P-ratio (from 124.97-139.60 g bird1 week1) while at 20 and 22% CP, feed intake of chicks decreased with increase in E:P-ratio. Body weight gain increased with increase in protein levels at the three energy levels. Birds fed on 2500, 2700 and 2900 ME kcal kg1 showed increased body weight gain (281.17-524.17 g, 282.50-325.83 g and 362.00-492.33 g, respectively) with increment in CP levels from 18, 20 and 22%. Similarly, lower feed conversion ratio was observed in birds fed 18, 20 and 22% CP. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that starter chicks fed low energy-high protein diet (2500 ME (kcal kg1) at 22% CP level grew significantly faster and had lower cost kg1 gain (₦ 194.25) as compared to other combinations (₦ 204.15 to ₦ 234.57), therefore it is recommended that, starter chicks could be fed on 2500 ME (kcal kg1) diet at 22% crude protein.
H.B. Yusuf, J.A. Olusiyi, M.M. Yahya and A.I. Abdullahi, 2023. Response of Pullet Chicks on Energy and Protein Ratios in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Poultry Science, 22: 159-164.