Data Analytics of Broiler Growth Dynamics and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broilers Raised to 35 d under Commercial Tropical Conditions

Abstract

Data collection is standard in commercial broiler production; however, growth modeling is still a challenge since this data often lacks an inflection point. This study evaluated body weight (BW) dynamics, feed intake, BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality of broiler flocks reared under commercial tropical conditions with controlled feeding to optimize FCR. The data analyzed included performance records of 1347 male and 1353 female Ross 308 AP broiler flocks with a total of 95.4 million chickens housed from 2018 to 2020. Decision trees determined high- and low-feed-efficiency groups using FCR at 35 d. Logistic, Gompertz–Laird, and von Bertalanffy growth models were fitted with weekly BW data for each flock within performance groups. The logistic model indicated more accurate estimates with biological meaning. The high-efficiency males and females (p < 0.001) were offered less feed than the low-efficiency group and were consistently more efficient. In conclusion, greater feeding control between the second and the fourth week of age, followed by higher feed allowance during the last week, was associated with better feed efficiency at 35 d in males and females. Additionally, models demonstrated that a reduced growth rate resulted in heavier chickens at 35 d with better feed efficiency and greater BW gain.

Evaluation of The efficacy of Purified Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY) in Preventing and Controlling Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Broiler Chickens

“…IgY administration as prophylactic resulted in mild signs and short disease course without mortality that reflected on the FCR [10]. The calculated broiler FCR as a guide for performance and on the optimization of flock condition [39,40)]. Control non medicated positive group (Gr 6) showed mortality at the 3 rd day post infection.…”

Management factors associated with the survival and market weight of broiler chickens among small-scale farmers in the Dodoma City of Tanzania

“…Effective feeding practices enhance feed conversion efficiency, enabling broilers to convert feed into body weight more effectively, thereby increasing profitability [ 16 , 22 ]. Furthermore, proper feeding facilitates the achievement of the desired market weight within the expected time frame [ 16 , 23 ]. However, feeds with nutrient levels exceeding their requirements may enhance live performance but could lead to economic losses due to the high cost of feed [ 16 , 24 ].…”