Influence of a Dietary Management Practice on Performances and Cost-Effectiveness of an Intensive Breeding Broilers

Abstract

To investigate impact of diet management on production and on economic outcomes in broilers was the aim of this study. Thus, 1062 chicks were studied over 91 days. Diet was formulated daily and the management was based on free access (ad libitum) to water and food. Consumption index, mortality, food costs and profitability were estimated, while daily gain average was estimated only for 50 chicks. The study pointed out an increasing food consumption, inversely proportional to the temperature decrease (p<0.01).The consumption index decreased from 45,31 at the 9th week to 1,14 at the 13th week. The overall mortality was about 21, 78%. The average weight at week 14 was 1590, 02g. The average daily gain increased from 0,98g to 49,86g. The correlation between food intake and food costs was +0,917 (p<0, 01). The cost of one kg of live weight was 1546, 14 f.cfa, while its selling price was about 1625 f.cfa. The main profit per kg was therefore +91, 73 f.cfa. Finally, when compared with other tropic countries, it was registered a higher mortality, lower daily gain average, lower final live weight and lower consumption index. Thus, diet variability showed medium livestock and economic performances that could be performed.