On-Farm Comparison of Growth Performance, Carcass Quality and Welfare of Broilers Raised Using Different Types of Poultry Bedding Materials
C.B. Adiova, V.A. Magpantay, J.M.U.P.H. Quimio, J.R.M. Datuin, C.H. Castro

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in a commercial broiler contract growing farm in Quezon province to compare the on-farm growth performance, carcass quality, and welfare of 70,000 broilers raised up to 34 days of age using different types of poultry bedding materials (i.e. ricehull and Spanvall®). Two identically designed tunnel-ventilated housing units located side by side and with dimensions of 52ft wide and 500ft long were used. The chicks were distributed randomly to two treatments using Randomized Complete Block design, with pen position as blocking factor. Two replicate pens were used in each block. Results showed that starting on day 14 up to day 28, the broilers raised on rice hull bedding had significantly higher average body weights compared to those reared on Spanvall® bedding. On the other hand, final body weight at day 34 of broilers on rice hull bedding was no longer significantly different. Broilers raised on Spanvall® had 1.87% higher BPI score due to better feed conversion ratio. The harvest recovery at day34 was also comparable. Fecal scores were not significantly. However, it was observed that birds reared on rice hull litter material had significantly higher (P=0.0006) number of juvenile flies. Higher income over feed and bedding costs were observed in the rice hull group for at 28 days and 34 days. This shows that the Spanvall® as alternative bedding material has no adverse effects on growth performance and livability of broilers and is comparable to the rice hull bedding commonly used in the Philippines in terms of growth performance. In addition, it has potential advantage in controlling fly infestation. The only disadvantage is the high cost of the material.

Keyword(s):

growth performance, carcass quality, poultry breeding materials

Commodity:

Poultry

Year:

2020

Discipline:

Production