Vol. 8, Issue 11 (2019)

Author(s):
Soubhagya Muduli, NC Behura, L Samal, Jessy Bagh, Abhijeet Champati and HK Popalghat

Abstract:
A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Native Nusuri × Broiler chicks up to 8 weeks of age under intensive system of rearing. Hundred eight (108) day old chicks from a single hatch were divided into three replicate groups of 36 each. Body weights (BW) of all birds were recorded at day-one and at weekly interval up to 8 weeks. The feed consumption was recorded replicate wise on weekly basis. Mortality was recorded daily replicate wise. Linear body measurements were recorded at 8^th week of age. The body weight of male and female chicks at 0 day was 39.28 ± 0.25g and 38.91 ± 0.14g and the 8th week body weight was 996.17 ± 1.16g and 790.44 ± 3.74g respectively. In male chicks, the weekly body weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher at all (1^st to 8^th) age compared to female chicks. The weekly body weight gain increased with increase in age up to 6^th week and there after declined. Highest weekly weight gain was observed during 6^th week in both male chicks (218.22±1.44g) and female chicks (160.00±0.54g). During 1st week, the FCR and FCE of Native Nusuri × Broiler cross chicks were 1.43±0.02 and 0.70±0.003 respectively. At 8th week, the weekly FCR and FCE values were 2.51±0.13 and 0.40±0.006 respectively. The weekly FCR values increased with advancement of age while the FCE values decreased. At 8th week, the cumulative FCR and FCE values were 1.96±0.06 and 0.40±0.006 respectively. The keel length of males (8.51±0.07cm) was significantly (p≤0.01) higher than those of females (8.05±0.04cm). The body length of males was 31.22±0.34cm, which is significantly (p≤0.05) higher than those of female (29.39±0.32cm). The breast angle of males was found to be 39.21±0.42° which was significantly (p<0.01) than those of females with a mean value of 32.50±0.25°.