They were allowed free access to feed (standard pelletized growers feed from UAC- Vital Feed, Jos, Plateau State) and water throughout the duration of the experiment.
They were allowed to acclimatize to the new environment for a period of three weeks, with free access to feed (standard pelletized growers feed from UAC- Vital Feed, Jos, Plateau State) and water.
At first mostly American growers fed the demand, but in the last decade, as low-priced imports from Mexico surged, domestic production collapsed.
Compared to PC, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were reduced in growers fed medium or high Ca reduction and high phytase dose diets (P < 0.05).
Fe and Cu concentrations were within the reference ranges [ 43] in all three groups of growers before and after feeding trial, but increased significantly (paired t-test) in the group of growers fed the basal diet only (Group I).
Fe and Cu concentrations were within the reference ranges [ 43] in all three groups of growers before and after the feeding trial, but increased significantly (paired t-test) in the group of growers fed the basal diet only (Group I).
Although one-way ANOVA did not show diet related changes of any of blood parameters, the lowest values of protein, Fe and Hgb determined in the group of growers fed the diet with added acids and tannin could be ascribed to effects of tannin.
The lack of a response on ADG in the group of growers fed diet with added organic acids in our study in comparison with studies that reported improvement of growth performance could be related to differences in the combination and dose of the acids, composition of basal diet, age of animals and existing levels of performance.
The diets were a basal diet including a pre-grower feed and corn starch, and this basal diet with energy- and AA-yielding ingredients replaced with 300 g EGG/kg or 400 g/kg of either 7030PE or 6040PE.
Compared to a static and standard ration (corn and SBM based diet), using a multi-stage LP model, it is possible to generate a feed ration which, when looking at the year 2014, could give an average cost reduction of 8.8 USD per ton of starter feed, 4.6 USD per ton of grower feed, and 1.3 USD per ton of finisher feed (CSD model).
Commercial grower feed was based on wheat and barley until the age of 57 days, and thereafter, on barley.
