Authors : O.M. Sogunle , B.A. Ogunjimi and A.O. Fanimo
Abstract: A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks of three different strains (Anak 2000, Arboracre and Hybro G) were used in the study to determine the effect of litter depth on the performance of the birds. Two litter depths of 30 and 60 mm were used for the study and wood shaving was used as litter material. The 3 strains were allocated to each litter depth and the birds were managed for 56 days. The results showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in the parameters considered. The main effect gave higher values in the final weight, weight gain and the protein efficiency ratio at the 60 mm litter depths. Anak, 2000 strain gave the highest values in the final weight, weight gain protein intake and protein efficiency ratio. A better feed: gain was obtained in the 60mm litter depth while Anak 2000 strain gave the best feed: gain in the strain effects. The interactive effect showed that Arbor acre has the highest (p>0.05) final weight, weight gain and the best feed: gain in the 60 mm litter depth. It was concluded that litter depths of 30mm or 60 mm could be used in raising the 3 strains of broiler chickens without any deleterious effects on performance.
O.M. Sogunle , B.A. Ogunjimi and A.O. Fanimo , 2006. Effect of Litter Depth on the Performance of Three Strains of Broiler Chickens. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 1155-1157.