Abstract
Two basal (broiler starter and Finisher) rations were prepared containing crude protein 23 or 20% with metabolized energy 3000 Kcal/kg during starter phase and crude protein 19 or 20% with metabolizable energy of 3200 Kcal/kg for finisher phase. Each of the basal ration was then supplemented with 50, 100 or 150 ppm of pesticide. These rations were fed to 240, day-old broiler chicks for periods of 4 and 3 weeks, respectively, in a completely randomized design. The chicks showed no ad-verse effect on feed consumption. The only difference in weight gain, feed conver-sion efficiency and mortality was due to the addition of pesticide in the ration.
INTRODUCTION chicks as influenced by varying levels of crude protein and pesticide residue.
To improve the efficiency of broiler production the trend has been shifted to-ward increased protein and energy level in the ration which is usually achieved through the addition of ingredients from vegetable origin, Most of the commercial rations are fortified with low grade feed ingredients which may become detrimental to most of the feed nutrients instead of having benefi-cial effect. At the same time a huge quantity of insecticide/pesticide is sprayed on the crops for the control of insects/pests. Pesti-cides influence the metabolism of water in the chicks causing thereby hydropsy in vari-ous parts of body of chicks. A recent study of Shane (1989) on hydropericardium con-cluded that the disease is identified by a toxic factor. Poultry rations comprised largely of ingredients from vegetable origin known for their low quality protein due to lack of critical amino acids, reduced the growth rate of broiler and increased sus-ceptibility of the birds to diseases and con-sequently led to early mortality (Jamroz et al., 1983). The present experiment was con-ducted to see the performance of broiler
