Abstract
An experiment involving 15.0 day-old broiler chicks of mixed sexes was conducted in two phases to cle...termine an appropriate energy level with 23 percent protein in broiler starter ration and 20 percent protein in broiler finisher ration. The levels of metabc.)lizable energy were decreased from 3i54 to 2849 and from 33,50 to 3050 Kcal per kg diet in five broiler starter and finisher rations, respectively. The results revealed non-signi-ficant differences in respect of weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and cost of produc-tion. However, a gradual increase in feed intake and ultimate decline in feed efficiency was observ-ed on calorie rations.
INTRODUCTION
To overcome the animal protein deficit in human diet, the broiler offers a genuine solution in a minimum possible time. In modern broiler production, consideration should be given to optimise inputs so as to maximise economic returns. Among the inputs, feed certainly is the most costly item. Econo-mical broiler raising, therefore, depends very much on the degree of success achieved in decreasing the cost of quality feed, which can only be formulated with a sound knowledge of the nutritive requirements of the bird. A protein level of 23 percent and metabolizable energy at 3000 Kcal per kg in broiler starter ration and a protein level of 20 percent and metabolizable energy at 3200 Kcal per kg in finisher ration have been recommended
