Comparative Analysis of the Growth Rate, Body Weight Gain, and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broilers Raised Under Ad Libitum and Restricted Feeding Programs

Abstract

Background: Among the various feeding strategies employed, two predominant methods have emerged as the primary focus of research and industry implementation: ad libitum and restricted feeding programs. Objectives: This comparative study aimed to assess the growth rate, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers raised under ad libitum and restricted feeding programs. Methods: A total of 350-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to two groups. The broilers under ad libitum feeding exhibited higher growth rates throughout the six-week study period, with average weight gains of 165.2 grams, 427.5 grams, 864.7 grams, 1405.5 grams, 2008.8 grams, and 2330.7 grams in successive weeks. In contrast, the broilers under restricted feeding showed lower growth rates, ranging from 140.7 grams to 2020.1 grams in the corresponding weeks. Results: The ad libitum group also consumed consistently higher amounts of feed compared to the restricted group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in FCR between the two feeding programs. Conclusion: These findings highlighted the importance of providing broilers with continuous access to feed to optimize their growth, while further research is needed to validate the results and explore FCR variations.