Effectiveness of Acidifier in Broiler Fed Diet Double Step-Down Protein

Abstract

Research' aim was to determine the effectiveness of acidifiers in broiler fed double step-down protein. A total of 168 birds (84 males and 84 females, initial BW was 186.3 0.68 g) were raised for eight weeks. The first 7 days, chickens were fed on commercial feed. Experimental diets were composed to contain protein and energy of 21.41% and 2.856.91 kcal/kg, for starter control diet, and of 19.15% and 2884.12 kcal/kg for starter dietary protein step-down similar to finisher control diet, and of 17.37% and 2882.13 kcal/kg for finisher protein step-down diet, respectively. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications (6 birds each). Parameters measured were feed and protein consumptions, protein digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion, and income over feed cost. Data were analysed by variance and to Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that dietary inclusion of acidifiers lowered feed and protein consumptions, but it increased body weight and income over feed cost as well as improved feed conversion. In conclusion, acidifiers inclusion, especially at the level of 0.8% synthetic citric acid, in the double step-down protein can increase efficiently broiler performance and improves income over feed cost.