Journal of Applied Animal Research, vol.24, no.2, pp.213-217, 2003 (SCI-Expanded)
To examine the choice feeding of cereals, ninety six birds aged 16-d were divided into 4 experimental groups with 4 replication each. Experimental groups were control (C), wheat selecting (WS), sorghum selecting (SS) and maize selecting (MS) group. Control chickens were fed on commercial feed. Choice-fed broiler chickens were offered a choice of a concentrate feed and one of the whole cereals. Choice fed-broiler chickens consumed less protein (from 27.8 g to 23.6 g per bird) in comparison to that of control chickens (P<0.01). Performance and body components, efficiencies for protein, energy and feed were not different among experimental groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, usage of cereals in choice feeding of finishing broiler has a potential for minimising protein cost without any detrimental effect, especially selection of wheat and sorghum. © GSP, India.