Effect Of Feathering Pattern On The Performance Of Commercial Broilers

Abstract

A 42 days biological trial was conducted to study the effect of rate of feathering on the performance of two strains of commercial broilers. A total of 600 day old chicks (300 hundred birds from each strain) were used. The result of the study showed that fast feathering birds had superior body weight than slow feathering birds, similarly males had superior body weight than females. Fast feathering birds had lengthier wing and tail feathers as compared to slow feathering at all stages. There was no significant difference in mortality and dressing per cent of slow and fast feathering birds. Slow feathering birds had lesser abdominal fat than fast feathering birds. In cooler months and at places with cooler climates, fast feathering birds have clear cut advantage over slow feathering birds as fast feathering chicks need less brooding expenses and more profitable in cold weather.