Growth Response and Feed Cost Benefit of Starter Noiler Chickens to Dietary Anazyme-Forte Phytase Supplementation
A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth response and feed cost benefit of dietary phytase enzyme supplementation in starter Noiler chickens. A total of 180 noiler chicks were used in a 21-day experiment. The chicks were brooded under controlled heat and light conditions, with temperature adjusted according to ambient changes and chick behaviour. After one week, birds were randomly allotted to five iso-nitrogenous (21.50% CP) and iso-caloric (2977.40 kcal/kg ME) diets containing 0 g/100 kg (T1), 10 g/100 kg (T2), 15 g/100 kg (T3), 20 g/100 kg (T4), and 25 g/100 kg (T5) of a commercial phytase preparation in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio, and cost indices. Results showed that daily feed intake and protein intake were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by phytase supplementation. However, final live weight, daily weight gain, total weight gain, and protein efficiency ratio differed significantly (P < 0.05), with birds on T1 (control) recording the highest values, which were comparable to T2 and T3 but superior to T5. Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (P < 0.05) in T1 (2.02) compared with T5 (2.58), while T2 and T3 maintained intermediate values. Mortality was lowest (0%) in T5. Feed cost per kilogram and daily feed cost per bird were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 compared with T5. In conclusion, phytase enzyme supplementation up to 20 g/100 kg diet supports comparable growth performance and favourable feed cost efficiency in starter Noiler chickens.
Keywords: Phytase enzyme, feed cost efficiency, Noiler chickens, growth performance, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency, dietary supplementation, starter phase
