2009 Chicken Feeding Trial
Background
There is very little research-based information available for maximizing forage intake and feed efficiency of pasture-raised poultry in day-range systems. We know that pasture is good for poultry, but we don’t know how to maximize use of the pasture. Furthermore, there is no published low-cost method for growers to conduct replicated feeding trials.
A study done at Truman State in Missouri evaluated feed efficiencies of various production systems and found significantly higher foraging behavior during the early-morning and late-afternoon in a day-range system. A single feeding of grain once in the late-morning would reduce labor compared to morning and night feedings and should maximize forage intake by restricting access to grain during peak foraging times.
To evaluate the difference between once/day feeding and twice/day feeding we are developing a low-cost and low-labor feeding trial system with true replication. Hopefully, this system will allow us and others to conduct research that generates statistically valid data and helps perfect the pasture poultry day-range system. Once the work is done, a manual on how to conduct the research will be published.
Here’s the Protocol so far:
The Cornish-Rock broilers are raised in the brooder for 4 weeks and fed a 19% protein ration ad libitum. While in the brooder the chicks have free access to pasture starting at week 2. At 4 weeks the birds are randomly divided into three groups of 50 birds. Half of the birds in each group are fed a 19% ration at 7AM and 7PM and the other half of each group is fed a 19% ration at 10AM. Every bird is offered the same amount of feed, but those fed twice/day receive half their ration at each feeding. During the fifth week, each bird is offered a total of 0.32/lbs/day of the 19% ration and 0.48/lbs/day in weeks 6-8.
Team Green at four weeks of age enjoying dinner. We spray-painted the wing of each batch just in case there was a mishap and the birds got mixed up.
The birds are weighed live at the end of four weeks and again immediately prior to slaughter. In addition, an average processed weight is determined for each group of 25 birds.
The birds are pastured using a day range system. The “hoopie” itself is divided in half, which also divides the paddock in half. The “hoopie” is moved every third day and the paddock fencing is moved once per week. Moving the “hoopie” and paddock fencing ensures fresh pasture throughout the 4-week pasture period. The experiment will be repeated 2 times each at two different farms.
Here you can see one hoopie, which is spilt in two (look close to see the dividing fence in the middle of the hoopie). Each side of the hoopie houses 25 birds. There is a door on each side of the hoopie so each batch can access their separate pasture.
We use poultry netting to create two easily mobile paddock enclosures.
Batch 1 Results:
The first replication of the experiment was completed and the birds were slaughtered on July 12, 2009. Results are being compiled….
July 12: John weighs an 8-week old chicken just before slaughter.