Factors affecting the diet selection of choice‐fed broilers

Abstract

1. In one experiment two strains of choice‐fed broilers were given wheat, either whole or ground, and a balancer diet, either pelleted or as a mash, for 4 weeks. They were compared with broilers given a complete single feed.

2. In a second experiment, the effect of a pelleted or mash balancer, relative feeding trough space for whole wheat and balancer (1:1 or 2:1 with total feeding space constant) and group size (20, 40 or 80 broilers maintained at a constant stocking density) on the diet selection of choice‐fed broilers was examined.

3. Food form had a large effect on diet selection although there was no effect on total food intakes or weight gains. If a mash balancer was provided, the broilers selected a greater proportion of wheat when it was ground rather than whole, but if the balancer was pelleted a greater proportion of wheat tended to be selected when whole wheat was provided.

4. No significant differences in diet selection were observed as a result of differences in the strain of broiler, the relative amounts of feeder space for wheat and balancer or group size.