Growth and feed efficiency in coloured crossbred broilers reared on different dietary energy and protein levels

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying levels of energy and protein on the performance of coloured crossbred broilers of RIR, Naked Neck, Kadaknath, WLH, Aseel and Frizzle. Among seven dietary treatments, six diets (T1-T6) were formulated having two levels of metabolizable energy i.e. 2700 and 2900 kcal/kg each with three levels of crude protein i.e. 20, 22 and 24% and one treatment diet (T7) with 2400 kcal/kg with 16% crude protein, were offered ad-libitum feed from 0- 56 days of age. The dietary treatments had significant (P<0.05) effect on feed consumption, body weight, weight gain and FCR. All crossbreds fed diet containing 16% protein and 2400 kcal ME/kg had the lowest feed consumption. Crossbreds fed the diet containing high energy (2900 kcal ME/kg), irrespective of protein content had the highest body weight, weight gain and better FCR. While, 2400 kcal ME/kg energy with 16% protein had the lowest body weight, weight gain and poor FCR. Dietary treatments contain high energy (2900 kcal ME/kg) with high protein (24%) for BBRIR, BRIRB, BBNN and BBK while, high energy (2900 kcal ME/kg) with low protein (20%) for BBWLH, BBAK, BBAP and BBF is better for optimum growth, higher feed efficiency.