Growth, Meat Yield, and Economic Responses of Broilers Provided Three- and Four-Phase Schedules Formulated to Moderate and High Nutrient Density During a Fifty-Six-Day Production Period

SUMMARY This study examined growth responses and meat yield of broilers provided a 3- or 4-phase feeding schedule formulated to moderate or high nutrient density. Four dietary treatments were implemented consisting of high or moderate nutrient density diets that were provided for the duration of 3 phases (1 to 17, 18 to 35, and 36 to 56 d) or 4 phases (1 to 17, 18 to 35, 36 to 46, and 47 to 56 d). Provision of a 3-phase schedule did not alter growth performance, meat yield, or diet cost per final BW. Broilers receiving high nutrient diets had improved growth rate and feed conversion from 1 to 35 d. In the 3-phase schedule, birds given the high nutrient density diets had advantages in BW gain and pectoralis minor breast weight. Market changes in meat prices impact differences in gross feeding margins between diets formulated to high or moderate nutrient density more than variation in diet cost.