Effect of Different Levels of Bentonite with Varying Energy Levels on the Performance of Broilers

Abstract

Two hundred and forty day old broiler chicks were used to investigate the effect of adding 0, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5% of Sodium Bentonite along with two levels of metabolizable energy 3000 and 2800 Kcal/ kg on weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, economics of production and dressing percentage. During starter phase, there was significant (P< 0.05) effect of four Bentonite and two energy levels on weight gain. The interaction between Bentonite and energy levels was found non- significant; the feed consumption values were also found non- significant. In case of feed efficiency, the significant results came with respect to metabolizable energy levels only. During finisher phase all the parameters remained statistically similar. It was found that high-energy rations gave better turnover than low energy rations with Bentonite.