THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE RED JUNGLE FOWL GALLUS GALLUS MURGHI IN THE TROPICS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different dietary protein and energy levels on growth, reproductive performance, digestibility and carcass composition of the Red Jungle Fowl in relation to its age and growth. In the evaluation of the dietary nutrient levels, the percentage of protein was reduced at the rate of 2% at each growth interval (18%, 20%, 22%, 24% for the starter, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22% for the grower and 14%, 16%, 18%, 20% for the finisher periods). The energy levels of diet were reduced by 150 M.E kcal/kg at each growth interval (2250, 2700, 2850, 3000 for the starter, 2400, 2550, 2700, 2850 for the grower and 2250, 2400, 2550, 2700 for the finisher periods). A dietary protein level of 20% for the starter and grower, and 18% for the finisher periods produced the optimum growth. Energy levels of 2850 kcal/kg for starter and 2700 kcal/kg for grower and finisher periods achieved the best growth performance. For reproductive performance, the best results were gained with a combination of 18% dietary protein and 2700 kcal/kg energy level for optimum egg production and 20% and 2700 kcal/kg for the optimum hatchability rate. At 20% dietary protein level, protein and fibre digestibility and protein composition in- the carcass increased, while fat digestibility and composition decreased. Energy levels of 2850 kcal/kg from the starter and 2700 kcal/kg for the grower and finisher periods resulted in increased protein and fibre digestibility and protein composition in the carcass and decreased fat digestibility and a slightly higher fat level.