Stellenbosch University

 

 

Evaluation of the use of Ateli plus in broiler production

 

Aim of the study

The aim of the study to evaluate Ateli plus for broiler productions. The product tested represent a supplementary feed of algae and natural herb origin which has been shown to enhance efficiency of feed utilisation, general condition and resistance. The product is registered under Act 36 of 1947 (V22875) and carries a GMP and feed safety assurance certificate from Vossen Laboratories, WEERT, Netherlands.

 

Materials and methods

The experiment was  performed at Stellenbosch University, Mariendahl experimental farm, Stellenbosch. A temperature  controlled, positive pressure commercial type broiler house was used.  In total 30 pens each with a total floor space of 4.01m2 equipped with two tube feeders (0.119 m2) and a bell drinker (0.102 m2) was used leaving 3.67m2 available floor space.  Chicks were housed at a rate of 80 per pen endering a density of 21.8 chicks/m2. Pens were blocked according to position in house and within blocks randomly allocated to treatment.

This design allowed for five treatments with six repetitions and 480 birds per treatment and a total of 2400 birds in the trial. Day old broilers were bought from a commercial hatchery and transported in standard cardboard broiler boxes for a distance of 50km to the experimental farm, travel time was 40 minutes. Upon arrival the birds were counted out into the pens and placed under infrared lamps.

Treatments are shown in Table 1

Water and feed were supplied ad libitum. Starter was supplied at a rate of 900g per bird, grower at a rate of 1 200g per bird and finisher at a rate 1 200g per bird. Birds were grown to 33 days of age. Lighting was according to the Cobb 500 standard. Body weight of all birds in a pen were measured at placement (day 0) and weekly thereafter until slaughter at 33 days of age. Individual weights were calculated as an average. Weekly feed intake was determined by weighing the initial amount of feed offered to the birds, feed added during the period and the feed remaining in the feeders at the end of the period. Mortalities and morbidities were recorded twice daily and all dead birds were weighed and necropsies conducted. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. From these data feed conversion efficiency (FCR), average daily gain (ADG), European production efficiency factor (EPEF) and intakes were calculated. All data and calculations were submitted for statistical analysis.

 

 

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