Evaluation of energy and protein requirement of broiler finisher in summer under hot humid condition

Five hundred forty (equal number of male and female) broiler chicks of four-week age were randomly divided into 9 dietary treatments with three replicates having 20 chicks in each replicate. Three protein levels (19, 20 and 21%) and three energy levels (2800, 2900 and 3000 Kcal/kg) during finisher period in a 3 × 3 factorial design were fed to evaluate the optimum protein and energy level in summer season with hot and humid climatic condition. Weekly body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, economics of production and carcass quality were studied from fifth to seventh week of age. Highest body weight was observed in group fed with CP 20% and ME 2900 Kcal/kg in all ages of measurement. Energy level remaining constant the feed consumption was less with lower level of protein. Highest body weight gain and best feed efficiency were observed in the birds fed diet containing CP 20% and ME 2900 K cal/kg. Highest breast yield was seen in group with 21% CP and ME 2800 K cal/kg and fat yield increased significantly (P<0.05) with high energy and low protein diet (CP 19% and ME 3000 Kcal/kg). The cost of production per kg live weight was lowest (Rs.19.82) in birds fed diet containing CP 19% and ME 2900 K cal/kg which was comparable with groups fed CP 20% and ME 2900 K cal/kg (Rs.19.89). Considering the body weight, feed efficiency and economics, CP 20% and ME 2900 Kcal/kg may be considered optimum for broiler finisher period during summer in hot and humid climate.