Co-Authors:
Plavnik, I., Department of Poultry Science, ARO Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Macovsky, B., Matmor Central Feed Mill, MP Evtach, Israel
Sklan, D., Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University, P.O. Box 12, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Abstract:
The current study examined the effects of inclusion of whole wheat to the diet on broiler performance. The first trial examined the effects of inclusion of 100 or 200 g kg-1 whole wheat in the diets replacing ground wheat. Inclusion of whole wheat improved both BW and feed efficiency but did not significantly change gizzard weight or the amount of abdominal fat. The second trial examined the effects of adding whole wheat in addition to the compound diet in two commercial broiler strains. Weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency differed between strains, whereas inclusion of whole wheat enhanced feed efficiency. The content of breast muscle, gizzard size and quantity of abdominal fat were different between strains, whereas gizzard size and abdominal fat were increased by whole wheat. The addition of whole wheat in commercial broiler diet alters some carcass characteristics and enhances feed efficiency possibly since the use of whole wheat allows better utilization of excesses of nutrients in commercial feeds. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.