Optimum inclusion rate of barley in diets of meat chickens: an incremental and practical program

Context Barley can be included in poultry diets as a cost-effective energy-contributing ingredient. However, its inclusion meat chicken is limited because it considered viscous grain due to high crude fibre and soluble non-starch polysaccharide contents. Aims The study quantified the optimum rate of barley during different growing phases, using an incremental program. Methods Eight dietary treatments followed 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three levels wheat-based diet, nil-barley control, or without β-glucanase supplementation. was initially at 0% (low), 7.5% (medium) 15% (high) starter (Days 1–9), scaling up by for each level grower 9–21), finisher 23–35) withdrawal 35–42) diets. Each diet fed ad libitum six replicate pens 18 chicks. On Day 42, four birds per pen were euthanised determine carcass yield collect digesta. Key results During period, significant (P < 0.05) interaction resulted lower bodyweight gain (8%) higher feed conversion ratio (8.5 points) β-glucanase, whereas performance restored No treatment apparent on growth assessed over entire production period 1–42). medium increased gain, all improved efficiency 0.01) compared control. β-Glucanase efficiency. Highest breast measured inclusion. There no interactive main effects duodenal digesta viscosity. distal ileal water content ∼8–10% 0.05). Conclusions Incremental from 37.5% does not compromise yields broiler chickens. supplementation favours both Medium yield. Implications economical formulate An program practical approach optimise rate.