Broiler short-term feed preferences measured with SRAbox, a new feed choice procedure

Poultry Science
A M ChagneauM Lessire

Abstract

Three dietary compositions and 3 methods of pellet preparation were used in different choice situations to improve our understanding of the factors perceived by broiler chickens in the physical structure of their diet. Within the same visual field, broiler chickens were offered 8 microfeeders containing different pelleted feeds that could be reached from the same position of the bird. Chickens were daily tested during 5-min tests following a 45-min period of feed withdrawal, after adaptation to individual cages and experimental feeders. Two feeds (4 microfeeders/feed in alternate positions) were weighed prior to and after the test. Behavior of the chickens was videotaped during the test to count the number of pecks given to each microfeeder. In a first experiment, 2 feeds of distinct composition were either steam or cold-pelleted. The tests of choice were repeated daily from 22 to 25 and from 35 to 38 d of age on 96 male broiler chickens. Significant preferences were measured from the first test. Similar preferences were measured when chickens received the same choice or alternating choices from one test to another. Differences of feed intake between 2 feeds during 5 min were significantly correlated to differences of number of...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.