Smart Feeding for Happy Chickens and Healthier Profits

Chickens are more than just farm animals; they're a big part of the food industry. A recent study took a close look at how different feeding plans affect chickens' growth, health, and the money farmers make. The experiment involved 1, 600 chickens, split into eight groups. Each group had a unique combination of sex (male or female) and feeding plan. The feeding plans were based on different sets of guidelines, ranging from older ones to the newest updates. The study found that the newest feeding guidelines, BT 2024, helped chickens grow better and stay healthier. These chickens ate less but converted their food into growth more efficiently. They also had less fat, which is good for their overall health.Interestingly, male chickens generally did better in terms of growth and body composition, while female chickens had better breast meat yield. This shows that sex also plays a role in how chickens respond to different feeding plans. When it came to money, the BT 2024 feeding plan was the most profitable. Even though another plan, BT 2017, made the most gross revenue, BT 2024 had lower feeding costs, leading to higher net profits. This study highlights the importance of keeping feeding guidelines up-to-date. It's not just about keeping chickens healthy; it's also about making the farming business more sustainable and profitable.