Feed Efficiency of Pastured Poultry Systems

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Joy L. Chisholm* , David L. Trott , Jeff G. Cox , Catherine E. Zivnuska.
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor.

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This research compared feed efficiency of broiler chickens raised inside versus chickens raised in a day-range system and a floorless pen. Access to pasture was hypothesized to reduce feed consumption and improve animal health. Each group was fed, ad libitum, a 15% protein ration of cracked corn and poultry crumbles. Individual weights were taken on days one, thirteen, and thirty-three of the trial. Total weight gain (lb/bird) was 4.64 for Day-range, 5.17 for Pastured, 4.16 for Indoor Pen A, and 4.49 for Indoor Pen B. Feed conversion rates (lb feed/lb gain) for the trial period were: 2.22 for Day-range, 2.51 for Pastured, 2.67 for Indoor Pen B, and 3.63 for Indoor Pen A. Independent samples t-tests showed significance in all paired comparisons except Pastured versus Indoor Pen B. These results supported the hypothesis that the outdoor birds supplement their diet with forage and insects.