Evaluation of the suitability of broiler chicken and turkey commercial feed mixes in the diets of grey partridge (Perdix perdix L.) during the rearing period

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluation of the suitability of broiler chicken and turkey commercial feed mixes in the diets of grey partridge (Perdix perdix L.) during the rearing period. The study was carried out on a farm authorized by the Minister of the Environment to conduct breeding and farming of grey partridge, DL Pgl-6713-23/15852/13/RN dated 24 April, 2013. The research material consisted of grey partridge chicks assigned to two groups: one, fed the complete feed mix for turkeys IB-1 till 4 weeks of rearing, followed by the complete feed mix for turkeys B-2 from 5 weeks on (group I, n = 22) and the other, fed the complete feed DKA-Starter for broiler chickens (group II, n = 22). The rearing cycle took 8 weeks. Observations within the experiment included deaths records and monitoring of health status, body weight, feed intake and maintenance conditions. Better parameters of partridges rearing were attained as a result of IB feeding. Birds fed with IB-1 and IB-2 feed mixes showed a higher body weight, as compared to chicks fed DKA-Strater (DKA-S). The difference persisted from the first week of rearing to the end of the feeding trial (respectively 0.32 g and 4.59 g). From day 1 until 8 weeks of age, partridges fed the IB feed showed greater average daily gains (4.17 g), a faster rate of growth (181.67%) and a greater final body weight, all at a lower feed intake compared to those fed mix with DKA-S. It has been found that the IB feed mix can successfully be used in the nutrition of grey partridges.