Comparison of Performance and Leg Bone Characteristics of Broiler Fed Different Levels of Vitamin Premix in Floor and

Two experiments were carried out in order to comparison of the effect of different levels of vitamin premix in two raising systems of floor and cage on performance and leg bone characteristics of broiler chickens which were fed with adjusted diet base on wheat and barley during 29 to 42 days. The treatments were composed of 0, 33.33, 66.66 and 100 percent of vitamin premix (according to the recommendation of vitamin premix Producer Company) which used from 29 to 42 days. Experiment in floor was carried out by using 288 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) with 4 treatments and 4 replicates in a completely randomized design in floor system. Experiment in cage battery system was carried out by using 80 male broiler chickens with 4 treatments and 4 replicates in raising cage. Feed intake and body weight gain of each replicate were calculated during two weeks of the experiment. During these two weeks, in experiment in floor, two broiler chickens were measured and in experiment in cage battery system one broiler chickens slaughtered and breast, thigh, percentage of abdominal fat and liver were measured. After slaughtered, right leg of each bird was used for determine ash, calcium, phosphorus and strength. The results of the experiment in floor showed that vitamin premix withdrawal at 29 days of age did not impair carcass characteristics and leg bone characteristics during the final rearing period. The results of battery cage system showed that withdrawal of vitamin premix from the diet of experimental birds; were induced negative effect on productive performance, weights of thigh, and breast and leg bone characteristics during 36-42 day of ages. Therefore, it seems that there is the possibility of vitamin premix levels reduction up to the approximate 33% level in finisher period while in the floor system; it is possible to withdraw vitamin supplements in broilers’ finisher diets and in this way the costs of poultry industry will reduce.