TDK conference 2013

The intensively raised poultry flocks are exposed to more stress compared to those kept extensively, therefore, in order to offset the lower health status in the intensive farms, vitamin and mineral supplements are regularly given to them. The aim of my experiment was to evaluate the effects of a special mix of vitamin and mineral supplements (Tetravit AD3E ForteŸ, Tetraszelén-400-EŸ, PhylamicŸ, Norovit-Amino ForteŸ, JolovitŸ, Vitaplan DCPŸ and Gastroferm M+CŸ) on the production parameters (mortality, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio) in broiler chicken, duck and grey goose experimental groups compared with control groups given no supplements, and based on the results to make a cost-benefit analysis.

The experiments were carried out between June 2012 and March 2013 with 36 043 Ross 308 hybrid broiler chickens (17 965 tested vs. 18 078 control), 10 196 Seddin Vital duck hybrids (5 110 tested vs. 5 086 control), and 200 Gourmaud Liner geese (100 tested vs. 100 control). In the cost-benefit analysis the average cost and price data of the last quarter of 2012 and those of the first quarter of 2013 have been used.

In the experimental Ross 308 hybrid groups the mortality rate decreased by 0.6%, the slaughter weight increased by 0.11 kg and the feed conversion ratio diminished by 0.13 kg/kg compared to the control group. In the experimental duck hybrid groups the parameters improved to a lesser degree: 0.7% less mortality; 0,03 kg more slaughter weight and 0.06 kg/kg smaller feed conversion. In the experimental grey goose group the mortality rate and the feed conversion ratio have not changed, however, the average slaughter weight was 0.24 kg larger in the control group.

Based on the production parameters surveyed in the experimental broiler chicken flocks the benefit of this supplement mix administered was 10.9 times higher than their costs, resulting in 41.48 HUF extra profit per marketed chicken on average compared to the animals in the control group. In the experimental duck flocks the benefit was 4.3 times larger, yielding a 24.70 HUF extra profit per marketed duck. In the experimental goose flock the production indexes were lower than in the control groups causing a loss because of the incurred costs of supplements.

Based on the cost-benefit analysis it can be stated that in the broiler chicken and duck production it is beneficial to apply this mix of vitamin and mineral supplements administered through the drinking system, although, further experiments are required to find the optimal mixture in the goose flocks.