The Rate of Growth and the Efficiency of Food Conversion in Various Breeds of Poultry

Abstract

1. Breeds of poultry, imported as day-olds can grow at Muguga (6,800 ft.) at rates which are very little different from those secured in temperate zones. 2. The efficiency of food conversion for such birds is also little different from those reported from the temperate latitudes. 3. The amount of food Consumed per lb. of Iive-weight increase rises sharply from 14-16 weeks of age for the North Holland Blue, Brown Leghorn and Cambar and WeI summer breeds. 4. For Aylesbury ducklings and Roman geese a decreased gross efficiency of food conversion commences at an earlier age than with chickens and suggests that ducklings should be sold when not older than 14 weeks and that well fed gooslings are better sold when 12-13 weeks old.