Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion
ratio during the study are presented in Table
2. The performance data during the starter phase
(0 to 3 wk) revealed significantly (P < 0.0001)
higher weight gains in the supplemental groups
as compared with control. There was a positive
linear correlation observed between the supplemental
levels and the weight gain. Feed intake
significantly increased similar to weight gain.
Kassim and Norziha [8] also found improved
growth and feed efficiency in the broiler chicks
supplemented with VC, but we did not find improvement
in feed conversion due to supplementation.
The results were not in agreement with
those of others [12, 27] who did not find improved
growth in the supplemental groups. It
was also noted that feed conversion ratio was
poorer for supplemental birds at 0 to 3 wk than
for control birds. During the finisher phase (4
to 6 wk), a similar trend of higher weight gain
was followed, but the feed intake and feed conversion
ratio was not significantly (P > 0.01)
different. Because present research was conducted
in hot conditions, our findings parallel
other reports [8, 9, 10] that indicated increase.
The overall (0 to 6 wk) performance data also
showed the similar trend of significantly (P <
0.0001) increased weight gain in the supplemented
groups at higher levels; the feed intake
was also higher, although it was not significant.
Biosynthesis of VC is limited in very young
birds [6], and several stressors alter the biosynthesis,
or use of VC, or both [5]. In our study
the improvement is clear, which supports the
findings of the above-mentioned researchers.