In experiment 1, a total of 800 chicks were allocated to 40 floor pens of 20 chicks each and the pens were randomly assigned to the experimental treatments (8 replicates per treatment).
The same experimental treatments were pro- vided continuously from1 d until 35 d of age (starter–grower phase). From d 35 to 42 (finishing phase), all broiler chickens were fed the control diet. Broiler chickens were slaughtered under commercial conditions at 42 d of age.