This study was conducted in Campus of Live Sciences, Tulsipur, Dang in order to evaluate effect of different commercial feed on broiler’s performance. Totally, 265 chicks (of Cobb-500) were divided into 16 compartments and arranged in CRD. The study was conducted to determine the performance of different commercial feeds and economic analysis of Broiler chickens. Four treatments viz. Hypro, Dolphin, Khurak and Poshak were used. B0, B1 and B2 were given to each treatment for 0-14, 12-28 and 28-35 days respectively. Vaccination, disease control and other management practices were done accordingly. The body weight per bird was taken weekly and feed intake was measured similarly. The average daily feed intake and weight gain was found 88.925 and 61.41 gm respectively. 1.44 was the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the mortality rate was 29.4%. Also it showed that only 28% of gain in weight is due to feed. The data on mean weight of chicken in first, second and third week was found to be non-significant. Among the various treatment, T4 (Poshak), T1 ( Hypro), T1 ( Hypro) gave highest mean weight of chicks in first, second and third week respectively. Statistical analysis also revealed significant differences among the treatment means in fourth and fifth week. Treatment T3 (Khurak) gave highest mean weight of chicks in fourth and fifth week.

Livestock systems occupy about 30 per cent of the planet's (Steinfeld et al, 2006). Their products contribute 17 per cent to kilocalorie consumption and 33 per cent to protein consumption globally, but there are large differences between rich and poor countries (Rose grant et al. 2009). Livestock systems have both positive and negative effects on the natural resource base, public health, social equity and economic growth (World Bank 2009). Currently, livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing countries. Its share of agricultural GDP is already 33 per cent and is quickly increasing. This growth is driven by the rapidly increasing demand for livestock products, this demand being driven by population growth, urbanization and increasing incomes in developing countries (Delgado 2005). Nepal is an agricultural country. More than 66% of total population is involved in agricultural practices. Agriculture contributes 33.7% of total GDP among which 15% is contributed by livestock production. Among various animal husbandry enterprises, poultry production has assumed number one position and attained industrial status in many countries. It is one of the main practices among livestock production in Nepal that contributes about 3.5% of GDP. It ranks in 112th position in chicken meat production. Out of 2, 95,167 Mt ton total meat production poultry accounts for 42,810 Mt ton in year 2071/72. (MOAC, 2014).

Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys for the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. Poultry are farmed in great numbers with chickens being the most numerous and branch of animal husbandry concerned with the raising of domestic fowl. Poultry are raised primarily for eggs and meat; down and feathers are secondary products.

Over recent decades the poultry industry has made tremendous adjustments to meet the increasing demand for inexpensive and safe supply of meat and eggs. Over the past three decades, the poultry sector has been growing at more than 5 percent per annum (compared to 3 percent for pig meat and 1.5 percent for bovine meat) and its share in world meat production increased from 15 percent three decades ago to 30 percent currently (FAO, 2006a).

Rearing of poultry for meat production is known as broiler production. It is emerged as a major income generating enterprise in agriculture sector over the last three and a half decades reaching the farm number to be more than 1,000. It provides additional income and job opportunities to a large number of rural populations in the shortest possible time. Today, poultry production has become one of the most rapidly growing enterprises within the reach of the poor, women, marginal farmers and entrepreneurs, considering the trends of population growth, urbanization, road access, transportation linkages, increasing awareness on nutrition and growing demand for consumer products, increasing international level restaurants, it will be safe to assume that poultry sector will constantly grow un a foreseeable future & also assumed much importance especially in urban areas because of their high food value. In addition, the daily demand of poultry meat is 1,50,000 kg and poultry farming are within the reach of all classes of society, including women, marginal farmers and schedule caste and tribes, it could become one of the government's strategic activities for poverty reduction and for reaching the most disadvantaged socio economic groups.

Literature Review

In Nepal, more than 65% of people depend upon agriculture. Contribution of agricultural sector in Gross Domestic product (GDP) of Nepal is 31.1%. Among them contribution of livestock sector in total GDP is 26.8% and poultry sub sector within livestock contributes 8% of Agriculture Gross Domestic product (AGDP) and Indigenous poultry is widely prevalent which contributes 55% of total poultry population (Kattel, 2016). Considering the important contribution of poultry sector in the national economy APP has given it third important priority in livestock development program. There is a growing trend of poultry keeping in the highway sides and other roadside area. Currently there are 5 hatcheries in government sector and 75 hatcheries in private sector. Similarly there are 178 feed industries in private sector and 1 in government sector. There is a tremendous potential for poultry development in future. The future strategy may include steps and policy to marketing level. Poultry farmers have better economic opportunity. It also gives employment opportunity to women and rural people (Mishra, 2016). Though the eggs and meat of indigenous breed have been highly preferred by consumers, their low productivity these breeds cannot meet the demand (Bhurtel 1995, Sah et al. 2000). Visualizing the need of upgrading indigenous breeds, dual-purpose breeds of chicken were found to introduced in country in early 1960’s and consequently in 1970’s the private sector started to import commercial breeds (Bhurtel & Shaha 2000). For the last decade, the country has experienced an impressive growth of the commercial poultry growing at the rate of 13% and contributing 4% to gross domestic product (GDP) of the country (Dhakal 2001). However, the majorities of commercial farms in the country are found to be small and scattered focusing mainly for meat production. Bhurtel and Shaha (2000) reported that net profit per broiler bird production was Rs. 23.6 for large farms, while in medium farms it was very low (Rs. 8.6) which was mainly due to lower production cycle, low price of birds, lower FCR and high cost of day- old chicks. Oluyemi and Roberts (2000) observed that at day old (42 g live weight), the broiler dressed carcass weight expressed as live weight was 30 % while at 3000 g live weight, the dressed carcass percentage rose to 57%. The percentage of each part of the body determine physiological age and stage of maturity of the birds (Rickefs, 1985). The proportions of basic carcass parts (breasts, drumsticks and thighs), the chemical composition of the carcass parts are regarded as vital parameters determining overall broiler meat quality (Lewis et al., 1997; Suto et al., 1998).

1.Site selection :The area of Campus of Live sciences in Tulsipur, Dang which lies in Rapti Zone. Tulsipur is located in inner terai, 450 km west of the capital city. This valley lies between the Mahabharat range in the north and Chure hills in the south.

2 . Experimental design:

A cemented poultry house with gauge walls was prepared for rearing poultry. Following are some of the activities done for preparing the poultry house:

Partition:
Inside the house, 24 small rooms were made by partitioning with the help of wire gauge in which we were allotted 16 compartments. Figure below shows the structure of the poultry house:

2 .Experimental design:

A cemented poultry house with gauge walls was prepared for rearing poultry. Following are some of the activities done for preparing the poultry house:

Partition:
Inside the house, 24 small rooms were made by partitioning with the help of wire gauge in which we were allotted 16 compartments. Figure below shows the structure of the poultry house:

Treatments:

T1: Hypro
T2: Dolphin
T3: Khurak
T4: Poshak

Plastic coverings: To maintain the temperature inside, the gauzed wall were covered by tarpaulins in all sides. These tarpaulins could be removed when required.

Disinfection: floor was disinfected by using flame thrower.

Formalin spray: Formalin (45ml/15lit of water), a multipurpose disinfectant was sprayed by using knapsack sprayer for disinfecting the surfaces. It was used for protection from infection of viruses, some fungi and bacteria.

Liming: to reduce the infection and transfer of pests from outside environment, lime was placed just inside the door of the poultry house. Similarly, lime dust was sprayed all over the walking alley.

Bedding management: For reducing the cold from the cemented floor, rice husks (24 gunny bags) were used as the bedding material (3-4 inch). Above the rice husk, newspapers were placed for 7 days in such a way that the chickens could not feed on the bedding material.

Poultry rearing: 265 broilers (Cobb-500) were reared in throughout the project work. In each partition 15 chickens were kept. The chickens were kept after feeding the small portion of glucose water.

Feeding, watering and lighting:
The chickens were fed daily with different types of ration viz. starter ration, grower ration and finishing ration. These three types of rations were fed daily at different period of time such as:

B0 (starter ration): up to 14 days
B1 (grower ration): 14-28 days
B2 (finisher ration): 28-42 days

In the like manner, water was given twice a day. Chlorinated water was fed. For lighting, 200 watt bulb was tied in each partition. The light was kept primarily for raising temperature during night time. Due to low temperature gas brooder was used for early 10 days 

3. Sanitation and management:
As the poultry are very sensitive to disease and other pest, sanitation is necessary. The poultry house surrounding was cleaned. Thus, in the poultry house sanitation were maintained by adding the bedding materials. Daily cleaning of the alley and removal of litters were done. Raking of bedding material was done to maintain dry condition. While entering the house, feet should be dipped in the lime dust for disinfection. Regular liming on alley and doors was done to disinfect the poultry house.

4.  Vaccination:
Against several diseases, vaccination was given to the broilers in the following schedule:
Against several diseases, vaccination was given to the broilers in the following schedule:

Where,

R1F1 = Ranikhet (via. Eye)
IBD = Infectious Bursal Disease (via. Oral)
Related disease and their cures

5. Care and Management:

Cold stress – Gas Brooder and increase in light intensity.

Physical stress – Area per unit bird was increased.

E-coli – Use of:Acidifier, Chlorine tablet @ 1/8 part per 100 liter of water (left dissolved for 45 minutes)

Gentadox @ 0.5 gm per liter of water

Oxygen deficiency – Plastic covering was removed for certain extent.

Brooding defects – Kept in isolation chamber.

Feed toxicity - Biotox @ 1 ml per liter

Others given:

Immune care

B-complex @ 20 ml per 100 liter of water

Vitamin-C (Cevitvet) @ 2.5 gm per 5 liter of water

Amino acid (Panamin) @ 1 ml per liter water during night time

6. Related temperature and relative humidity

Data were collected in the following parameters:

a.             Initial body weight

Firstly, initial body weight was measured. Body weight of the broilers was measured in the weekly basis.

b.             Average weekly gain

Average weekly gain :(Final weight –Initial weight )/Number of birds 

c.             Feed intake 

Feed intake was measured daily before adding the feed. Weight of final feed left was subtracted from initial feed given in order to take the feed intake.

Daily feed intake= daily feed offered- daily left over feed

d.             Feed conversion ratio =

       Average daily feed intake /average daily weight gai

7 . Result And Discussion

a.             Initial body weight:

The average body weight of a bird was found to be 49.41 gm. This was found similar to guidelines for modern broiler, the birds are supposed to be increased live weight 4.25 times during the first seven days, from approx 40-180 gm (wahlstrom, 2013). This is under such condition that is not affected by the factors like genetics, egg quality, growing condition etc.

b.             Feed intake:

The birds raised were given feed of different commercial companies. Weekly feed intake per bird was observed and found as follows. In the first week feed intake was 143.98 gm per bird and this rate increased as the growth progress.

As shown in the graph average feed intake increases at increasing rate during the initial weeks, later on as the age progress by feed intake increases at nearly constant rate.

c.             Body weight:

The main concern in the broiler raising is meat. This directly correlates to the growth of the broiler chicken. The average initial body weight of the 265 chickens under study was found to be

 49.50. Body weight is affected by different factors like health conditions; feed intake, FCR, management practices etc.

In the figure above weekly average body weight of chickens initially increase at slow rate and as the feed intake increase the weight also increase side by side. Factor affecting growth rate are health condition, feed quality and environment condition.

d.             Average daily gain :

We know, ADG = final weight- initial weight / (no of birds*no of days)

= 2199.08-49.5 / (1*35)

= 61.41 gm

The average daily gain of birds under study was found to be 61.41 gm. This was found to be similar to 60.3 gm daily gain in the survey of Brazil (Best, 2011).

e.             Average daily feed intake  (ADFI):

The average daily feed intake was found to be 88.925 gm.

f.              Feed conversion ratio:

FCR= ADFI/ADG

= 88.925 /61.41

= 1.44

This is the most important parameter as it shows the growth rate that finally indicate the amount of the feed consumed to produce the unit kg of meat. The feed conversion ratio in our study was found to be 1.44 

which is at acceptable range. This was found to be approximately similar to 1.8 FCR in the survey of results for 30 million broilers in Brazil (Best, 2011).

g.             Mortality rate:

Total number of broiler in 16 compartment = 265 Total mortality = 78

Mortality% = (78/265)*100

= 29.4%

Hence the mortality percent was 29.4 & heavy loss was incurred.

8.  Analysis and interpretation:

Data analysis was done by using excel, Gene stat and R-stat and finally results obtained were interpreted.

ANOVA table of weight gain on weekly basis are given below:

As shown in the graph average feed intake increases at increasing rate during the initial weeks, later on as the age progress by feed intake increases at nearly constant rate.

c.             Body weight:

The main concern in the broiler raising is meat. This directly correlates to the growth of the broiler chicken. The average initial body weight of the 265 chickens under study was found to be 49.50. Body weight is affected by different factors like health conditions; feed intake, FCR, management practices etc.

Benefit parameters

From the table above

Total cost = Rs 89772 Gross Benefit = Rs 81600 Net loss = Rs 8,172

Net benefit in the first batch was low due to the fix cost like drinker, feeder, wiring and bulbs.

Benefit: Cost Ratio:

B: C Ratio       = Total Revenue/Total Cost

                        = 81600/89772

                         = 0.91

Correlation of feed intake and weight gain:

The above figure shows that in an average there is negative correlation between feed intakes and weight gain of poultry. It shows that only 28% of gain in weight is due to feed and rest of others is dependent in other factors like temperature, R.H, lighting, water intake, disease and their management and likewise. So within certain extent there is profitability to increase feed amount to gain weight but after that there is no effect or negative effect in increased feed intak breeds  and traits  of  economic importance