Performance and intestinal parameters of Label Rouge chickens fed on high-moisture corn silage

ABSTRACT In this experiment, 1200 Label Rouge chicks were used, with an average initial weight of 41.0 ± 0.55 g. The chicks were distributed over a completely randomised design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme (with and without acidifier, and 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% high-moisture corn silage - HMCS). Weight gain (GP) was determined, together with feed intake (CR), and feed conversion (CA), morphometric analysis, an analysis of intestinal microbiota, and the yield from the carcass and cuts. From 1 to 63 days, a quadratic effect (P<0.05) was seen from the HMCS on CR and CA. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between the levels of HMCS and the addition of acidifier on carcass, cuts (wing and breast) and liver yield in females. For males, there was an interaction (P<0.05) between the levels of HMCS and acidifier on carcass, drumstick, breast and fat. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between the inclusion of HMCS and the addition of acidifier on the Lactobacillus count at 63 days. There was a quadratic effect from the HMCS for the treatment with acidifier, and the crypts showed a greater diameter for the treatment without acidifier. The results suggest that range chickens, fed with up to 50% HMCS with acidifier, display good characteristics for the carcass and cuts, and suffer no damage to the intestinal parameters.