A COMPARISON OF CORN, GLENLEA, PITIC 62, AND NEEPAWA WHEATS IN BROILER DIETS

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Abstract
A factorial experiment lasting 4 wk and using day-old broiler crossbreds was conducted to compare corn (Zea mays), Glenlea, Pitic 62, and Neepawa wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as ingredients in broiler diets. Four levels of protein (calculated at 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, and 24%) were used with each of the four grains. Each of the 16 diets was fed to 4 replicates of 10 chicks each. The diets were so formulated that at all four protein levels protein from wheat made up a higher percent of the total dietary protein than did protein from corn in the corn diets. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in 4-wk body weight due to dietary protein levels, which resulted from chicks fed the 18% protein diet having lower body weights than chicks fed the other three protein levels. The grain source also significantly (P < 0.01) affected growth, with corn and Pitic 62 being inferior to Glenlea and Neepawa. The level of protein was the only criterion that significantly (P < 0.01) influenced feed-to-gain ratio, the 18% protein diets giving the poorest efficiency.