Starter vs. Corn and Supplemental Calcium Propionate in Initial Broiler Feeding1

The effect of increasing glucose to broilers has been demonstrated with the use of gluconeogenic compounds, such as propionate, as well as with high carbohydrate diets. These are thought to facilitate the utilization of the high fat reserves present in the yolk sac, thereby enhancing the chick’s ability to progress from yolk sac nutrition to independent feeding. Ground corn and a standard starter feed either with or without 2.4% calcium propionate supplementation were given to broilers for the first 3 days. Feeds thereafter were common to all treatments. The effects of corn and propionate were independent. Early feeding of corn reduced body weight gain until 42 days, whereas alterations attributable to propionate were not apparent. Early mortality was relieved when corn was fed but no advantage occurred with supplemental propionate. Early feeding of corn led to increased abdominal fat and reduced carcass yield; however, defects capable of downgrading were minor and proportions of deboned parts were similar. Propionate did not alter the whole carcass nor deboned parts. Integrity of femurs after cone deboning of thighs was similar among the treatments.