Nutrients Availability to Scavenging Chickens in Bangladesh

An investigation was conducted on 540 scavenging chickens of two age groups (below 6 month and above 6 month) taking equal number from each of 6 upzilas (sub-district) under 4 districts in 3 seasons (Summer, Winter and Rainy season). The birds were collected from farmer`s house between 4:0 and 5:0 pm. Collected birds were slaughtered and dissected to collect different parasites from suspected organs. Crop and gizzard contents (CGC) were collected for nutritional analyses. CGC was processed and analyzed for proximate components, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P). The CGC contained 2678 Kcal/kg DM TME, 11.72% CP, 0.41% Ca and 0.34% P. Seasonal variation had significant effect on TME availability but not on CP content. Seasons, areas and their interactions had significant effect on Ca availability. Availability of Ca and P to younger birds was fewer than that of to aged birds, but reverse result was found for TME. It was concluded that all scavenging birds were under deficient nutritional status.