The effect of polyether, ionophorous anticoccidial drugs on feather growth in genetically slow-feathering broilers [Chicks, Hubbard X Hubbard]

The rate of feather growth was measured in Hubbard X Hubbard broilers given monensin, salinomycin, or lasalocid for 8 weeks in floor pens. Chicks were given a nutritionally adequate diet. Feathers on male chicks were shorter at 10 days of age but grew faster than those on female chicks. Male chicks had longer feathers than female chicks after 31 days of age. Back feather scores were similar in male and female chicks at 52 days of age. Dietary ionophores had no effect on the rate of feather growth or the back feather coverage under the condition of this study.