These data consisted of average weights for each sex and average feed con- 

 sumption for the mixed sexes. Through recent experiments at this Station, 

 the feed consumption for the mixed sexes was recalculated and tabulated 

 by sexes by two-week periods from one-day-old to ten weeks of age. In 

 September of 1951. a sample of 20 ten-week old males and a sample of 20 

 ten-week old females were selected at random from each of these five pens 

 of New Hampshires. Thus a pen of 100 males and a pen of 100 females 

 were obtained for further study, each pen representing five different strains 

 of New Hampshires. By this procedure stock was obtained which would more 

 nearly represent the average for the breed. 



From 10 to 20 weeks of age. body weights and feed consumption data 

 were collected by sexes at weekly intervals because of the great economic 

 importance of such information. The body weights and feed consumption 

 for the two sexes were averaged to obtain figures representing mixed sexes. 



The chickens were fed a high efficiency type ration which was supple- 

 mented with pellets after two weeks and also with scratch grain after 13 

 weeks of age. 



Results 



The results of the weekly weighing of the chickens and accumulative feed 

 consumption are presented in Table 1. These growth standards are also pre- 

 sented in the graph in Figure 2. The results show that both the males and 

 the females consumed moie feed progressively each week until the 15th 

 week. At this time consumption dropped off slightly for the rest of the ex- 

 periment except for the 20th week when the pullets started to lay. The 

 feed consumed was utilized by the chickens at a continually poorer rate as 

 the chicken grew older. 



Figures collected from broiler growers indicate that this growth stand- 

 ard is better than the growth obtained on many commercial farms in that 

 it results in a larger chicken on less feed at any given time. However, some 

 commercial flocks grow equally well. A typical mixed sex growth curve for 

 New Hampshires raised on commercial broiler farms is shown in Figure 1. 

 This growth curve is a composite of data obtained from more than 60 differ- 

 ent flocks raised in 1951. In comparing this curve with the standard curve, 

 il is apparent that more feed is required to reach a given weight for the 

 commercial broiler. This points to the improvement broiler growers can 

 make in the growth and feed efficiency of broilers which in turn results in 

 greater return over cost. 



Feed Efficiency 



There are many factors which influence the profit from raising broilers. 

 Among these are the cost of feed, chicks, hired labor, fuel, litter, and like 

 items; the final feed efficiency of the chickens or the number of pounds of 

 feed to produce each pound of live weight; disease and mortality; and the 

 price received per pound when sold. To realize the most profit for labor 

 and management the broiler grower must know which factors have the most 

 effect on profit and how to make these factors operate in his favor. 



The cost of a ton of feed cannot be influenced by a broiler grower, 

 except as he buys for cash or credit. However, he can influence his over-all 



