Iji, Paul Ade2006-12-282006-12-2819981998http://hdl.handle.net/2440/19438Corrigenda inserted behind title page.Bibliography: leaves 275-306.xxxv, 306 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm.The pattern of body growth and intestinal development of an Australian strain of broiler chicken, the Steggles x Ross (F1) in response to different diets was studied. Five experiments were designed to examine the pattern of growth and mechanisms involved. In four other experiments, the mechanisms underlying the gross response of the broiler chicks to dietary ingredients, anti-nutritive factors and growth enhancers were examined. Results indicated that a rapid development of the small intestine preceded significant overall body growth. Body growth would, however, depend more on the various physiological events such as those related to mucosal growth and renewal, digestive enzyme function, and nutrient transport. Some of the differences observed in productivity of broiler chickens on different diets were traced to events at the intestinal level.512071 bytesapplication/pdfenBroilers (Poultry) Feeding and feeds.Broilers (Poultry) Physiology.Broilers (Poultry) Growth.Thesis