Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of broilers, receiving or not monensin (MON), at different levels (100,110 and 120 ppm) according to the growth phase (GP) (1 to 21; 22 at 40 and 41 to 45/46 days of age). The Experiment 1 was performed at metabolic cages and the AME, dry matter digestibility (DDM.) and nitrogen retention (NR) were determined. The Experiments 2 and 3 were performed at floor pens. In the Experiment 3, feed:gain ratio (F/G) was improved with MON, mainly from 22 to 40 days. The 100 and 110-ppm levels better responded than 120 ppm, mainly without drug withdrawal in the last GP. In the Experiment 3, birds without MON had higher feed intake (FI). No differences were observed in DMD, ME or NR. In the Experiments 1 and 2, the maintenance of the drug up to the last week positively influenced the carcass yield and 110-ppm dose showed higher breast yield than other levels. Abdominal fat was not affected by the MON levels in the diets. The use of MON positively affected the broiler F/G. The birds weight gain was not affected, even with reduced CR.
broilers; carcass yield; coccidiostats; monensin; performance
