Effect of a short-term feed outage on broiler performance, live shrink, and processing yields

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a 12-h feed outage at various times prior to slaughter on subsequent broiler performance, live shrink, and processing yields. Broilers were full-fed or subjected to a 12-h feed outage followed by a refeeding period of 12, 24, or 48 h. Bird live weights or feed consumption was monitored during the outage and recovery periods. Birds were subjected to a 10-h feed withdrawal period and were slaughtered using simulated commercial conditions. Carcass weights were recorded through processing for yield determinations. The 12-h feed outage affected female broilers more than male broilers. Although all birds lost weight during their respective feed outage periods, birds were able to consume enough feed upon refeeding such that no significant differences in final live weight were detected at the initiation of feed withdrawal. Female broilers processed after a 12-h refeeding period had significantly larger gall bladders (by weight) as compared to the gall bladders of birds in the other treatments. Other processing parameters were not significantly affected by treatment. A 12-h feed outage and feed replacement prior to normal preslaughter feed withdrawal does not significantly affect processing yields, provided sufficient feed is replaced for at least 12 h prior to feed withdrawal. Because total feed consumption did not change following feed outage replacement, feed must be sufficient to compensate for that not consumed during the outage.