A twice-a-day feeding regimen optimizes performance in broiler breeder hens

To evaluate the effects of different methods of feed allocation on performance, plasma hormone concentration, and ovarian morphology, an experiment was conducted using 32 Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens. The experiment was started at 27 wk and lasted to 39 wk of age. Feeding regimens included: i) hens with an ad libitum feeding program, ii) hens that received their restricted feed once a day, iii) hens that received their restricted feed twice a day, and iv) hens that received their restricted feed 3 times a day. Each hen was assumed as an experimental unit and treatments were replicated 8 times. Daily egg production, BW, and egg and yolk weights were measured. Two blood samples were taken 3 and 6 h after the first feed allocation every 2 wk. Plasma samples were assayed for glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), cholesterol, as well as leptin-like concentration, glucagon, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone. Liver, abdominal fat pad, and ovary were collected at necropsy. Ovaries were weighed and follicles were characterized as large yellow follicles, small yellow follicles, and large white follicles. Results showed inferior egg production in ad libitum-fed birds along with high levels of plasma glucose, TAG, cholesterol, leptin-like concentration, and testosterone. Twice-a-day-fed birds produced more egg in the entire production period than once-a-day-fed birds. Better performance of twice-a-day-fed hens was associated with lower plasma glucose, TAG, and leptin-like concentration, whereas their estradiol and glucagon were higher than once-a-day-fed hens. Results obtained in our study suggest that allocation of restricted feed 2 times a day may alleviate or delay lipotoxicity development and improve reproductive performance in broiler breeder hens.