Structural equation models for slaughtering weight prediction for broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Broiler production relies on optimizing flock performance and final weight.
• Gut health is a critical factor influencing overall broiler health and productivity.
• Predictive models for broiler weight are valuable for farm management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of gut health parameters on broiler final flock weight.
• To develop predictive equations for estimating broiler final weight at early stages (7, 14, 21 days).
• To identify key factors affecting broiler final weight under field conditions.

Main Methods:

• Gut health parameters (e.g., gizzard erosion, coccidiosis, intestinal content analysis) were evaluated at 7 and 14 days.
• Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between gut health, intermediate growth parameters (body weight, mortality), and final flock weight.
• Data on stocking density, litter reuse, and downtime were also incorporated.

Main Results:

• Stocking density and litter reuse did not significantly impact final flock weight.
• Downtime period, body weight, and mortality at 14 and 21 days directly influenced final flock weight.
• Gut health parameters indirectly affected final flock weight by influencing body weight and mortality at 14 days.
• Predictive equations for final flock weight were established with R² values of 0.56 (14 days) and 0.77 (21 days).

Conclusions:

• Gut health is an indirect but significant factor in broiler final weight determination.
• Early-life growth parameters (body weight, mortality) are strong predictors of final flock weight.
• The developed equations provide reliable tools for estimating broiler final weight in field settings.