Feed restriction in broiler breeder pullets: skip-a-day versus skip-two-days

Effects were compared of two methods of feed restriction (skip-a-day, SAD, vs. skip-two-days, STD) during 4 to 22 wk of age on the development, uniformity, and subsequent performance of White Rock pullets. The pullets, housed in cages, consumed the same amount of feed in both treatments. Nevertheless, body weights of birds kept under the STD feeding regimen were significantly (P less than .01) lower. This difference was still significant (P less than .05) at 35 wk of age. Flock uniformity at 11 wk of age was significantly (P less than .05) higher in pullets kept on the STD feeding program. Plasma glucose and corticosterone levels in fasted pullets and corticosterone levels in fed birds at the age of 21 wk were not affected by feeding regimen. However, the increase in plasma glucose after feeding was significantly (P less than .05) higher in pullets on the STD feeding program. Plasma corticosterone levels were consistently, and at times significantly (P less than .05), higher in fasted birds. Laying of the first egg was significantly (P less than .05) delayed in hens previously kept on the STD feeding regimen. Rate of egg production and egg weights up to 35 wk of age were not affected by the method of feed restriction.