Effects of early feed restriction in broilers. I. Growth performance and carcass composition

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Nutritional Physiology

Background:

• Early life nutrition significantly impacts broiler development and performance.
• Nutrient restriction is a strategy explored to modulate growth and body composition in poultry.
• Understanding the long-term effects of early nutrient restriction is crucial for optimizing broiler production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of severe nutrient restriction during early life on male and female broiler growth, body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass composition.
• To determine the impact of different durations of early nutrient restriction (6 vs. 12 days) on broiler performance after refeeding.
• To evaluate the potential of early feed restriction as a tool to improve broiler meat quality and reduce fat deposition.

Main Methods:

• Broiler chicks (male and female) were subjected to severe nutrient restriction from day 5 or 6 post-hatching for 6 or 12 days.
• Dietary intake during restriction was limited to maintenance energy requirements.
• Following the restriction period, birds were refed on an ad libitum basis, with controls fed ad libitum throughout.
• Body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass fat, and abdominal fat pad weights were measured at various time points, including 8 weeks of age.

Main Results:

• Minimal weight gain occurred during the nutrient restriction period.
• Two weeks post-refeeding, restricted chicks exhibited greater weight gains than controls.
• Final body weights were slightly greater in 6-day restricted chicks but significantly lower in 12-day restricted chicks compared to controls.
• Nutrient restriction led to improved feed efficiency, reduced carcass fat, and smaller abdominal fat pads in broilers.
• A similar, though less pronounced, effect was observed in female broilers.

Conclusions:

• Early severe nutrient restriction can enhance feed efficiency and reduce overall body fat in broilers.
• The duration of nutrient restriction is critical; 6-day restriction showed positive effects on final body weight, while 12-day restriction resulted in lower body weights.
• These findings suggest that carefully managed early feed restriction can be a valuable strategy for improving broiler production efficiency and meat quality.