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In Ovo Feeding of Commercial Broiler Eggs: An Accurate and Reproducible Method to Affect Muscle Development and Growth
Published on: September 20, 2021
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Body composition, gastrointestinal, and reproductive differences between broiler breeders fed using everyday or
L P Avila1, K M Sweeney1, C R Evans1
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Poultry Science
|July 9, 2023
Summary
Everyday (ED) feeding improved broiler breeder pullet growth, bone density, and intestinal health compared to skip-a-day (SAD) regimens. ED feeding also enhanced eggshell quality and hatchability, suggesting it is superior for modern breeders.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Broiler breeder feed restriction is crucial for managing growth and improving feed efficiency.
- Skip-a-day (SAD) feeding regimens have been used for breeder growth control but their efficacy for modern breeders is debated.
- Understanding the impact of different feeding strategies on pullet development and subsequent reproductive performance is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of everyday (ED) and skip-a-day (SAD) feeding programs on broiler breeder pullet growth, body composition, gastrointestinal development, and reproductive performance.
- To evaluate the impact of these feeding regimens on bone density and intestinal morphology.
- To determine the influence of feeding strategies on egg quality and hatchability.
Main Methods:
- Ross 708 pullet chicks were assigned to either ED or SAD feeding programs until 21 weeks of age.
- Diets were isonutritious, with ED diets containing higher crude fiber.
- Body weight, body composition (using DEXA), bone density, and intestinal morphology (goblet cells) were assessed.
- Reproductive performance and hatchery metrics were recorded up to 60 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- ED birds were heavier with similar nutrient intake from weeks 10 to 45.
- SAD pullets exhibited lower body fat and bone density at various time points.
- SAD pullets had reduced intestinal villi goblet cells at 4 weeks of age.
- Eggs from ED hens showed a trend towards higher specific gravity and hatch of fertile percentage.
Conclusions:
- Everyday feeding enhanced pullet intestinal goblet cells, bone density, and body fat at 19 weeks.
- The ED program resulted in improved feed conversion (2.6% less feed).
- ED feeding positively influenced eggshell quality and hatch of fertile percentage, indicating its advantage for modern broiler breeders.
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