Restricted feeding of broiler breeders

Two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of various feed restriction programs during the growing and laying periods on body weight, egg production, fertility, and hatchability. In the first experiment, Cobb color-sexed broiler breeders were fed one of three grower programs (full feed, skip-a-day, or low protein) from 8 to 24 weeks of age. Two layer programs (full feed and restricted) were fed from 24 to 67 weeks of age. Overall the skip-a-day grower treatment gave the best results of the programs tested. This treatment resulted in the significantly lowest body weights, greatest delay in sexual maturity, and highest egg production and fertility. The restricted layer treatment resulted in lower body weight, delayed sexual maturity, lower egg production during the colder months, and higher fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs. In the second experiment, Cobb color-sexed broiler breeders were fed one of three skip-a-day grower treatments (control or breeder's recommendations, control minus 10%, control minus 20%) from 8 to 24 weeks of age. Two layer programs (full feed and restricted) were fed from 24 to 51 weeks of age. Overall, the control minus 20% treatment resulted in significantly delayed sexual maturity and significantly decreased body weight. The restricted layer treatment also significantly delayed sexual maturity and decreased body weight.