Abstract
Early feed intake and feed conversion were investigated in selected and nonselected broiler lines. Birds from the selected line consumed significantly more feed the first day than those from the nonselected line, although body weights were similar at hatching. Feed conversion ratios (feed/gain) of the selected line were less than unity (.79 and .77) the first day on feed and were significantly superior to those of the nonselected line through week 4.The percentage of deviation between lines in feed intake was higher than the percentage of deviation in body weight through week 4 with the largest difference during week 1. The maximum deviation in feed intake between selected and nonselected lines preceded by approximately 1 week the maximum deviation in body weight. These data strongly indicate a direct relationship between appetite and body weight in explaining genetic manipulation of growth.
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