Effects of environmental factors on the performance of broiler breeder hens

Abstract

In this study, we attempted to provide practical, reliable information on the influence of different managerial and nutritional approaches to commercial broiler breeder flock performance (Lohmann I.R. strain). Altitude, maximum and minimum outside temperature, house direction and dimension, flock density, ventilation capacity, and drinking water quality were examined as the main environmental variables. Moreover, the relationship between energy and protein intake and the investigated factors was evaluated. This field study was conducted in 12 broiler breeder flocks at 8 different locations in Iran. A significant positive linear relationship was observed between the ME intake of females during the starter period and hen-housed chick production. Increments of total and digestible lysine and methionine plus cysteine intake of females during the rearing period increased hen-housed chick production. Drinking water quality, including total hardness, total dissolved solids, and total alkalinity, and the altitude of the hatchery significantly affected chick production rate (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the ME intake of females in the rearing and laying periods, amino acid intake, drinking water quality, and the altitude of the hatchery are important concerns that influence the performance of commercial broiler breeder hens.