Effects of High Temperature on Growth and Efficiency of Male and Female Broilers from Lines Selected for High Weight Gain, Favorable Feed Conversion, and High or Low Fat Content

Abstract

Male and female broiler chicks from five different broiler crosses (WI, LF, and HF = Israeli chicks selected for high body weight gain, and low and high abdominal fat, respectively; FC and WN = Dutch chicks selected for favorable feed conversion and high body weight gain, respectively) were raised at a high ambient temperature (32 to 33 C). Weight gain, protein and fat content in the carcass and feed, and protein efficiency were determined at 4, 6, and 8 wk of age. The effect of the high temperature was evaluated by comparing these data with those of similar chicks raised at a normal temperature (20 to 33 C) up to 6 wk of age. The reductions in body weight, protein gain, and feed and protein efficiency due to the high temperature increased with age and were much larger in males than in females. This trend was more pronounced in WI and WN chicks than in LF, HF, and FC chicks. Females of WI and WN crosses were as heavy as males at 6 wk and heavier at 8 wk. In LF, HF, and FC crosses, both sexes had similar weights at 8 wk. Growth reduction due to the high temperature was largest in the groups with the highest growth rate at the normal temperature (WI and WN males). Chicks with a lower growth rate and a higher capacity for energy storage in fat depots (all females, HF chicks), or a higher capacity for heat loss (FC chicks), were less affected by the high temperature. The results suggest that females should be preferred over males for broiler production in hot facilities or locations. Broiler genotypes selected for feed efficiency at the expense of fast growth may allow for a more profitable broiler production in high-temperature regions.