Effects of maternal dietary energy restriction on laying performance, embryonic development, and lipid metabolism in broilers

Hao Sun,Lina Lian,Chengzhan Ma,Shupeng Niu,Zeyu Zhao,Zhihui Chen,Jinhua Sun,Liangmei Xu

doi:10.5713/ab.21.0301

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different degrees of maternal dietary energy restriction on lipid deposition in embryonic tissues during the medium laying period (37 to 39 weeks) in Arbor Acres (AA) broiler breeders.MethodsA single factor design was adopted, and 400 AA broiler breeders (20 weeks of age) with a similar weight were randomly allocated into four groups. The birds in the control group were fed a corn-soybean meal based diet, and those in trial groups were fed diets with 80%, 70%, and 50% energy levels of the basal diet. Incubated eggs from the medium laying period were collected. Samples of developing embryos at various stages were prepared for composition analysis.ResultsThe embryo weight in the 80% energy group was higher than those of the other groups on embryonic day (E) 13, but at 21 E, they were significantly decreased with decreasing energy intake of the broiler breeders (p<0.05). Additionally, the levels of crude fat in tissues in the restriction groups were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The long axis and area of adipocytes in breast muscle, thigh muscle and the liver were significantly decreased (p<0.05) at 21 E in the 80%, 70%, and 50% energy groups.ConclusionThe effects of the 80% maternal dietary energy restriction energy affects egg production performance, egg quality, and nutrient deposition in egg weights, which then directly impacts on the developmental process of embryos, especially on fat utilization and deposition.

Highlights

Energy and protein restriction have been used for layers in order to avoid excessive intake which can lead to bird fatness and increase feeding costs [1]
Our previous studies have reported that maternal dietary energy restriction could significantly increase serum total cholesterol (CHO) in embryos during the middle laying period in broiler breeders [15]
We have demonstrated that maternal dietary energy restriction can promote the differentiation of preadipocytes through research with 120% and 80% energy levels of the basal diet during the middle laying period in broiler breeders [15]

Summary

Introduction

Energy and protein restriction have been used for layers in order to avoid excessive intake which can lead to bird fatness and increase feeding costs [1]. Numerous investigations have focused on methods to increase egg weight through diet manipulation. It is necessary to have a better understanding on how to optimize the use of dietary energy to get optimal performance and profits of laying hens. Blamberg et al [2] have found that metabolizable energy has a great effect on egg weight. Many studies about animal demonstrated that excess intake of energy affects the growth rate and could negatively affect the carcass characteristics [3]. It is important to control the energy intake

Results

Discussion

Conclusion