Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to assess the relationship of body weight during a 12-day fast to postmolt performance of broiler breeder hens. The hens were individually caged Hubbard broiler breeders and were force molted by reducing the photoperiod, withdrawing feed for 12 days, and withdrawing water for 2 days. Body weight change during the fast was expressed as either body weight loss (LOSS) during the 12-day fast or as the body weight (BDWT) on Day 12.Egg production, egg shell quality (specific gravity), and egg weight were assessed for seven or eight 28-day periods. Fertility and hatch of fertile eggs were also determined.Improved postmolt egg production and reduced egg weight were more closely associated with BDWT than LOSS. No other consistent relationship was found. These data demonstrated that a body weight of approximately 2.4 to 3.0 kg must be reached during a fast to maximize postmolt egg production under these experimental conditions.
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