Performance of Broiler Breeders as Affected by Body Weight During the Breeding Season

Abstract

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of broiler breeder body weight on performance during the breeding season. Cobb feather-sexed broiler breeders were placed on five breeder-feeding programs. All programs furnished equivalent daily intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, salt and vitamins. Energy intakes were varied to produce five body weight treatment groups. Each treatment group consisted of eight pens of 13 hens and two cocks. Females in the heavier groups reached peak egg production at an earlier age than those in the lighter groups. This was followed by an earlier, more rapid decline in production and lower liability. Fertility was significantly (P≤.05) lower in the ad libitum fed birds that also had the heaviest body weights. The effect of body weight treatments on hatchability was generally nonsignificant. Egg weights were heaviest for the ad libitum fed hens. Egg specific gravity decreased significantly (P≤.05) as body weights were increased.