The Effect of Whole Wheat or Whole Rye Plus Wheat as Grower Rations on the Growth and Performance of Broiler Breeders

Abstract

Whole wheat and a 1 to 1 mix of whole rye and wheat were supplemented with vitamins and minerals via the drinking water and fed ad libitum as low-cost, low-protein grower rations to broiler breeder pullets in comparison with a 14%-protein mash diet fed on alternate days (skip-a-day). Birds of two breeds were maintained on the experimental diets from 6 to 20 weeks of age and were subsequently fed identical mash layer rations.Birds fed whole-grain rations with supplemented drinking water had lower body weights with higher carcass fat content at 20 weeks of age than control birds, and they experienced a higher grower mortality and a 5 to 8 day delay in sexual maturity. Hen-housed egg production by grain-fed birds was lower during the first two 28-day periods, but for one breed egg weight was greater. There was no significant difference, however, in total egg production, in number of settable eggs, or in fertility or hatchability over the entire 28-week laying period. Responses of the two breeds to the nutritional treatments differed for body weight and fat content at 20 weeks, rearing mortality, and egg weight but not for other production parameters.Total feed costs per hen housed were lower for grain-reared birds. The applicability of wholegrain feeding as a management practice in rearing broiler breeders can be determined only by comparisons based on the specific costs involved.