Effect Of Early Feed Restriction Research Articles

Effect of Early Feed Restriction on Metabolic Programming and Compensatory Growth in Broiler Chickens

The effect of early feed restriction on metabolic programming and compensatory growth was studied in broiler chickens. A total of 480 female 1-d-old broiler birds (Aconred) were randomly allocated to ad libitum and feed-restricted groups, each of which was replicated 6 times with 40 birds per replicate. Broilers were provided commercial diets. Feed-restricted broilers were deprived of feed for 4 h per day from 1 to 21 d of age. Effects of treatments were determined at 21 and 63 d of age. In feed-restricted birds at 21 d of age, BW, average daily gain and average daily feed intake, breast muscle (P < 0.01), carcass yield (P < 0.05), and abdominal fat (P < 0.05) were decreased. Ether extract content in breast muscle was increased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was slightly decreased. Triiodothyronine (P < 0.01) and thyroxine (P < 0.05) were decreased in serum. Free fatty acid and very low density lipoprotein were slightly increased in serum, whereas triglyceride and glucose were decreased (P < 0.01). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes in liver including malic dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate remained unchanged in ad libitum birds, whereas hormone-sensitive lipase activity was increased (P < 0.01). In feed-restricted birds at 63 d of age, BW, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, carcass yield, breast muscle yield, and serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine remained as ad libitum birds, whereas abdominal fat yield was increased (P < 0.05). Ether extract content in breast muscle was decreased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was increased (P < 0.05). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes were significantly increased, except abdominal malic dehydrogenase and hormone-sensitive lipase activity was decreased (P < 0.01) in liver and abdominal fat. Lipoprotein lipase activity was increased (P < 0.05) in abdominal fat. In summary, feed restriction severely affected growth performance and lipid metabolism in broilers in the early period. Because there was no statistical difference among the final BW, near full compensatory growth was achieved. In addition, early feed restriction might have induced prolonged metabolic programming in chicks and led to adult obesity.

Effect of Early Feed Restriction on Performance Characteristics and Serum Thyroxin of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on performance characteristics and serum thyroxin of broiler chickens. The experiment was designed in a 2 x 2 factorial with 5 replicates of floor pens with 12 male or female chicks in each. 240 male and/or female day-old chicks were weighted and randomly allocated to two treatment groups of each sex. Two treatments involved, one control group and one restricted group, which were fed a mixture of 50:50 rice hulls and commercial starter diet with supplementation of trace minerals and vitamin premixes from 4 to 11 days of age. All groups were fed the same starter, grower and finisher diets from 11 to 56 days of age. Live body weight of restricted birds was compensated on day 42 of age and was numerically more than restricted group at 49 and 56 days of age. Daily feed intake up to 42, 49 and 56 days of age wasn't affected by treatments. Feed efficiency in the restricted birds was significantly (p 0.05) more than control group.

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on Performance and Ascites Development in Broiler Chickens Subsequently Raised at Low Ambient Temperature

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of early-age growth limitation, achieved through feed restriction (FR), as a means of reducing ascites mortality in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperatures. Feed restriction was applied to broilers from 5 to 11 d of age so as to reduce their weight gain to about 40% of that of control broilers that were fed ad libitum (AL). At the age of 21 d the chickens were exposed to a temperature of 15°C, which induced ascites. By 46 d of age, ascites incidence and mortality in the feed-restricted birds were reduced to 15.79 vs. 36.84% and 7.89 vs. 26.32%, respectively, compared with those in the controls (P < 0.05). After feed restriction was stopped, the FR chickens had accelerated weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio from 11 to 18 d of age (P < 0.05), and by 46 d they had achieved the same body weight as the AL birds. Ascitic broilers had smaller relative breast muscle and spleen weights than those of the healthy broilers at 46 d (P < 0.05). However, the relative weights of lung, heart, and liver and the right ventricle weight per total ventricle weight (RV:TV) ratios were greater in ascitic broilers (P < 0.05). At age 37 d, when ascites had developed but not yet caused mortality, the ascitic broilers had lower plasma concentrations of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and higher hematocrit values (P < 0.05) in comparison with the healthy ones. Ascitic birds also had lower oxygen consumption at 6 wk (P < 0.05), which agrees with information that the terminal stage of the ascites syndrome can be characterized by low oxygen consumption. We concluded that the early-age feed restriction reduced ascites incidence and mortality and prevented reduction of the thyroid hormone concentrations in male broilers reared at low ambient temperature from the age of 3 wk onward.

Effects of early feed restriction and cold temperature on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites morbidity in broilers under normal and cold temperature

1. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of early feed restriction on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites incidence in broilers under normal and low ambient temperature. 2. In experiment 1, the restricted birds were fed 8 h per day either from 7 to 14 d or from 7 to 21 d, while the controlled birds were fed ad libitum. In experiment 2, the restricted birds were fed 80 or 60% of the previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls for 7 d from 7 to 14 d. On d 14, half of the birds in each treatment both in experiment 1 and experiment 2 were exposed to low ambient temperature to induce ascites. 3. Body weight and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly. The incidences of ascites and other disease were recorded to determine ascites morbidity and total mortality. Blood samples were taken on d 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 to measure the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). On d 42, samples were taken to determine the right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV), vessel wall area/vessel total area ratio (WA/TA) and mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA). 4. Low-temperature treatment increased plasma MDA concentration. When broilers were exposed to a cool environment for 3 weeks, plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity were decreased compared with normal-temperature chicks. RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA on d 42 were increased in birds exposed to cold, consistent with the increased pulmonary hypertension and ascites morbidity. 5. Early feed restriction markedly decreased plasma MDA concentration. The plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity of feed-restricted birds were markedly higher than those fed ad libitum on d 35 and d 42. All early feed restriction treatments reduced ascites morbidity and total mortality. On d 42, the RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA of feed-restricted broilers were lower than that of the ad libitum-fed broilers. 6. The results suggested that early feed restriction alleviated the lipid peroxidation, promoted the activity of enzymatic antioxidant and inhibited pulmonary vascular remodelling. These changes might be associated with reduced ascites incidence.

Effects of Early Quantitative Feed Restriction on Live Performance and Carcass Composition of Male Broilers Grown for Further Processing

Three trials with identical design were conducted to examine the effects of early feed restriction on broiler chickens grown for further processing. Diets provided a minimum of 107.5% of NRC amino acid requirements, maintained in proportion to dietary energy levels. Varying energy levels were obtained by adding 0, 3, and 6% poultry oil. Diets within each age period (starter, 0 to 21 d; grower, 21 to 42 d; and finisher, 42 to 63 d) had similar calorie:protein ratios. Feed was given ad libitum for the first 7 d; feed intake was restricted for half the replicate pens during the periods of 7 to 14 d based on 7-d BW. From 14 to 63 d birds were given access to ad libitum feed intake.Live performance was examined at 14, 21, 42, and 63 d. Carcass characteristics were examined at 63 d. Body weight gain was significantly reduced at all ages as a result of early feed restriction. Feed intake following restriction was significantly lower at all ages. However, feed conversion was significantly improved at all ages after the restriction period for the restricted group compared with the control group fed ad libitum. Similarly, caloric efficiency was significantly improved by restriction. Mortality following feed restriction was significantly lower. Dressing percentage and quantitative breast yield were significantly reduced by restriction. Overall percentage breast yield was not affected. Abdominal fat, expressed either as a percentage of carcass or absolute weight, was not significantly affected by early feed restriction.

Effect of Early Feed Restriction on Ascites Induced by Cold Temperatures and Growth Performance in Broilers

Bölükbasi, S.C., Güzel, M. and Aktas, M.S. 2004. Effect of early feed restriction on ascites induced by cold temperatures and growth performance in broilers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 26: 89–92. To investigate the effect of early feed restriction on ascites induced by cold temperatures and subsequent effect on growth performance of young broiler chickens, a total of 200 male day-old broiler chickens were divided into two groups. One group of birds received feed ad libitum for 6 wk, whereas the birds of the other group received 60% less feed from day 7 to 14. After day 21 of the experiment, half of the chickens from each group were moved to house with 16C. In the control group, however, early feed restriction decreased the incidence of ascites. The feed restricted birds had lower body weight and feed consumption than ad libitum chickens. Incidence of ascites as well as mortality due to ascites was decreased in feed restricted group. It was concluded that early feed restriction is effective to prevent ascites due to cold stress.

Effect of early feed restriction and enzyme supplementation on digestive enzyme activities in broilers

The effect of feed restriction and enzymatic supplementation on intestinal and pancreatic enzyme activities and weight gain was studied in broiler chickens. Quantitative feed restriction was applied to chickens from 7 to 14 d of age. An enzyme complex mainly consisting of protease and amylase was added to the chicken ration from hatching to the end of the experiment. Birds subjected to feed restriction whose diet was not supplemented showed an increase in sucrase, amylase, and lipase activities immediately after the restriction period. Amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin activities were higher in chickens subjected to feed restriction and fed a supplemented diet than in those only subjected to feed restriction. Trypsin activity increased after feed restriction and after supplementation, but there was no interaction between these effects. Early feed restriction had no effect on enzyme activity in 42-d-old chickens. Chickens subjected to early restriction and fed the supplemented diet presented higher sucrase, maltase, and lipase activities than nonsupplemented ones (P < 0.05). There was no effect of early feed restriction or diet supplementation on weight gain to 42 d. Percentage weight gain from 14 to 42 d of age was equivalent in feed-restricted and ad libitum fed birds. Feed-restricted broilers fed a supplemented diet showed a higher percentage weight gain than nonsupplemented birds. We conclude that enzymatic supplementation potentiates the effect of feed restriction on digestive enzyme activity and on weight gain.

Effect of early feed restriction on reproductive performance in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Reproductive performance of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was evaluated following feed restriction (100, 85, and 70% of ad libitum) between 2 to 5 wk of age with three replicates of 12, 2-wk-old chicks per replicate. Body weight, feed conversion, and leucocyte distribution were measured during feed restriction. After experimental feed treatment, BW, age at first egg, egg production, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were evaluated from five replicates of two females and one male per treatment. Feed-restricted female chicks had lower BW from 3 to 5 wk of age, but male weights were depressed only during the most severe restriction at 4 and 5 wk. No treatment differences were observed among BW within a sex from 6 to 13 wk. Body weights at first egg were significantly heavier for females fed 70% ad libitum than for birds on other treatments. Fertility, age at first egg, feed conversion, egg production, and egg weight were unaffected by feed restriction. Although hatchability was unaffected by feed restriction, percentage of late dead and total dead embryos were significantly reduced in eggs from restricted quail. Thirty quail fed 70% of ad libitum control intake had significantly increased egg specific gravity. Feed restriction increased the percentage of heterophils and basophils and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, whereas the percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils decreased. Feed can be restricted to 85 or 70% of ad libitum feed intake from 2 to 5 wk of age without detrimentally affecting reproductive parameters between 6 to 13 wk of age.

Effect of feed restriction early in life on humoral and cellular immunity of two commercial broiler strains under heat stress conditions

1. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction (FR) on immunocompetence of Ross and Arian chickens with separated sexes under heat stress (HS) conditions. 2. Chickens consumed feed ad libitum (AL) or were restricted on alternate days from 11 to 20 d of age. From 35 to 41 d of age, the HS groups were exposed to a high ambient temperature of 39 ± 1°C for 7 h each day, while the thermoneutral groups (TN) were at 33°C. 3. At 21 and 42 d of age, the percentage of CD4+ (helper T cells) and CD8+ (cytotoxic T cells) were determined by flow cytometry. Antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were determined on d 21 and 42. 4. On d 21, FR elevated the CD4+, antibody titre and H/L ratio, but it decreased the CD8+ T cells. On d 42, HS decreased CD4+, CD8+, and antibody titre, but it increased H/L ratio. Under TN conditions, FR chickens had higher CD4+ than AL chickens. On d 42, FR/HS chickens had higher CD4+ and antibody titre, but they had lower CD8+ and H/L ratio than AL/HS chickens. 5. On d 42, the TN-Ross strain had lower CD4+, but they had higher CD8+ and antibody titres than the TN-Arian strain. On d 42, the HS-Arian strain had higher antibody titres and a lower H/L ratio than the HS-Ross strain. 6. Male chickens had higher CD4+, CD8+, antibody titres and H/L ratios 25 in all treatment groups. 7. In conclusion, FR early in life reduced some of the negative effects of the heat stress on the immune system of broiler chickens when exposed to high environmental temperatures later in life.

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on the Occurrence of Compensatory Growth, Feed Conversion Efficiency, Leg Abnormality and Mortality in Unsexed Broiler Chickens Reared in Cages

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality in unsexed broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, 350 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 7 groups. Each treatment group was represented by five replicates of ten broilers each. One group was fed ad libitum as the control group and the other six groups were fed 25% ad libitum (25% multiplied by amount of feed intake of ad libitum chickens at the previous day) for 4 or 6 days, 50% ad libitum for 4 or 6 days, and 75% ad libitum for 4 or 6 days. In experiment 2, 500 broiler chickens were divided into 10 groups. Each treatment group was represented by five replicates of ten broilers each. One group was fed ad libitum as the control group. Three ages of feed restriction initial timing (2, 4 or 6 days of age) and three types of feed restriction (physical restriction, meal feeding and diet dilution) were used (3×3) in both experiments. They were feed-restricted for 6 days. Results showed that restricted broilers exhibited compensatory growth in both experiments except for diet dilution groups. In both experiments, FCR of restricted broilers was higher, whereas feed intake of them was lower during restriction period. FCR of restricted broilers was lower upon refeeding. Mortality was inconsistently affected by early feed restriction. Leg abnormality was lower in restricted broilers in both experiments. Level of feed restriction significantly influenced body weight, FCR and feed intake of restricted broilers (p<0.05), but duration of feed restriction had no effect. Type of restriction significantly affected body weight, feed intake and FCR (p<0.05). It appeared that to achieve the best result (complete compensatory growth and better FCR), broilers should be restricted at 25% ad libitum for 6 days (Experiment 1). Meal feeding started at 2 days of age would show the best performance (Experiment 2). (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 9 : 1319-1325)

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on Breast and Leg Meat Composition and Plasma Lipid Concentration in Unsexed Broiler Chickens Reared in Cages

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on growth, fat accumulation and meat composition in unsexed broiler chickens. In experiment 1, three hundred and fifty one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 7 groups. Each treatment group was represented by five replicates of ten broilers each. One group was fed ad libitum as the control group and the other six groups were fed 25% ad libitum (25% multiplied by amount of feed intake of ad libitum chicks at the previous day) for 4 or 6 days, 50% ad libitum for 4 or 6 days, and 75% ad libitum for 4 or 6 days. In experiment 2, five hundred broiler chicks were divided into 10 groups. Each treatment group was represented by five replicates of ten broilers each. One group was fed ad libitum as the control group. Three initial age at which broilers were restricted (2, 4 or 6 days of age) and three type of feed restriction (physical restriction, meal feeding and diet dilution) (3×3) were examined. They were restricted feeding for 6 days. Experimental results showed that broilers fed 25% ad libitum for 4-6 days tended to reduce leg meat fat with lower abdominal fat (p<0.05) (experiment 1). Breast meat fat was significantly higher in restricted broilers (p<0.01). Plasma triglyceride was higher in broilers fed 75% ad libitum for 4-6 days. In experiment 2, abdominal fat was lower in restricted broilers (p<0.05). Breast meat fat was significantly higher (p<0.01), whereas leg meat fat was significantly lower (p<0.05) in restricted broilers. Plasma triglyceride was significantly higher in physical feed restriction for 4 days, meal feeding for 4 days and diet dilution for 6 days (p<0.05). In conclusion, to reduce fat accumulation in abdomen and leg meat, broilers should be fed 25% ad libitum for 6 days started at 4 days, or subjected to meal feeding (6 hours per day for 6 days) started at 6 days. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 10 : 1475-1481)

Effect Of L-Thyroxin Hormone (T4) On Compensatory Growth In Broiler Chicks

Purpose of researches in feed restriction area is improvement of feed efficiency, decrease of carcass fat content and abdominal fat pad size (Plavnik and Hurvitz,1991).Birds after early life feed restriction have less maintenance requirements due to decrease of heat increment and decrease of basal metabolic rate and specific dynamic action of food (Forsum et al.,1981).In many investigations, compensatory growth have not observed (Summers et al.,1990).It seems administration of Thyroid hormone after feed restriction can induce compensatory growth. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of early feed restriction and L-Thyroxin administration after early feed restriction on compensatory growth in broiler chickens.

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on Growth, Fat Accumulation and Meat Composition in Unsexed Broiler Chickens

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on Growth, Fat Accumulation and Meat Composition in Unsexed Broiler Chickens

Effect of Different Early Feed Restriction Regimens on Performance, Carcass Composition, and Lipid Metabolism in Male Ducks

This experiment was carried out to compare the effect of early feed restriction of different regimens on subsequent growth performance, carcass composition, and lipid metabolism in male ducks. One hundred and twenty meat-type male ducks (White Pekin) were assigned to 4 treatments at 7 days of age, namely: ad libitum feeding (control), 50% of ad libitum intake, rice hull-diluted diet feeding, and skip day feeding. Ducks were restricted for feed between 8 to 14 days of age. During this period, dietary rice hull-treated group was given diet containing 11% CP and 1, 430 kcal ME/kg, whereas other treatment groups were offered diet containing 22% CP and 2, 900 kcal ME/kg. A commercial finisher diet for broilers (18% CP; 3, 180 kcal ME/kg) was resumed following feed restriction until 49 days of age. Compensatory growth was attained at 49 days of age irrespective of restriction regimens due largely to their fast growth rate with better nutrient utilization during recovery period. Carcass fat contents decreased in ducks fed 50% of ad libitum or diluted diet but not in those fed skip day feeding when compared with controls at 14 and 49 days of age. The activities of hepatic fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and acetyl-COA carboxylase (ACC) decreased in ducks fed 50% of ad libitum and fed diluted diet at the end of 7 days feed restriction and tended to further decrease at 49 days of age. Serum triacylglycerol concentrations also declined in ducks fed 50% of ad libitum or fed diluted diet at both 14 and 49 days of age. The results suggested that early feed restriction could be used to improve growth performance and carcass characteristic of meat-type ducks and diet dilution regimen may have an advantage for practical application in meat-type duck production.

Effect of Early Feed Restriction of Varied Severity on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition and Lipid Metabolism in Female Ducks

Effect of Early Feed Restriction of Varied Severity on Growth Performance, Carcass Composition and Lipid Metabolism in Female Ducks

Effects of early feed restriction on the performance of broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of early feed restriction on the performace and abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The treatments consisted of providing feed ad libitum (Full-fed) and three feed restriction treatments of restricting feeding between 8-21 days of age (DOA) either for a duration of 7 days or 14 days. The three feed restriction treatments were Restrict 8-14 DOA, Restrict 8-21 DOA and Restrict 15-21 DOA. Liveweights and feed consumption were obtained at weekly intervals. Samples of both male and female broilers broilers were taken at 43 DOA to determine the weight of abdominal fat, liver and gizzards. Feed efficiency was generally improved by feed restriction, but a compensatory gain was not observed in the restricted groups. Broilers on restricted feeding also had lower mortality as compared to the full-fed broilers. There is no effect of early feed restriction on the weight of the abdominal fat and the dressing percentages but the weights of the liver and gizzard were affected by restriction. Also there was an effect of sex on the weights of the abdominal fat, the liver and gizzard of the males and females.

The Effect of Early Feed Restriction on Broiler Performance

In an attempt to determine the effect of early feed restriction on broiler performance, nine trials were conducted. Feed restriction was based on previous 24-h feed consumption values of the full-fed control groups. Feed restriction was from either 7 to 14 d of age (Trials 1 to 5) or 8 to 16 d of age (Trials 6 to 9). The treatments for Trials 1 to 5 were 90, 75, and 60% of previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls. The treatments for Trials 6 to 9 were 80 and 60% of previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls.Early feed restriction did not affect abdominal fat. Early feed restriction did improve feed conversion (grams of feed:BW). Males and females equated at 41 d of age for an 8% reduction (90% feed restriction) at 14 d of age when compared with full-fed control broilers. Neither females or males could overcome a 17 or 18% weight reduction (75% feed restriction) at 14 d of age by 41 d of age. At 48 or 49 d of age, both males and females could equate in weight with full-fed control broilers for a weight reduction of 27 and 31% (60% feed restriction) at 16 d of age. Mortality or deformed legs did not differ between any of the comparisons.

Effect of Early Feed Restriction and Realimentation on Heat Production and Changes in Sizes of Digestive Organs of Male Broilers

Two experiments were conducted with broilers to determine the effect of early feed restriction and realimentation on metabolic heat production and changes in sizes of digestive organs. An indirect open circuit calorimeter was used. Treatments were a full-fed control (FF) and a feed-restricted group (FR). Feed during the restriction period (6 to 12 d) for the FR birds was limited to 50% of voluntary feed intake of the FF birds. This was followed by realimentation period when all birds were provided feed for ad libitum consumption. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to measure basal metabolic rate (BMR), and Experiment 2 was designed to measure 36-h fasting metabolic rate (FMR), in both cases during time of restriction and realimentation. At the end of the 36-h unfed period, birds were killed and their digestive organs excised, blotted, and weighed.The FR birds showed significantly (P < .01) lower BMR compared with the FF birds during the restriction period. This lower BMR did not carry over into the refeeding period, when there was no difference between the two treatments. Thirty-six-hour FMR, like the BMR was also lower for FR compared with FF birds, but only during the period of restriction. Weights of digestive organs (expressed as a percentage of BW) during restriction were generally heavier for FR compared with FF birds. Measurements of organ weights taken during realimentation show significantly (P < .05) heavier liver and pancreas for FR compared with FF birds. Results of these experiments suggest that lower MR of “restricted-refed” birds does not play a role in the ability of the birds to show improved feed efficiency and growth compensation. Greater feed intake relative to BW and its associated digestive adaptations seem to be contributing factors to any growth compensation.

Effects of early feed restriction on growth performance and body composition in broilers

Effects of early feed restriction on growth performance and body composition in broilers

Early Feed Restriction of Broilers: Effects on Abdominal Fat Pad, Liver, and Gizzard Weights, Fat Deposition, and Carcass Composition

A total of five experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of early feed restriction on organ weights, fat deposition, and carcass composition in broilers. In Experiments 1 and 2, broiler chicks were reared in litter pens for 49 days, whereas Experiments 3, 4, and 5 were conducted in battery cages for 28 days. Feed restriction in all experiments was accomplished by providing male broiler chicks 40 kcal per bird per day for 7 (Experiments 1 and 2) or 6 (Experiments 3, 4, and 5) days, starting at 4 days of age. Feed restriction of broiler pullets in Experiment 1 was imposed from 4 to 9 days of age. Furthermore, the starter and grower diets in Experiment 2 contained either 1 or 4% added fat and the starter diets in Experiments 3, 4, and 5 contained either 21 or 26% protein.No significant differences were observed for abdominal fat pad and gizzard weights, liver and carcass fat, or carcass protein between early restricted birds and ad libitum controls at 49 days of age in Experiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, with the exception of Experiment 4, no differences in abdominal fat pad weights were observed among the different feeding regimens. Significant increases in abdominal fat pad weights, percentage liver, and percentage carcass fat were noted for females at 49 days of age when compared with male broilers. Carcass fat was significantly higher and carcass protein was significantly lower in broilers fed commercial versus reduced fat diets. Broilers fed a 21% protein diet had significantly heavier abdominal fat pad weights at 28 days of age than birds fed a 26% protein diet. No significant interactions were observed between the various treatments for the different variables measured. Results from the present studies indicate that early feed restriction minimally affects organ weights, fat deposition, and carcass composition of broiler chickens later in life.