Reproductive performance, growth rate and body composition of full-fed versus feed-restricted broiler breeder hens

The effects of ad libitum versus restricted feeding during the period from 22 to 62 wk of age were examined in 60 individually-housed Indian River broiler breeder hens. Body weight of 30 ad-libitum-fed hens was approximately 700 g heavier than that of 30 restricted hens throughout most of the laying period. Mean egg output was lower in ad-libitum-fed hens (136.2 eggs) compared to restricted hens (176.6 eggs). A similar number of laying sequences (defined as consecutive days of laying) were observed in both groups of hens; however, the mean length of the prime sequence was 24.4 d for the restricted hens compared to 14.9 d for the ad-libitum-fed hens. Ad-libitum-fed hens had a higher incidence of intersequence pauses of greater than 11 d duration compared to restricted hens. Feed restriction did not improve fertility, embryo viability, or embryo production of eggs incubated for a period of 7 d. At 62 wk of age the carcasses of the restricted-fed hens contained on average 901 g of fat while the carcasses of the ad-libitum-fed hens contained 1270 g of fat. Ad libitum feeding reduced reproductive performance by reducing the length of the prime sequence and by increasing the number of long intersequence pauses. Key words: Broiler breeder hens, full-feeding, feed restriction, obesity, reproductive performance