November 13, 2007

 

For healthy broiler breeder production, feed twice a day

 

 

Broiler breeder hens fed twice a day are more likely to produce more eggs, than those fed once a day, according to research funded by the US Poultry & Egg Association.

 

Hens fed once a day would lay more eggs than those on a skip-a-day routine, the results showed.

 

The study looked at improving reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens by utilising alternative feeding programmes.

 

The research aimed to determine if current feed restriction practices for broiler breeder hens during the laying period are actually harmful to reproductive performance and to develop alternative feeding regimens that enhance reproductive efficiency. Part of the study also looked at incidences of polycystic ovaries in broiler breeder hens.

 

The results showed that continuing a skip-a-day feeding programme until a broiler breeder flock reaches 5 percent egg production is detrimental to overall egg production.

 

Broiler breeder hens switched to an everyday feeding programme after photostimulation produced 17 more eggs per hen through 65 weeks of age than hens which were maintained on a skip-a-day feeding basis until they reached 5 percent egg production.

 

Skip-a-day feeding after photostimulation also increased greatly the incidence of polycystic ovaries in broiler breeder hens.

 

However, hens fed twice a day after photostimulation produce five more eggs per bird during the first half of the production period than hens fed once a day.

 

One disadvantage this presents however, is that cumulative mortality was greater in the hens fed twice a day than those fed once a day.

 

A better understanding of follicular recruitment and maturation could improve the reproductive efficiency of broiler breeder hens, the study said.