The influence of a twice-a-day feeding regimen after photostimulation on the reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens.
Poult Sci
; 87(3): 561-8, 2008 Mar.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18281585
ABSTRACT
Broiler breeder hens are typically provided a restricted amount of feed once a day. This feed is rapidly consumed; therefore, the hens fast for an extended period of time before their next feeding. In the current research, the effects on reproductive performance of implementing a twice-a-day vs. a once-a-day feeding program after photostimulation were investigated. Pullets and cockerels were reared on a skip-a-day feeding program. Pullets were weighed at 20 wk of age and then distributed into 30 laying pens such that each pen had a similar BW distribution. Each individual laying pen consisted of 35 hens and 4 roosters. At 21 wk of age, the birds were photostimulated for reproduction and 15 of the laying pens were placed on a once-a-day feeding schedule, whereas the other 15 pens were placed on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. The total amount of feed provided per day to all the laying pens was the same. Birds fed once a day received all their feed at 0630 h, whereas birds fed twice a day received 60% of their total feed allotment at 0630 h and the other 40% at 1500 h. Even though both treatment groups began egg production at the end of wk 23, birds fed twice a day laid more (P < or = 0.05) eggs through 42 wk of age than those fed once a day. Additionally, the average egg weight for the entire production period, which lasted until the birds were 60 wk of age, was greater for hens fed twice a day. Overall BW uniformity for the entire experiment was significantly better for hens fed twice a day vs. once a day. However, cumulative mortality was significantly higher for hens fed twice a day than for those fed once a day. The results indicate that feeding broiler breeder hens twice a day after photostimulation may enhance reproductive performance during the early lay period.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Oviposición
/
Estimulación Luminosa
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Pollos
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Ingestión de Alimentos
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Crianza de Animales Domésticos
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Poult Sci
Año:
2008
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos