THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED FEEDING AND ENERGY CONTENT OF THE RATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER BREEDING CHICKENS

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Abstract
In two experiments conducted in 1975 and 1976 Hubbard and Shaver stock were reared on a restricted feeding regimen known as the skip-a-day program. The experiment was commenced when the birds were 26 wk of age. The treatments consisted of feeding either a high energy, corn-based ration or a lower energy, wheat-based ration to each strain of pullets on either a free-choice or restricted basis. The experiment was terminated after 36 wk on treatment. The results obtained indicated that restriction of feed intake resulted in decreased mortality as compared to that in the full-fed groups. The general incidence of hemorrhagic liver syndrome was low but was significantly higher in the groups fed free choice as compared to the restricted groups. Production rate, calculated on a hen-day basis, was not affected by level of feeding, energy level of the ration, strain of bird or the year in which the experiment was conducted. Restricted feeding of either the high energy corn ration or the lower energy wheat ration resulted in significantly less feed required to produce a dozen eggs than when the rations were fed ad libitum. Some variability in hatchability of fertile eggs and in egg size between years was noted but the differences did not appear to be related to the dietary treatments. The Hubbard stock produced significantly larger eggs than the Shaver strain on both the restricted and full-feeding programs. In the Hubbard strain, egg size in the restricted groups was significantly lower than in the full-fed groups. Final body weights were higher in the groups fed either the corn- or wheat-based rations on a free-choice basis than in the groups in which feed intake was restricted.

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