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Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and the Incidence of Skeletal and Metabolic Disease in Full-Fed and Feed Restricted Broiler and Roaster Chickens

Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada; Phone: (403) 492-3234; FAX: (403) 492-9130

H. L. Classen

Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W0, Canada

J. A. Hanson and D. K. Onderka

Veterinary Laboratory, Animal Health Division, Alberta Agriculture, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2, Canada

Correspondence: F. E. Robinson

The use of early short-term (seven day duration) feed restriction as a management tool for use in reducing the incidence of skeletal and metabolic diseases in broiler and roaster chickens was examined in three experiments. The optimum timing for feed restriction was found to be during the second week, rather than later. The number of birds culled for skeletal disease was reduced, although a significant reduction in both six week and nine week body weight was apparent (market weight delayed by 2 or 3 days). Feed restriction did not affect feed efficiency. Both a skip-a-day feeding regimen and diet dilution offered potential alternatives to feeding a limited amount of feed daily during the restriction period. These options may overcome some of the limitations of managing early feed restriction, while at the same time, markedly reduce losses to skeletal disease.

Key Words: Feed restriction • metabolic disease • skeletal disease • broiler chicken • roaster chicken • growth performance