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Effects of Initiation Age of Skip-A-Day Feed Restriction on Skeletal Development in Broiler Breeder Males

Department of Poultry Science, Louisiana Agriculture Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; PHONE: 225-388-4481; FAX: 225-388-1259

B. N. McPherson

87 Goldsmith Street, Littleton, MA 01460-1924

Correspondence: D. R. Ingram, E-mail:dingram{at}agctr.lsu.edu

This experiment was conducted over an 18-week period to determine the effects of initiating a skip-a-day (SAD) feed restriction program at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age on male broiler breeders. For each of the SAD treatments, feed intake was manipulated so that the breeder's recommended target weight was reached by all groups at 18 weeks of age. Males were evaluated for shank and keel length and head width at 7 and 18 weeks of age.

The results of this experiment show that starting a SAD feeding program at 2, 4, or 6 weeks of age will decrease shank and keel length as well as head width. Feed restriction affected keel length and head width in a very similar manner; shank length was not as sensitive to the time of initiation of the SAD feed restriction program.

Key Words: Broiler breeder • skip-a-day • body weight • shank • keel • head width