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Influence of Early Skip-A-Day Feed Removal on Live Performance and Carcass Yield of Broilers of Different Sexes and Strain Sources

W. A. Dozier, III^*, R. J. Lien, J. B. Hess and S. F. Bilgili

^* Department of Poultry Science, Rural Development Center, P. O. Box 1209, University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia 31793
Department of Poultry Science and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5416

Correspondence: W. A. Dozier, III, E-mail: bdozier{at}uga.edu

Feed restriction programs reduce early growth and decrease mortality in broilers. Observations of subsequent compensatory growth are conflicting and may be influenced by sex and strain. This study examined effects of sex, strain, and early skip-a-day feed removal on broiler performance and meat yield. In experiment 1, males and females were fed ad libitum to 54 d or subjected to 24-h feed removal periods at 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 d. On d 16, BW was suppressed 44%. Although some compensatory growth occurred and feed conversion was improved, early feed removal adversely affected final BW and meat recovery. Mortality was unaffected by skip-a-day feed removal program. Sex did not affect responses to early feed removal; however, males had greater BW, feed consumption, and weights of all carcass parts. In experiment 2, males from 2 diverse strains were fed ad libitum to 54 d or subjected to 24-h feed removal periods at 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 d. Body weight was suppressed 44% at the end of feed removal. The reduction of early growth of broilers did not allow for complete recovery of final BW and carcass parts. However, feed conversion was improved by early feed removal. Strain source did not influence responses to early feed removal; the yield strain had superior live performance and meat yield. These data indicate broilers subjected to 5 d of feed removal in a skip-a-day program do not attain equivalent final BW and meat recovery, and although feed conversion was improved, responses were not affected by sex or strain.

Key Words: broiler • feed restriction • live performance • carcass yield