Effect of Various Pullet Restriction Methods on Performance of Broiler Breeders ,

In an attempt to restrict body weight of broiler breeder pullets, the following treatments were used: (1) timed feeding daily, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (2) skip-a-day feeding, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (3) limited feeding daily, 2800 kcal. M.E./kg., (4) skip-a-day feeding, 1830 kcal. M.E./kg., and (5) limited feeding daily, 1830 kcal. M.E./kg. All diets were isonitrogenous. Skip-a-day feeding resulted in the lowest body weight at 22 weeks of age and the lowest content of body fat of the three feeding methods. High energy diets produced lower body weights and lower fat content than low energy diets. The combined treatment of skip-a-day feeding and high energy diet produced the lowest body weight and fat content. Breeder production records were essentially the same for all treatments.