Effect of the Insect Growth Regulator CGA-72662 (Larvadex®) on Broiler Breeder Production, Hatchability, and Subsequent Chick Performance

Broiler breeders were fed CGA-72662 (Larvadex®) at dosages of 0, 30, 300, and 3000 mg/kg (ppm) diet in a standard breeder diet from 25 to 65 weeks of age. The 3000 ppm level was reduced stepwise to 1000 ppm from 25 to 27 weeks due to a significant increase in male and female mortality. Feed consumption did not differ significantly due to treatment. However, birds fed 300 ppm exhibited significantly improved feed conversion and increased egg production on a hen-day basis compared to those fed 0 and 30 ppm with the 1000 ppm level intermediate. On an egg per hen-housed basis, birds fed 300 ppm produced significantly more eggs than those fed 0 ppm with 30 ppm intermediate. Hens fed 1000 ppm produced significantly fewer eggs than all other treatments due to higher initial mortality. Body weight gains for males and females among treatments were similar. Mortality was significantly greater at 1000 ppm than for all other treatments. Egg specific gravity at 50 and 60 weeks was not affected significantly by any treatment. Egg weight, when compared to the 0 ppm level, was decreased significantly at the 1000 ppm level at 50 weeks and by both 300 and 1000 ppm levels at 60 weeks. Egg shell weight was not affected significantly at 50 weeks, but was decreased significantly by both 300 and 1000 ppm Larvadex® at 60 weeks. There were no significant effects due to treatment level on fertility, early deads, pipped eggs, hatchability of fertile eggs, or hatchability of eggs set. However, late deads were increased significantly at 1000 ppm when compared to the 30 ppm level but not when compared to 0 and 300 ppm. There was no significant difference in livability and feed conversion of chicks. Chick body weight was similar at 0, 30, and 300 ppm. However, body weight at 1000 ppm was numerically poorer throughout the study with the difference being significant at 28 and 36 weeks.