Effects of early quantitative feed restriction on live performance and carcass composition of male broilers grown for further processing.

摘要

This study investigated the effects of early feed restriction (between days 7 and 14) on the subsequent growth of broiler chickens. Comparison of the live performance of chickens was examined at 14, 21, 42 and 63 days, and carcass characteristics at 63 days, showed early feed restriction to significantly reduce subsequent feed intake and body weight gain at all ages, but feed conversion and caloric efficiency were significantly improved. Feed restriction reduced mortality, dressing percentage and quantitative breast yield, but not percentage breast yield or abdominal fat.