A new perspective on feeding broiler breeders

摘要

Due to sophisticated genetic selection programs carried out by poultry breeding companies such as Aviagen, today's broilers can grow with very efficient feed conversion and exceptional carcass and breast yield. Broiler performance objectives publishedby Aviagen (2014) show that a ten-day old Ross 308 male bird can reach a target bodyweight (BW) of almost 300g and a feed conversion rate of just below 1.00.The remarkable performance improvements in commercial broilers also change the way to rear and manage the parent generations. Like their progeny, genetically improved broiler breeders are now more sensitive to high intake of crude protein (CP) and aminoacids, suchas lysine. At the same time, they will less likely develop body fat reserves. High intake of CP of broiler breeders would result in heavy birds (Figure 1) and high breast meat yield. These characteristics are not required for broiler breeders and also they have negative impact on egg production and fertility.