Body weight optimization of broiler breeder hens. 1. Pullet growth, feed efficiency, carcass composition, and sexual maturation.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early growth (EG) and time of maximum pubertal growth peak (I2) on development, feed efficiency, carcass composition, and sexual maturation of broiler breeder females. Target BW trajectories were designed by changing coefficients of a 3-phase Gompertz model fit to the recommended BW target of Ross 308 breeders, [Formula: see text] . In each phase i, biologically relevant coefficients describe the amount of BW gain (g_i), the rate of growth (b_i), and the inflection point (I_i), which is the time when the growth rate for that phase is at its maximum rate. The study consisted of a 6 × 2 factorial arrangement, with six I2 levels (I from phase 2) and two EG levels. The I2 coefficients were 15, 17, 19, 21 (standard), 22, a

SUBMITTER: Noetzold TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11564938 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature