Impact of feeding a high fiber diet and roughage on stress and clinical welfare indicators in fast-growing broiler breeder pullets.

ABSTRACT: Qualitative feed restriction has been proposed as a means to alleviate hunger, frustration, and stress associated with feed restriction in broiler breeder chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a fiber-rich diet containing oat-hulls and a daily allocation of roughage (EXP) compared to a standard commercial diet (CON) on broiler breeder welfare. A total of 600 day-old female Ross 308 breeder chicks were allocated to 12 pens of 50 birds each, with each pen receiving one of the two dietary treatments. At the conclusion of the study, a welfare assessment was performed which included assessing plumage damage, wounds/scratches, footpad dermatitis, bumblefoot, hock burns, plumage cleanliness, and body weight. Wing, scapula, and tail feathers were collected and examined f

SUBMITTER: Wurtz KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12547728 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature