The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction During the Starter Period on Compensatory Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 800 1-d old broilers were randomly allotted to ad libitum and 3 feed-restricted treatments, each of which was replicated 8 times (25 birds per replicate) in a randomized complete block design. Broilers were feed-restricted between 8 and 14 d of age and fed either control ad libitum diet (F100), 50% feed intake (FI50), 65% feed intake (FI65), or 80% feed intake (FI80). Results showed that body weight and weight gain were significantly (p<0.01) greater for FI100 in contrast to restricted groups. Feed intake was significantly (p<0.01) higher for FI65 at 21 d, while FI100 had a superior feed conversion (p<0.01). Abdominal fat pad weight was significantly (p<0.01) lower for the FI50 compared to the other treatments, while the control diet had a significantly higher (p<0.02) liver and heart weight. No significant differences were observed with regard to carcass yield, dressing percent, or gizzard weight.