Feed alternative for broiler breeders
Increasing the amount of feed to broiler parent stock may be a viable alternative to traditional concentrated feed.
“Small quantities of high-performance feeds make for an efficient system, but may not be optimal from a bird perspective,” said Martin Zuidhof, a poultry specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
Zuidhof conducted a study to improve the well-being of the birds without affecting their productivity.
Improvements in broiler chicken production because of genetic selection and improved feed formulations is positive for the chick, but not so great for its parent.
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There is a strong negative relationship between body size and reproductive performance in female broiler breeders.
Fibre was added to the feed. The birds consumed the same levels of protein and energy, but in a larger amount of feed over a longer period of time.
The idea was to add non-nutritive bulk to the feed, allowing feed consumption to be more in line with the birds appetite, said Zuidhof. “It’s like eating more celery. It fills you up and it doesn’t make you fat.”
The study showed that adding fibre to the diets increased the amount of time needed for the bird to consume its feed.
The increased feed availability altered the relative levels of circulating white blood cells in the chicken. Lower levels were found in the birds that were fed bulkier feed.
“This indicated the stress associated with feed restriction had been alleviated somewhat by diet dilution,” Zuidhof said.
Adding bulk to feed during the rearing period may also help breeders achieve a more uniform body weight during the lay period. Chick production also increased substantially.
- Alberta Agriculture
