Effect of restricted feeding on the performance of broiler breeders

Broiler breeder females (80; 20 wk old of 2100±10 g BW) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups i.e. ad lib feeding (T₁), 1.0% (T₂), 20% (T₃) or 30% restriction of ad lib (T₍) feeding. Each treatment had four replicates of 5 birds each. The body weights were not affected by feed restriction upto 20% but it was depressed (P<0.01) when the feed was restricted at 30% of ad lib feeding. The feed restriction did not have any significant adverse effect on the sexual maturity parameters or peak production. It was concluded that 20 to 30 per cent feed restriction during breeding period was helpful to maintain the required body weight, earlier sexual maturity and peak egg production than ad lib fed broiler breeders.