<b>Effects of feed restriction on reproductive performance of breeder broilers</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v28i2.643

Abstract

Feeding restriction is used for breeder broilers in order to limit the gain of corporal weight and to optimize their reproductive performance. It is necessary to moderate the rate of precocious growth through programs of feed restriction. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on the reproductive performance in breeder broilers males. The following treatments were evaluated: T1 = control; T2 = 6 days feeding and 1 day without feeding; T3 = 5 days of feeding and 2 day without feeding. 18 animals of the lineage Avian Farm were used. The parameters evaluated were: corporal weight, testicular weight, seminal characteristics of 6 animals per treatment at the age of 219 days. Randomized complete blocks were used to test the treatments effects. Significant differences were not observed (p > 0.05) among the treatments for corporal weight, testicular weight, mean weight gain, spermatic motility and vigor and total cells number. Spermatic concentrations were lower (p < 0.10) in the animals that received the treatments T1 and T3. The animals of T2 showed higher ( p < 0.05) seminal volume. The program of 6 days feeding and 1 day without feeding can be used in breeder broilers males of the lineage Avian Farm without affecting reproductive performance.