Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
Ciacciariello, M., Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Tyler, N.C., Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
The CP and amino acid requirements for broiler breeder hens have historically been determined by assessing the response of these birds in terms of egg production. However, based on increasing evidence on the effects of maternal nutrient intake on offspring performance, this should be revised. In addition, the nutrition management of broiler breeder hens during lay is very controversial, and managers and nutritionists resort to the manipulation of feed allocation to improve egg production in these flocks. In this study, broiler breeder hens were fed diets differing in digestible lysine concentration from 26 to 60 wk of age. Fertile eggs were collected at 38, 48, and 60 wk and incubated. Broilers hatched were reared in commercial conditions and their performance was measured to 21 d of age. Based on this study, the feeding of the hens has a significant effect on offspring performance, and this should be considered when maternal requirements are investigated. Furthermore, we demonstrated the effects of maternal nutrient intake manipulation on the performance of broilers hatched from hens at different stages of the productive cycle. © 2013 Poultry Science Association, Inc.
