The Influence of a Twice-a-Day Feeding Regimen After Photostimulation on the Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens

Abstract

Broiler breeder hens are typically provided a restricted amount of feed once a day. This feed is rapidly consumed; therefore, the hens fast for an extended period of time before their next feeding. In the current research, the effects on reproductive performance of implementing a twice-a-day vs. a once-a-day feeding program after photostimulation were investigated. Pullets and cockerels were reared on a skip-a-day feeding program. Pullets were weighed at 20 wk of age and then distributed into 30 laying pens such that each pen had a similar BW distribution. Each individual laying pen consisted of 35 hens and 4 roosters. At 21 wk of age, the birds were photostimulated for reproduction and 15 of the laying pens were placed on a once-a-day feeding schedule, whereas the other 15 pens were placed on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. The total amount of feed provided per day to all the laying pens was the same. Birds fed once a day received all their feed at 0630 h, whereas birds fed twice a day received 60% of their total feed allotment at 0630 h and the other 40% at 1500 h. Even though both treatment groups began egg production at the end of wk 23, birds fed twice a day laid more (P < or = 0.05) eggs through 42 wk of age than those fed once a day. Additionally, the average egg weight for the entire production period, which lasted until the birds were 60 wk of age, was greater for hens fed twice a day. Overall BW uniformity for the entire experiment was significantly better for hens fed twice a day vs. once a day. However, cumulative mortality was significantly higher for hens fed twice a day than for those fed once a day. The results indicate that feeding broiler breeder hens twice a day after photostimulation may enhance reproductive performance during the early lay period.

Assessment of Chicken Feed, Feeding Management and Chicken Productivity in Intensive Poultry Farms at Selected Farms of Three Zonesin Tigray Region

“…At the same time the present finding is also supported by the report of [27] who indicated that twice and thrice a day feeding regimens rather than once a day improved egg production rate. The current finding also coincides with the report of [28,29] who reported that chicken fed twice a day produced more eggs compared with chicken fed once a day and the chicken received their feed 2 or 3 times per day laid 4.8 eggs more than those that fed one time per day [30]. Also indicated that feeding 3 times per day increased the percentage of chicken daily egg production.…”

The effect of different feeding schedules on egg quality, blood, and bone parameters in broiler breeders

“…Broiler breeder hens fed once a day in the afternoon had more egg production than those fed once a day in the morning (Farmer et al, 1983a;Brake and Peebles, 1986;Wilson and Keeling, 1991). Spradley et al (2008) reported that broiler breeders fed twice a day laid more and heavier eggs through 42 weeks of age than those fed once a day. They believed that increased egg weight was related to providing feed later in the day (3:00 PM).…”

“…They believed that increased egg weight was related to providing feed later in the day (3:00 PM). Moradi et al (2013) evaluated hens fed once a day at 6:15 AM and a twice a day feeding (at 6:15 AM and 12:15 PM) and Taherkhani et al (2010) evaluated hens fed once a day at 7:30 AM and twice a day feeding (at 7:30 AM and 11:30 AM), both authors reported that broiler breeders fed twice a day laid more and heavier eggs than those fed once a day. The influence of increasing feeding frequency may be related to a reduction in the fasting period during the day-light cycle (Moradi et al, 2013).…”

“…Spradley et al (2008) compared hens that received once-a-day feeding treatment at 6:30 AM, whereas the hens under the twice-a-day feeding treatment received 60% of their total daily feed allotment at 06:30 AM and 40% at 3:00 PM, and they concluded that the average egg weight for the entire egg production period was better in hens fed twice a day than once-a-day. Moreover, Samara et al (1996) and Harms (1991) reported that egg weight was not affected by feeding time.…”

“…Feed restriction is typically performed as once a day feeding during the laying period. This feed is rapidly consumed (about 4 h); therefore, the hens fast for a long time before their next feeding (Spradley et al, 2008). The practice of feeding only once a day cannot supply the nutritional needs of hens, particularly for eggshell formation (Bootwalla et al, 1983), which normally starts in the afternoon or evening.…”