The Influence of Flock Uniformity on the Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens Housed in Cages and Floor Pens

Petitte, James N.; Hawes, R. O.; Gerry, R. W.

doi:10.3382/ps.0612166

Cited by 16 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…In order to minimize this problem, which can adversely affect flock performance (Petitte et al, 1982), most breeder flocks are fed using the skip-a-day (SAD) method. However, as this method does not consistently improve flock uniformity, another method of feed restriction, namely skip-twodays (STD), was proposed by Zeitlin and Soller (1982).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feed Restriction in Broiler Breeder Pullets: Skip-a-Day Versus Skip-Two-Days

et al. 1988

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Effects were compared of two methods of feed restriction (skip-a-day, SAD, vs. skip-two-days, STD) during 4 to 22 wk of age on the development, uniformity, and subsequent performance of White Rock pullets. The pullets, housed in cages, consumed the same amount of feed in both treatments. Nevertheless, body weights of birds kept under the STD feeding regimen were significantly (P less than .01) lower. This difference was still significant (P less than .05) at 35 wk of age. Flock uniformity at 11 wk of age was significantly (P less than .05) higher in pullets kept on the STD feeding program. Plasma glucose and corticosterone levels in fasted pullets and corticosterone levels in fed birds at the age of 21 wk were not affected by feeding regimen. However, the increase in plasma glucose after feeding was significantly (P less than .05) higher in pullets on the STD feeding program. Plasma corticosterone levels were consistently, and at times significantly (P less than .05), higher in fasted birds. Laying of the first egg was significantly (P less than .05) delayed in hens previously kept on the STD feeding regimen. Rate of egg production and egg weights up to 35 wk of age were not affected by the method of feed restriction.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feed Restriction in Broiler Breeder Pullets: Skip-a-Day Versus Skip-Two-Days

et al. 1988

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“…In a study to test uniformity of body weight in broiler breeders maintained on the litter floor versus cages, Petitte et al (1982) observed no significant differences in productive performance among flocks of 80% and 89% of body weight uniformity. They also observed that caged broiler breeders produced significantly more eggs than floor maintained breeders during peak egg production, but cumulative egg production was not significantly different.…”

Section: Cage Versus Litter Floor Managementmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Broiler breeders housed in cages lay heavier eggs than their litter floor managed counterparts (Petitte et al, 1982). In three trials Petitte et al (1983) evaluated production efficiency of cage maintained broiler chicks versus floor maintained broiler breeders.…”

Section: Cage Versus Litter Floor Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Productive performance and fertility of broiler breeders maintained in commercial colony cages and on the conventional floors

Mwashighadi¹

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A trial with four replicates was conducted to compare performance and fertility of naturally mated broiler breeders maintained on litter floor versus their counterparts maintained in two tiered colony cages. Cage maintained hens with restricted feeding weighed less (P<0.05) than those on the litter floors. No difference (P>0.05) was found in egg weights among treatments. No difference (P>0.01) was found in feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs produced by hens maintained in cages and those on the conventional floors. A higher (P<0.05) hen-day production was observed from 29 to 35 weeks of age in broilers maintained in cages than those on the conventional floors, but after this period no difference (P>0.05) occurred. There were more (P<0.05) eggs collected with cracks from cages than from the litter floors. The fertility rate was different (P<0.05) and it declined as the birds aged in both treatments. No significant (P>0.05) difference in mortality rate occurred between hens maintained on the litter floors versus those in cages. When the breeders were 41 weeks of age, eggs from each treatment group were randomly collected, weighed, and incubated. Offspring from these treatments were randomly allocated to litter floor pens. Progeny were spaced at 23 cm. 2 and were reared to 42 days. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in growth rate and feed conversion ratio in offspring from hens maintained on the litter floors versus offspring from hens maintained in colony cages. No significant difference (P>0.05) in mortality rate was observed among chicks produced from eggs collected from both treatments. Broiler breeding in colony cages was economical up to 40 weeks of age.

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“…According to Petitte et al (1982) broiler breeders maintained in cages produce heavier eggs than those managed on litter floors. Petitte et al (1983) compared production efficiency of broiler breeders artificially inseminated in cages to those naturally mated in floor pens.…”

Section: Egg Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Petitte et al (1982) broiler breeders housed in cages produce heavier eggs than those managed on litter floors. Also (Petitte et al, 1983), a comparision of production efficiency of broiler breeders artificially inseminated in cages to those naturally mated in floor pens demonstrated no difference embryonic death, although hatchability was significantly lower in the eggs collected in the cages.…”

Section: Cage Versus Litter Floor Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of broiler breeder production and fertility in a colony cage system with two different floors versus a slat-floor system

Massey¹

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Two separate trials were conducted to compare egg production, egg weight, shell thickness, albumin height, fertility, and mortality of naturally mated broiler breeders maintained on either a slat and litter floor or in two tiered colony cages. In the first trial there was no difference (P>0.05) in egg production between the two treatments. There was also no significant difference in hen mortality. Higher (P<0.05) egg shell quality, albumin height, and shell thickness were observed in the cage maintained hens. Lower fertility (P<0.05) was observed in the cage maintained hens. In the second trial production parameters were compared in naturally mated broiler breeders maintained on slat and litter floor, in colony cages on the original slats, and in colony cages on a modified slats. The modified slats were constructed from plastic and had a two piece design which produced a slight cushioning on the top of the slats. Egg production and mortality were not different (P>0.05) among the three treatments. Eggshell thickness, albumin height, and shell thickness were lower (P>0.05) in the litter and slat floor but not between the two cage treatments (P>0.05). Fertility was higher (P<0.05) in the litter and slat floors, but different (P>0.05) between the two cage treatments. Future studies to improve fertility in colony cage maintained broiler breeders could allow increased stocking rates in existing broiler breeder houses. iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my wife and family, for all their patience, support, and the sacrifices they withstood throughout the entire process. I could not have accomplished this task without them. I would also like to thank Dr. Peterson for giving me the opportunity to pursue my Masters degree. I would like to thank Dr. Klandorf and Dr. Kenney for their patience and understanding during this process. I would also like to thank all the professors in the Animal and Vet. Science department. I could go to any of them with a question, and they would work hard to help me find the answer. I would like to thank Dr. Thane for helping me with the statistical work. Last but not least I would like to thank God for making it all possible.

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The Influence of Flock Uniformity on the Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens Housed in Cages and Floor Pens

Cited by 16 publications

References 4 publications

Feed Restriction in Broiler Breeder Pullets: Skip-a-Day Versus Skip-Two-Days

Feed Restriction in Broiler Breeder Pullets: Skip-a-Day Versus Skip-Two-Days

Productive performance and fertility of broiler breeders maintained in commercial colony cages and on the conventional floors

Comparison of broiler breeder production and fertility in a colony cage system with two different floors versus a slat-floor system

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