Effects of Maternal Management and Nutrition on Broiler Chicken Carcass Uniformity

This project researched the effects of pullet-phase feed restriction methodology or management and hen-phase diet fortification on female broiler breeder BW and carcass trait uniformity as well as on performance of the broiler offspring.;Feed treatments had a significant effect on female BW and carcass trait uniformity at 22 wk of age, with sorting and scatter treatments having the highest uniformity estimates, compared to limited daily, skip-a-day and fibre-diluted programs. Feed and premix treatments did not affect traits after 22 wk of age as individual caging at 22 wk of age unified female BW uniformity across all treatments. Feed treatments did not affect the uniformity of age at sexual maturity, first egg characteristics or production parameters. Premix treatment resulted in decreased shell uniformity and increased uniformity of one of the production parameters, total egg mass. Feed treatments may have a greater effect on female broiler breeder efficiency than previously suggested.