Effect of Feed Restriction on Principal Component Measures of Body Size and Conformation in Commercial Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Three levels of feed restriction, namely 5, 10 and 15% of ad libitum intake of control individuals were imposed in both the starter and finisher phases of growth of commercial Cobb broiler chicks. Groups tbat were restricted in the starter phase were full-fed in the finisher phase, and vice-versa. With the exception of tbe market age of 9 weeks, the control did not show clear superiority for body size index to all restricted groups. In general, better body conformation was observed In finisher-restricted than in control and starter- restricted groups. The indications are that feed restriction did not adversely affect principal component body size index in a manner expected for body weight, and that some measure of feed restriction in the finishing phase enhanced good body conformation.

Keywords: Feed Restriction, Body Size, Conformation, Broiler