Energy requirement of feed-restricted broiler breeder pullets.
The energy requirements for growth and maintenance of broiler pullets were studied during a 17-wk growing period. Four flocks of commercial broiler replacement pullets, housed in conventional poultry houses, received a restricted amount of feed on 4 or 5 days a week, and pullet growth was recorded. The energy needs for maintenance and body weight gain under a feed restriction regimen was calculated using a model based on metabolic body weight and weight gain described by Hurwitz and coworkers. Average daily body weight gain for the entire experimental period was 13.7 g; the daily energy intake increased with age from 114 kcal/day at 3 wk of age to approximately 270 kcal/day at 20 wk. The estimated daily metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance was 1.57 kcal/g of body weight67 and for growth, .71 kcal/g of body weight. It was concluded that the energy requirement for birds under a feed restriction regimen is considerably lower than those under ad libitum feeding.
Pinchasov
Y
Y
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
Galili
D
D
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005508:Food Deprivation / Q000502:physiology*; D015430:Weight Gain