Influence of Feeding Frequency and Timetable on Egg Parameters and Reproductive Performance in Broiler Breeder Hens

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the feeding frequency and timetable on egg parameters and reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. The study involved 480 Ross–308 strain broiler breeder hens from 31 to 38 weeks of age. Birds were randomly assigned to 15 dietary treatments, including four replicates (seven hens and one rooster/treatment), and fed conventional diet (11.7 MJ kg⁻¹ of metabolisable energy, 14% crude protein). Treatments were as follows: (1) once-a-day feeding schedule (control), in which birds received their total allocated feed at 0400 h; (2) twice-a-day feeding schedule, in which the daily feed allowance was divided into two equal meals (50:50) and fed at 0400 and 1600 h; (3) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1600 h; (4) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0400 and 1200 h; (5) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1200 h; (6) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0600 and 1600 h; (7) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0600 and 1600 h; (8) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (9) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (10) three times feeding schedule, 25:50:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (11) three times feeding schedule, 25:25:50 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (12) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (13) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (14) four times feeding schedule, 33:22:22:22 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h; and (15) four times feeding schedule, 50:17:17:17 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h, respectively. According to our results, until 38 weeks of age the egg production, eggshell weight, albumen height and yolk colour as well as Haugh unit were positively influenced (P < 0.05) in the hens fed twice a day. Similarly, also using the evaluation index and sub-ordinate function methods, the higher scores were obtained by birds fed more than once a day. In contrast, all feeding regimens did not affect the other egg parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that feeding broiler breeder hens twice or three times per day improved the egg traits and reproductive performance during the egg peak production phase.