Factors affecting broiler breeder performance. 1. Relationship of daily feed intake level to reproductive performance of pullets. Poultry Sci

ABSTRACT Two experiments were designed to study the relationship of pre-and postmolt reproductive performance of broiler breeders. Body weight loss during feed withdrawal and body weight gain to the onset of production were assessed in relationship to postmolt performance. Results obtained from this study indicate that flock performance during postmolt was relative to premolt performance in traits such as egg production, specific gravity, and egg weight. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between premolt and postmolt performance of individuals within a flock. Percentage weight loss and weight gain during the molt process were negatively correlated with body weight at the onset of molt. Body weight at the beginning of molt was negatively correlated with postmolt egg production as well as premolt egg production. Body weight at the end of molt and at the onset of postmolt egg production was not related to postmolt re-productive performance. (Key words: broiler breeders, molting, reproduction