Interaction of breeder age and egg weight on performance and carcass yield of broilers

Abstract

There are several factors that can affect the performance and efficiency of broiler, regardless of the levels used in nutritional diets, such as breeder age and egg weight. In this study, were evaluated the effects of breeder age and egg weight carry on the performance and carcass yield of broilers. The birds were allocated in a completely randomized design in a factorial 3 x 3 (eggs from different breeder ages: 30 weeks, 48 weeks and 60 weeks and 3 categories of weights: light, medium and heavy). The variables analyzed were feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion to 7, 21, 35 and 42 days and carcass yield (carcass, chest, legs and abdominal fat) to 42 days old. There was not breeder age interaction for egg weight in broilers. Broilers from young breeders (30 weeks), presented worst results to feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion in first week, but this effect was not maintained until the slaughter age. The feed intake was increased on broilers from light eggs to 7 days old. It was concluded that no exist interaction between breeder age and egg weight on performance and carcass yield on broilers.