Effects of duration of early feed withdrawal and re-feeding on growth, carcass traits, plasma constituents and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

Abstract

The effect of different feed withdrawal durations and re-feeding on broiler performance was investigated. A total of 225 broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to 5 groups; control (full feeding) and feed withdrawal for 6, 8, 10 and 12 h daily. Feed intake and weight gain were reduced (P < .05) in the feed withdrawal groups during the starter phase, but were not affected during later growth. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatment. The relative weight of carcass was reduced (P < .05) in 6 and 12 h feed withdrawal groups. Breast weight was lowest on the control group and highest on the 8 h withdrawal (P < .05) group. The weight of the thigh was reduced (P < .05) on the control group. Plasma protein was higher on the control group and 6 h group compared to 10 h feed withdrawal group (P < .05). Plasma albumin was reduced on 12 and uric acid on the control and 6 withdrawal groups. There were no treatment effects on plasma cholesterol, HDL and LDL values. E. coli count was not affected by treatment, but Lactobacilli count was higher (P < .05) on the 12 h feed withdrawal group. Young broilers subjected to feed withdrawal for 8–10 h daily can compensate for performance losses in the early stage of growth and maximize the relative weights of carcass, breast muscle and thigh, but withdrawal lengths of 6 and 12 h might be too short and too long, respectively, to improve performance losses after resumption of full feeding.

Keywords

• Feed withdrawal
• growth compensation
• gut health
• broiler chickens