Effects of feeder space on body weight uniformity of broiler breeder pullets during an alternate day feeding program.

The effect of feeder space on body weight uniformity of adolescent broiler breeder females during a feed restriction program was evaluated. From 2 to 20 wk of age, broiler breeder pullets were fed a starter/developer diet containing 16.0% protein and 2,944 kcal ME/kg feed. Feed allocations, predicated on mean pen body weight, were fed on an every other day basis. Feeder space was 45 or 90% of that recommended for use with a feed restriction program. The mortality, feed efficiency and body weight uniformity data all support the hypothesis that it is not necessary to provide enough feeder space to enable all birds to eat simultaneously. Broiler breeder pullets provided only 45% of the recommended feeder space responded as well as, or better than, those given 90% of the recommended feeder space.