Title: Feeding and Management of Broiler Strain Breeder Hens
Abstract: FOLLOWING the report of Isaacks et al. (1957 (1960) concerning the feeding of self-restricting high fiber diets to growing broiler strain pullets, it appeared desirable to study the energy requirements and methods of restricting the caloric intake of broiler strain hens. Singsen et al. (1959) reported problems of obesity, relatively low egg production, and poor utilization of feed for egg production in broiler strain hens. This group reported the results of a two-year study of the controlled feeding of broiler strain hens which had been reared on a moderate feed restriction plan. These workers concluded that the controlled feeding of high energy rations or full-feeding a low energy ration would prevent excessive body weight gains in broiler strain hens and would also lower mortality when compared to hens full-fed on high energy diets. Egg production on a hen-day basis was not reduced in the full-fed low energy and control-fed high…