Authors : M. Elahi Torshizi , F. Eftekhari Shahroudi and H. Kermanshahi
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the effect of environment, nutrition and management on egg production of broiler breeders from start to peak of production. Rearing and production records of 11 Arian broiler breeder flocks, in 3 farms between 1993 and 2000, including age of broiler breeder, age of maturity, flock number, farm number, density, feeder space/hen, body weight at 20, 22 and 24 weeks, protein and energy intake/day and week, cumulative feed intake in each age, weekly body weight, season effect, diet energy and presence or lack of canal under waterers were used. All records processed in excel software and transferred to JMP 3.1.2 software for analysis. Records tested for normality and then analyzed with multiple regression analysis procedure. The results of the current study indicated that, age of broiler breeders has a dramatic effect on egg production. By delaying age of maturity after 24 weeks, uniformity and egg production in Arian broiler breeders increased. Canals under waterer in some of the farms had a negative effect on mean egg production (63 vs 52%). In the seasons of spring and autumn, mean egg production was higher than those of summer and winter (80.03, 81.08, 50.16 and 60%, respectively). The result showed that body weight at 24 weeks is a better indication of subsequent flock performance than body weight at 20 or 22 weeks. By increasing age and protein intake from 23 to 27 g/hen/day, egg production decreased. Conversely, by increasing age and energy intake, egg production increased. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that protein intake should not be increased from 23g/hen/day at this period. Heavier broiler breeders, who get more energy intake/day, may produce more eggs too.
M. Elahi Torshizi , F. Eftekhari Shahroudi and H. Kermanshahi , 2008. Factors Affecting Egg Production in Broiler Breeders from Start to Peak of Production. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 322-325.