How To Manage Broiler Breeder Nutrition ?

Broiler breeder chicken husbandry is a highly sophisticated technical system. Its core lies in balancing the genetic potential for rapid growth with superior reproductive performance through precise nutritional regulation and feeding programs.

The following section, from a professional perspective, details the growth characteristics and corresponding nutritional requirements of broiler breeders at different stages.

Modern broiler breeders (such as Arbor AA and Ross 308) inherit the genetic potential for rapid growth from commercial broilers, but their breeding goal is not to pursue maximum growth rate, but rather to obtain as many qualified hatching eggs and healthy offspring as possible. Therefore, their growth characteristics are reflected in the following contradictions and unities:

In the early brooding period (0-4 weeks), broiler breeders, like commercial broilers, exhibit extremely rapid metabolism and growth rates. Their skeletons, immune system, cardiovascular system, and feathers develop rapidly during this stage. The goal at this stage is to ensure the full development of the skeleton and internal organs.

As broiler breeders age (especially during the rearing period), they are highly susceptible to excessive fat deposition if given free access to feed. Excessive fat accumulation leads to decreased egg production, reduced fertilization rates, prolapse, and increased mortality during the laying period. Therefore, controlling body weight and condition (preventing obesity) is a core task throughout the rearing and laying periods.

The essence of broiler breeder management lies in achieving physical maturity (fully developed skeleton and muscles) and sexual maturity (complete reproductive system development) simultaneously at the appropriate age (usually 22-24 weeks) through restricted feeding and light management. Premature sexual maturity (inadequate physical maturity) leads to smaller eggs, lower egg production, and a shorter peak laying period; conversely, it increases costs and causes dystocia (difficult birth).

Studies show that different bone and muscle growth peaks occur at different times. For example, in AA broiler breeders, breast width and shank circumference show the greatest growth intensity at 2 weeks of age, while shank length also grows fastest at 2 weeks; keel length grows fastest at 3 weeks. This suggests that early nutrition needs to be optimized to target the development of these key areas.

Based on growth characteristics, broiler breeder chickens are generally divided into three stages: brooding period, growing period, and laying period.

 Growth Characteristics

 Critical Period of Physiological Development：

This is the period of fastest development for the skeleton, immune system, and digestive system. For example, by the end of 4 weeks of age, the shank length of female chicks should reach over 64 mm, a key indicator of skeletal development.

 Weight Laying Period:

Weight at this stage must reach or slightly exceed the breed standard, laying the foundation for productive performance throughout their lives.

 Poor Thermoregulation:

Requires artificial warmth.

 Nutritional Requirements

 Nutritional Strategy:

High energy, high protein; free access or frequent small feedings. The goal is to promote maximum development of bones and internal organs.

 Key Nutrients:

Protein and Amino Acids: High levels of crude protein (typically around 19-21%) and sufficient amino acids (especially lysine and methionine) are required to meet the rapid growth of muscles and feathers.

Minerals and Vitamins: Sufficient calcium, phosphorus (especially available phosphorus), and vitamin D3 are essential for bone development. Vitamins A, E, and selenium contribute to the establishment of the immune system.

 Feeding method

In the early stage (0-14 days), free access to feed is usually allowed to stimulate appetite and ensure that each chick receives sufficient nutrition. When the daily feed consumption reaches a certain level (e.g., 27 grams/day for female chicks), preparations should begin to transition to restricted feeding.

 Growth Characteristics

 Skeletal Growth Continues but Gradually Slows Down:

Skeletal growth continues from 7-12 weeks of age, but the growth rate slows compared to the brooding period. Skeletal growth is essentially complete after 15 weeks of age.

 Muscle Growth and Fat Deposition:

Digestive function is fully developed, and feed intake increases. If allowed free access, weight gain is rapid, but primarily through fat deposition.

 Reproductive System Development Begins:

From 15 weeks of age, gonads begin to develop, and after 18 weeks of age, follicles and oviducts grow rapidly.

 Nutritional Requirements

Nutritional Strategy:

Feed Restriction. This is the most critical technique in broiler breeder management. By restricting feed intake (usually 70-85% of free access), weight gain is controlled, ensuring a steady rise along the standard growth curve and preventing obesity.

 Feed Nutrient Concentration

 Early Growing Period (7-15 weeks old):

Use grower feed, reducing energy and protein levels (compared to brooder feed) and increasing crude fiber content to increase satiety under restricted feeding. During this period, weight gain should be strictly controlled, following the lower limit of the standard growth curve.

 Pre-laying period (15-23 weeks old):

Skeletal growth is largely complete at this time, but the reproductive system begins rapid development. Increased nutritional reserves are needed. The feed should transition from grower feed to pre-laying feed, increasing protein levels (e.g., around 18%) and calcium content (to build bone marrow reserves for egg production) to meet the needs of rapid reproductive organ development and sustained weight gain.

 Feeding methods

Depending on weight control, methods such as alternate-day restricted feeding, 4-3 restricted feeding (feeding for four days, then stopping feeding for three days), or 5-2 restricted feeding can be used to ensure good flock uniformity.

 Growth Characteristics

 Slow and sustained weight gain:

Weight gain is still necessary during the laying period, primarily for reproductive system and maintenance needs, but the rate of increase slows.

 Peak egg production performance:

The core task at this stage is to maintain a high egg production rate and a stable fertilization rate.

 Surge in demand for specific nutrients:

Especially calcium needed for eggshell formation, and various vitamins needed for embryo formation.

 Nutritional Requirements

 Nutritional Strategy:

Precise supply, transitioning from restricted feeding to daily feeding, but still requiring control of feed intake. Typically, at 22-23 weeks of age (before the egg production rate reaches 5%), switch to laying feed and gradually transition to daily feeding.

 Feed Nutrient Concentration

 High-calcium diets:

The calcium content in the laying period feed needs to be significantly increased to 3.0-3.5% to meet eggshell formation requirements. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio must be balanced.

 Adequate Protein and Energy:

Maintain an appropriate crude protein level (15.5-17%) to ensure egg production and maintain body weight. Energy intake needs precise control to prevent hens from becoming overweight and suffering exhaustion in the later stages of egg production.

 Key Concerns

 Weight Control:

Weight should be monitored weekly throughout the laying period to ensure that weight gain meets standards, avoiding both weight loss and obesity.

 Feed Intake:

Daily feed intake should be precisely adjusted based on egg production rate, coop temperature, and weight changes.

 In addition, CJ feed and care supply

 broiler feed

High Protein Concentrate Feed

Broiler Premix

 

Chicks Crumbles

 

 Layer feed

Egg Laying Premix

Layer Grower Premix

 

Layer Starter

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