Effect of feed restriction on productive performance and carcass quality in broiler chickens

With the objective to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction (fr), an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (6 x 2), with six feeding programs, two sexes, four replicates and 15 birds per experimental unit. The used feeding programs were: Res-0 (ad libitum), Res-1 (day 7), Res-2 (days 7 and 14), Res-3 (days 7, 14 and 21), Res-4 (days 7, 14, 21 and 28) and Res-5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35). Each restriction consisted of 24 hours fasting. On day 42, body weight of broilers subjected to programs Res-0, 1, 2 and 3 were not significantly different. However, birds subjected to Res-4 and 5 programs showed lower body weights (P<0,05) when compared with those from Res-0, 1 and 2 programs. No significant differences were observed on feed intake and feed to gain ratios among the various programs, at this age. However, feed to gain ratios during refeeding periods (days 21 to 42 and 28 to 42) were better to birds subjected to feed restriction than those from control group. Carcass and special cuts yield were not affected by feeding programs. The most intense feed restriction program (Res-5) negatively influenced the protein content of the carcass and the fat content of the carcass were not influenced. The most intensive feed restriction programs negatively influenced the performance of birds.