Restrictive feeding in broiler; its effect on growth performance abdominal fat and carcass characteristics

In this study; The effect of feed restriction at certain rates (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) on fattening performance, slaughter characteristics and abdominal fattening in broilers was investigated. 300 1-day old female and male broiler chickens (Ross 308) chicks were used in the study. The animals were divided into 4 groups, each group consisted of 3 replicates, and 25 chicks from each replicate were randomly assigned to the rearing chambers. The trial lasted 42 days. Drinking water was provided ad libitum in hanger drinkers throughout the experiment. On the 42nd day of the experiment, 2 male and 2 female chickens were selected from each replication in order to determine slaughter and some carcass characteristics. In a total of 48 selected chickens; pre-slaughter body weight, warm carcass weight, edible internal organ weights and abdominal fat weight were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that the restricted feeding significantly affected the body weight, live weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and accordingly slaughter characteristics and abdominal fat in some weeks (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the feed restriction made from the 22nd day of the experiment (P<0.05). While there was no difference in carcass weight in females between groups (P>0.05), it was significantly affected in males in the control and 5% restricted feeding groups compared to the other experimental groups (P<0.05). While cutting characteristics and abdominal fatness did not differ significantly between females (P>0.05), this difference was found significant in males (P<0.05). At the end of the research, it was determined that even 5% reduced feeding after 28 days of age would decrease performance in order to save feed in broilers.