Restrictive nutrition and compensatory growth of broilers: Impact on growth production results and carcass characteristics

Abstract

Increase in growth rate through genetic selection and improved nutrition in broiler chickens has been associated with high body fat deposition. This is particularly evident under ad libitum feeding that is normally practiced. Excessive fat deposition in the body of broilers is a common problem for poultry producers and consumers. Studies have shown that feed restriction could decrease fat content and increase protein deposition in carcasses, thus resulting in their improved composition. In addition to determining the optimal time to start and the duration of the restrictive nutrition, the success of the given programs largely depends on the intensity of the restriction, as well as the type of applied technique. Considering that in a large number of studies, the application of restrictive programs resulted in a reduction of body fat in broilers, but at the same time the desired body weight was not achieved at the slaughter (market) age, these programs should not be a priori rejected as ineffective. It is necessary to determine whether the market price of the obtained product (poultry meat) with its reduced fat content justifies the lower body weight of broilers achieved at the end of the fattening period.