Early feed restriction in broilers. II: Body composition and nutrient gain

Two experiments were performed, in male and female broilers separately, to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on the composition, gain, and efficiency of nutrients retention by comparative slaughter. Treatments were applied from 8 to 16 d age as follows: without feed restriction [standard feed (SF) ad libitum]; quantity restriction (80% ad libitum consumption of SF); time restriction (SF offered throughout 8 h/d); and quality restriction (SF diluted with 10% kaolin and 10% rice hulls containing 80% of the limiting nutrients). The broilers were raised in pens and 6 replications/treatments were used. The composition and body gain of DM, CP, and EE, and efficiency of protein and energy retention were evaluated. Time restriction was considered the most severe, mainly in males that showed less protein gain at 42 d age. Proportional body gain of EE was higher than that of CP in the refeeding period in the quantity and time restricted broilers and no improvement in the protein retention efficiency was observed in those birds previously restricted. The possibility that feed restriction decreases carcass fat was not observed.