Effects of breeder age and dietary fat on subsequent broiler performance. 2. Slaughter yield

The effects of breeder age (35, 51, and 63 wk) and added dietary fat on subsequent broiler slaughter yield were evaluated. Beginning at 22 wk of age, diets included 0, 1.5, or 3.0% added poultry fat (PF), 1.5 or 3.0% added corn oil (CO), or 3.0% added lard (LA). Slaughter yields were greatest in broilers from 63-wk-old breeders. Added CO in broiler breeder diets significantly increased subsequent 43-d live BW and chilled carcass yields compared to LA. Furthermore, CO diets significantly increased relative front-half yields compared to PF diets; and compared to the 3.0% fat level, 1.5% added fat significantly increased 43-d live BW, regardless of fat type. In conclusion, breeder age influenced broiler slaughter yield, and fat added at the 1.5% level to breeder hen diets was an effective energy source. However, less saturated fat improved subsequent slaughter yield.