Changes in the feather-free body of broiler breeder hens after sexual maturity

摘要: Changes in the feather-free body (water, lipid and protein) of broiler breeder hens was measured at intervals between 15 60 weeks age to provide information that could be used as basis for predicting their maintenance requirements. The mean weight protein varied 348 379 g 15–20 weeks, increasing 648 by 40 then remaining relatively constant rest laying period. Mean content increased from 160 711 weeks. initial increase can ascribed increases ovary oviduct weights birds become sexually mature, variation ages which this development takes place. Our conclusion is changes bodyweight breeders after sexual maturity are mainly content, being a consequence way fed, any gain feather occurs only out lay. We suggest it should not necessary assume growth obligatory when determining nutrient requirements hens.