Effect of quantitative food restriction and photoperiod during the rearing period on the performance of two strains of broiler breeder hens

Wambeke, F. van

During the rearing period, Hubbard and Hybro were subjected to feed restriction (by <less or =>15%) and daily photoperiods of 8 or 12 h. Hybro birds reached sexual maturity (50% laying rate) significantly earlier than Hubbards (184 vs. 197 days). On the 12-h light regime, maturity was reached on average at 192 days vs. 189 on an 8-h regime. Both strains had a typical production period of 40 wk during which there was no significant breed difference in laying performance.