Effects of breeder age and dietary fat an subsequent broiler performance. 1. Growth, mortality, and feed conversion

The effects of breeder age (35, 51, and 63 wk) and added dietary fat on sub sequent broiler growth, mortality, and feed conversion through 42 d were ev aluated. Beginning at 22 wk of age, diets included 0, 1.5, or 3.0% added po ultry fat (PF), 1.5 or 3.0% added corn oil (CO), or 3.0% added lard (LA). B roilers from hens 35 wk of age performed better between 0 and 21 d than tho se from 51- and 63-wk-old hens. Conversely, between 22 and 42 d, broilers f rom hens 51 wk of age performed better than those at 35 and 63 wk. In relat ion to PF, CO added to breeder diets increased 0 to 21 d BW gain in broiler s; whereas, feed conversion between 22 and 42 d was reduced in broilers fro m hens fed PF compared to those fed CO. Ln conclusion, breeder age influenc ed broiler performance differently throughout the growout period. Fat added at the 1.5% level to breeder hen diets was an effective energy source. How ever, less saturated fat improved growout performance.