Broiler breeder diet for early sexual maturity and post-peak weight control

Arbor Acres FY pullets were given different daily energy allowances from 16 to 25 wk, which resulted in body weight differences at 25 wk. The program that produced the heaviest pullets also yielded the earliest sexual maturit y and highest egg production to 30 wk. After this age there was no differen ce in performance among the three treatments. From 36 to 52 wk the pullets were placed on one of three daily energy allow ances (405, 440, and 475 kcal/day). Performance of hens given a daily allow ance of 405 or 440 kcal/day was better than that of hens given 475 kcal/day . During a very hot day mortality was 1, 2, and 10 hens for the 405, 440, a nd 475 kcal daily allowances, respectively.