Effects of feeding level during pullet-layer transition and of pretransition lighting on performance of broiler breeders.

Four feeding regimens were compared for the pullet-layer transition period and two light types, white and narrow-band green fluorescent, were compared in the grower period to determine their subsequent effects on reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. Four limit-feeding treatments imposed from 18 wk (body weight of 1.8 kg) to "mature weight" of 2.8 kg at 27 (Treatment 1), 25 (Treatment 2), 24 (Treatment 3) and 22.5 (Treatment 4) wk of age supported weight gains of, respectively, 15, 19, 23, and 27 g per day. Production of total and hatching eggs was similar among all dietary and lighting treatments. Hens given dietary Treatment 1 had a higher production from 224 to 252 days but had a lower production from 168 to 189 days associated with a 2.6-day later age at 50% egg production. Feeding regimen and lighting treatment had no effect on egg weight, and feeding did not affect mortality. Green lighting reduced mortality from 2.0 to 1.4% at 70 to 126 days and from 5.7 to 4.0% from 126 to 280 days of age, compared with white lighting. Fertility was 5% lower for Treatment 4 versus Treatment 1 and 4% lower for white versus green lighting. The advantage of higher initial hatching egg production obtained with rapid growth, of greater than 15 g per day, during the transition period was outweighed by detrimental effects on production and fertility in later periods. Green light may increase chick production per hen housed by causing decreased pullet mortality and increased fertility.