The effect of maternal age on broiler performance on litter and a raised perforated floor.

The effect of maternal age and floor type on the performance of broiler chicks was studied. Hatching eggs were collected and hatched from the same Cobb commercial strain of broiler breeder hens at 27, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Chicks from each group were reared separately or intermingled on commercial diets. Maternal age had a significant effect (P less than .05) on live body weights of broilers reared either separately or intermingled. Weight differences found at day-old between chicks from 42- and 52-week-old dams were overcome by the age of 44 days. Chicks from the 27-week-old dams were not as heavy and consumed less feed than those from other parentage groups. Broilers on the perforated floors were heavier than their floor counterparts. Overall performance, except for body weight, was not affected by floor type or rearing condition.