The use of feed restriction for mortality control of chickens in broiler farms.

Feed restriction was attempted for the control of mortality at broiler farms. Respiratory signs were observed in both restricted-feed flocks and fully fed flocks, but they were less severe in the restricted-feed flocks. The death rate in the fully fed flocks began to rise at the age of 4 wk but did not do so in the restricted-feed flocks. Mortality in the restricted-feed flocks was significantly lower than in the fully fed flocks aged from 3 to 7 wk. The economic performance with restriction feeding was better than that with full feeding as a result of improvements in viability and feed conversion rates. Feed restriction appeared to be beneficial in decreasing the death losses.