Effects of Breeder Age and Early Feed Energy Restriction on Development of Gastrointestinal Tract in Broilers

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The aim of this study was to determine the effects of breeder age and early feed energy restriction on development of gastrointestinal tract in broilers. One hundred twenty day-old male broiler chicks were obtained from a commercial hatchery of different breeder ages (27 and 60 wk). Each breeder group was randomly divided into two diet groups, which included control (C) and restricted energy (E) groups. Relative proventriculus (P 0.05), duodenum (P 0.001), ileum (P 0.01) and total relative small intestinal weight of broilers obtained from young breeders was significantly higher (P 0.001) than those obtained from old breeders at 21 days of age. The total small intestinal relative weight and total the small intestine length of broilers in the feed energy restriction group were found significantly higher (P 0.05; P 0.01) than the control group at the end of the fattening period. In conclusion, gastrointestinal tract development of broilers is susceptible to energy restriction at early growth period and adaptation of restricted energy diet decreased the proventriculus relative weight and increased the total relative weight and the total length of the small intestine.

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Energy restriction , Broiler , Gastrointestinal tract development

Kocatepe Veterinary Journal

151

Kocatepe Veterinary Journal