Diet choices can influence broiler breeder fertility | WATTPoultry.com

Combat environmental stress, diseases and other factors to improve bird performance.

Careful consideration of nutritional strategies for broiler breeder feed can boost fertility, increase reproduction and chick quality.

“When we think about fertility primarily as a problem, I immediately consider the energy cost of the hen to produce an egg and the economic loss associated with infertile eggs and their inability to become broiler chicks,” explained Austin Jasek, poultry account manager, Zinpro Corporation.

Broiler breeder infertility is often attributed to the rooster, although the hen can also play a role. Stress caused by disease, the environment or other factors and ingredients are common causes of infertile eggs, Jasek said.

“I think it’s important to take a step back and look at it from the larger picture. A lot of people want to find a silver bullet or a single solution, but I think it’s a culmination of doing a lot of little things right to maximize the fertility of the bird,” he added.

Ingredient quality is critical for broiler breeder diets. Whether that ingredient is protein, fat, amino acids, performance trace minerals or vitamins, ingredients should be consistent in both nutritional analysis and quality.

Bioavailability is an important factor when it comes to the trace minerals and ingredients in broiler breeder diets. Selecting a performance trace mineral with better bioavailability increases absorption by the animal, improves feed efficiency, growth and helps the bird’s immune system be better prepared for stress.

“Ensuring trace minerals are highly bioavailable can alleviate negative effects caused by lower quality ingredients, disease, and the environment. This is important in relieving stress from the bird, and improving fertility,” Jasek said.

“It’s also critical that the rooster and hen are fed to their nutritional requirements. Ensuring the hen has the appropriate nutrients to deposit into the yolk prior to eggshell formation will allow the embryo adequate nutrition during the 21-day incubation period.”