FEED AND WATER-CONSUMPTION, GROWTH, AND MORTALITY OF MALE BROILERS

Daily feed use, water use, body weight, and mortality of Cobb x Cobb male broilers over 8-wk growout periods were measured for 10 consecutive growouts in four commercial-scale broiler houses (121.0 x 12.1 m each). Polynomial equations were developed to relate bird age to body weight, daily feed and water use, cumulative weekly feed and water use, and cumulative mortality. Weekly feed conversion was derived from growth and feed use data and was depicted by a third-order polynomial equation. Dead bird weight was calculated using mortality and body weight of the broilers and related to bird age with three polynomial equations over the growth period. Total dead bird weight averaged 76 kg per 1,000 birds placed, of which 10 kg or 13% occurred during the first 5 wk and the remaining 66 kg or 87% occurred during the last 3 wk of the growout periods. Results of this study provide a realistic data base for mathematical modeling of production responses and a guideline for management planning in commercial male broiler operation.