Response of female broiler breeders to qualitative feed restriction with inclusion of soluble and insoluble fiber sources

SUMMARY To alleviate the feeling of hunger in broiler breeder hens, different types of fiber sources were used to increase feed quantity in Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens from 24 to 38 wk of age. Dietary treatments were a control diet and low-density diets through inclusion of wheat bran (WB), cellulose (CEL), pectin, and cottonseed meal. All diets were supplied an equal amount of AME, CP, Ca, P, and amino acids. Providing a diet with insoluble and soluble fiber sources increased the duration of feeding 2.4 and 3.8 times more than control group, respectively. For the entire experimental period, proportion of insoluble fiber sources (CEL and WB) resulted in more egg production than the control group. Cottonseed meal-fed birds displayed higher plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and greater abdominal fat weight. Inclusion of insoluble fiber sources (CEL and WB) significantly decreased plasma corticosterone concentration, which is an indicator of hunger and frustration in birds. In spite of total nutrient intakes being equal once laying commenced, providing high-fiber diets with insoluble fiber sources can improve the reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens in early cycle of production period.