Changes in bodyweight and body composition throughout the animal’s lifespan are most important as these parame- ters closely correlate with sexual maturity.


obtaining the flock average, taking 5% above the average and 5% below. All bodyweights falling within this range will show adequate uniformity (Figure 1).


Influencing factors As we know, during breeding there are various factors that can affect the development of chickens. These factors may be chick quality, management (density, quality of facilities, feeder and drinking systems, lighting programme, climate control, etc.), nutrition level (ingredient quality, etc.) and disease control.


Early feeding suggestions


1. Do not change the feed phase until target weight has been reached 2. Avoid switching feeding phases before or during stress 3. Each flock must be handled independently 4. Monitor the nutrition: • Formulate with adequate sodium levels • Be cautious when using certain ingredients (toxic and/or anti-nutritional factors)


• Be careful in the use of nutritional value matrices by enzyme • Always use a broad-spectrum mycotoxin programme • The addition of a prebiotic or probiotic can be helpful • Monitor feed presentation; make sure you have good levels of calcium and phosphorus in the diet


▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 5, 2022 33


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