Effects of Delayed Placement and Used Litter on Broiler Yields

Abstract

Male broiler chicks having either immediate or a 24-hr delayed access to feed and water after transportation from the hatchery were placed in floor pens having new or used pine shaving. All birds received common feeds not containing antimicrobials other than coccidiostats to 7 wk. Chicks experiencing delayed access had a 50% reduction in yolk sac contents compared to those placed earlier, reduced weight gain at 3 wk which was never recovered, and additional mortality Employing used litter also led to reductions in weight gain at 3 wk, but birds subsequently compensate. Broilers delayed in placement had reduced carcass weight and a decreased percentage of grade A's, but proportion of parts after cone deboning was unaffected. Although birds reared on used litter had carcass weight similar to those on new litter, bruised drumsticks were more apparent and the proportion of breast fillets increased at the expense of rib cage and frame, particularly with delayed placement. For the most part, the adverse effects of delayed placement were independent of those resulting from used litter.