Broiler breeders: Hunger or not – that’s the question
In recent years, I have been increasingly struggling with the assumed connection between fast-growing broiler breeders and hunger.
In all scientific literature, presentations and discussions about restricting feed for breeders’ hunger — particularly chronic hunger — is frequently mentioned. Scientists and animal welfare organisations often present this as a universally proven fact. However, the scientific evidence is far from conclusive and very thin, and many papers on the topic highlight contradictions in observed results.
Most of the literature on this subject describes the issue using terms like “there are indications of frustration, boredom or hunger”. These are simply indications and, while some studies have found effects on physiological and behavioral parameters, the findings are often minimal and frequently inconsistent.
The general conclusion from studies measuring physiological parameters is that there is no definitive evidence, particularly when using blood markers such as corticosterone levels or the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. Likewise, behavioural parameters are not reliable indicators of hunger in breeders.
The list of abnormal behaviours commonly cited includes stereotypic object pecking (such as pecking at empty feeders or tail feathers), over-drinking and pacing. Many of these behaviors can be explained by other factors, such as feed residues in the auger (leading to pecking at empty feeders), outdated studies involving older drinking systems (causing over-drinking), and pre-feeding excitement, which is common among all animals (leading to pacing).
In discussions with researchers, I’ve noticed a tendency to simply repeat the same arguments about controlled feeding in breeders without pursuing genuine solutions. Instead, many seem focused on finding evidence to support their pre-established beliefs. This approach is not productive. We need to seek real solutions to improve the welfare of breeders, and I am actively working with the industry to find such solutions.
From my review of the literature, I conclude that much of the so-called abnormal behaviour is due to boredom, as pullets finish their meals within 30 minutes. The solution probably lies in modifying the diet (through dilution) and providing feed more frequently throughout the day. An initial experiment involving a 30% dilution using wheat straw pellets produced promising results. More (extreme) studies are underway.
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