The present experiment was conducted to study the influence of feed restriction levels on compensatory gain and carcass composition of broiler. Ross male chickens from 1 to 42 days of age were used. The experiment was performed in a split-plot design in which main plots were the feeding program (ad libitum, fed restricted at 30% and 70%) and broilers age as sub-plots. Feed restriction was applied during the second week (8th to 14th day of age) when birds were restricted to 30% and 70% of ad libitum intake. Before and after the feed restriction period, broilers were fed ad libitum. Weight gain, carcass weight, intestine weight and total fat of broilers restricted at 70% were significantly lower at 42 days of age; however, significant differences were not verified for these parameters between birds restricted at 30% and those fed ad libitum. Feed:gain ratio, intestine length and abdominal fat were not affected by feeding program. These results provide evidence that broilers fed restricted at 30% presented compensatory gain during the refeeding period, and that feed restriction at 70% is too severe, affecting negatively the performance and carcass quality of broiler.
feeding intake; weight gain; performance; feeding systems
