Growth, food intake and development in broiler cockerels raised to maturity

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe food intake, growth and development of Ross broiler cockerels were recorded from 1 day old to maturity. At regular intervals, the body composition of these birds was determined and the eviscerated carcasses were chemically analysed. Allometric relationships of component weights and live weight were examined. Historical comparisons with fowl reared during the last 60 years did not reveal any significant changes in the pattern of development, despite faster absolute growth rates and heavier mature weights.