USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation are pleased to announce the completion of a funded research project by researchers at the University of Georgia, evaluating the effects of slow versus fast growth rate regimen on animal welfare in broilers. The research, made possible in part by an endowing foundation gift from Wayne-Sanderson Farms, is part of the association’s comprehensive research program covering all aspects of poultry and egg production and processing.
Led by Dr. Prafulla Regmi, assistant professor at the University of Georgia, the study examined the longitudinal assessment of skeletal and cardiac structures in broilers reared under slow versus fast growth rate regimen, investigating their relation to the manifestation of lameness, ascites and woody breast condition. The study aimed to identify physical and physiological markers associated with welfare issues in broilers grown at different rates.
Key findings from the study suggest that growth restriction can lead to improved welfare outcomes in broilers. However, the extent of restriction does not necessarily need to be below 50 g/d as recommended by some third-party organizations. Additionally, reducing growth rate does not appear to increase the breaking strength of the bones.
For further information about this research, please contact Dr. Denise Heard. Additional details on association research can be found on the USPOULTRY website, uspoultry.org.
