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Abstract
The primary objective of broiler breeder management is to create as many fertile hatching eggs of optimal weight and uniformity as possible, while dealing with limited reproductive potential due to genetic selection for fast growth. In order to accomplish this task, the proactive identification of strategic systems which maximize savings in both time and money while improving reproductive parameters must be a priority. This experiment compared the effects of early photostimulation at 15 weeks (15P), and an every-day-spin feeding program (EDS), on the reproductive parameters of broiler breeder hens in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The results of feeding an every-day-spin program at a standard photostimulation period of 21 weeks (EDS-21P), vs. a skip-a-day program at standard photostimulation (SAD-21P) showed a significant increase of 5% (P= 0.0392) in percent hen-housed egg production (% HHEP) from weeks 44-65, and a significant decrease of 32% in mortality (P=0.041). The early photostimulated 15P treatment did not differ significantly in egg production from the standard 21P treatment due to a 4-week advantage in the onset of lay. The overall conclusions are that an EDS-21P program could be implemented in order to improve egg production and immune function in broiler breeder hens, while a 15P program has potential but needs further research.