A preliminary release on April 15th by USPOULTRY addressed Project #719 Longitudinal Assessment of Skeletal and Cardiac Structures in Broilers Reared Under Slow Versus Fast Growth Rate Regimen and its Relation to Lameness, Ascites and Woody Breast Condition.
The study conducted by Dr. Prafulla Regmi of the Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia addressed critical issues in live broiler production. Due to the restrictions placed by major journals on release of specific data prior to publication, release of results will be deferred to an appropriate time. The USPOULTRY release did however include the comment that restricting growth rate can influence welfare parameters but the frequently quoted 50 g per day growth rate promoted by welfare activists is invalid. The breaking strength of bones is not increased by reducing growth rate.
CHICK-NEWS will review the article and its implications on publication and will comment on data in relation to production programs.