The importance of nutrition in broiler breeder fertility : feed science

Abstract

All, be it chickens, ducks or ostriches, begins with the successful union of egg and spermatozoa in order to create a fertile egg. However, before the fertile egg is laid or mating even occurs, a strong nutritional foundation must first be built to ensure both male and female are capable of producing high-quality gametes that will eventually result in viable offspring. The effect of nutrition on fertility does not begin at laying, but instead at the initial feed intake of the parent stock. Sufficient nutrient intake is vital to ensure optimal reproductive development for parent stock, but can come into conflict with the objectives of their offspring.