The influence of double interspiking on production and behavior in broiler breeder flocks in elevated temperature conditions

Abstract

Broiler breeders experience a natural decline in fertility levels as a flock ages. A male management practice, such as double interspiking, could be applied to counteract this decline. To determine the impact of double interspiking on broiler breeder flocks, a study was conducted to monitor the production parameters of the flock and the behavioral expression of the males. Broiler breeders (288 females, 36 males) were housed in 3 rooms, with 1 room serving as a control and the other 2 used for double interspiking. Egg production, fertility, and hatchability were determined. Video recordings were conducted to assess the frequency of specific individual (preening, feather ruffling, wing flapping), male-to-male (fighting, pecking, retreating), and male-to-female (attempted and completed mating) behaviors. The use of double interspiking resulted in a fertility increase (P < 0.01) after the first interspike and a sustainment of fertility levels after the second interspike. Neither egg production nor hatchability was affected by this male management practice. The occurrence of male-to-male interactions increased, but there were no significant differences in male-to-female or individual-type behaviors. Regardless of treatment, there was a decrease in male-to-female behaviors as the birds aged. © 2012 Poultry Science Association, Inc.