Data Analytics of Broiler Growth Dynamics and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broilers Raised to 35 d under Commercial Tropical Conditions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although weekly performance parameters in broiler systems are usually collected for monitoring, it is not common to use data to determine the impact of chicken growth parameters on feed conversion ratio or to predict body weight at slaughter age. Additionally, husbandry variables or environmental conditions might lead to developing strategies within poultry companies to overcome different in-field challenges. Understanding the growth dynamics of chickens subject to determined conditions could help nutritionists and managers improve the decision-making processes to achieve desired performance results. The objective of this study was to estimate and compare the growth pattern of males and females Ross 308 AP broilers reared under commercial tropical conditions with controlled feeding to determine conditions that optimize feed conversion ratio. The results indicated that the most efficient broilers were those subject to a more significant feed control between the second and the fourth week of age, with an increase in the feed allowance during the last week compared to those birds subject to a constant controlled feeding throughout the production cycle. It suggests that after chickens were conditioned to feeding control, a greater feed allowance during the week before the slaughter could result in heavier chickens at 35 d and still be more efficient. ABSTRACT: Data collection is standard in commercial broiler production; however, growth modeling is still a challenge since this data often lacks an inflection point. This study evaluated body weight (BW) dynamics, feed intake, BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality of broiler flocks reared under commercial tropical conditions with controlled feeding to optimize FCR. The data analyzed included performance records of 1347 male and 1353 female Ross 308 AP broiler flocks with a total of 95.4 million chickens housed from 2018 to 2020. Decision trees determined high- and low-feed-efficiency groups using FCR at 35 d. Logistic, Gompertz–Laird, and von Bertalanffy growth models were fitted with weekly BW data for each flock within performance groups. The logistic model indicated more accurate estimates with biological meaning. The high-efficiency males and females (p < 0.001) were offered less feed than the low-efficiency group and were consistently more efficient. In conclusion, greater feeding control between the second and the fourth week of age, followed by higher feed allowance during the last week, was associated with better feed efficiency at 35 d in males and females. Additionally, models demonstrated that a reduced growth rate resulted in heavier chickens at 35 d with better feed efficiency and greater BW gain.