While the effects of stocking density on broiler welfare and performance have been extensively and regularly studied as genetics and production models have evolved, feeder space recommendations has received less attention. Most feeder space data for broilers dates from the 1950’s and 1960’s, with relatively few assessments since, targeting market weights below 2.5 kg. This study examined live performance and yield in broilers reared to 56 d as influenced by provision of three feeder space allocations: 2.3 (nominal), 4.6, and 6.9 cm/bird. BW was significantly improved during the starter and grower phases as feeder space increased (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0066, respectively); BW gain and feed consumption likewise improved in the starter phase (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). Effects on live performance diminished in the finisher and withdrawal phases, however overall feed conversion ratio was significantly lower for 2.3 cm/bird when compared to 4.6 cm/bird (0.03 f:g, P = 0.0198). No significant differences were observed for carcass weight or yield, however abdominal fat weights and yield were reduced for 4.6 cm/bird as compared to 2.3 cm/bird (P = 0.012 and P = 0.016, respectively). The data herein illustrates that feeder space allowance affects broiler performance, particularly in early life. Expanded feeder space allowance during early life allows broilers to maximize productivity during this period, yet these effects appear to diminish in regards to BW and may be detrimental to overall feed conversion ratio. Further research is warranted to ascertain optimal expanded feeding space and duration during early life in commercial broilers.

虽然随着遗传学和生产模型的发展，饲养密度对肉鸡福利和性能的影响已经得到广泛和定期的研究，但饲养空间的建议却很少受到关注。大多数肉鸡饲养空间数据可追溯到 1950 年代和 1960 年代，此后的评估相对较少，目标市场重量低于 2.5 公斤。该研究检查了饲养至 56 天的肉鸡的活体性能和产量，这些肉鸡受三种饲养空间分配的影响：2.3（标称）、4.6 和 6.9 厘米/鸡。随着饲养空间的增加，开始和生长阶段的体重显着提高（分别为P < 0.0001 和P  = 0.0066）；体重增加和饲料消耗同样在起始阶段得到改善（P < 0.0001 和P  = 0.0002，分别）。在育肥阶段和停产阶段对活体生产性能的影响减弱，但与 4.6 厘米/家禽相比，2.3 厘米/家禽的总体饲料转化率显着降低（0.03 f:g，P  = 0.0198）。没有观察到胴体重量或产量的显着差异，但是与 2.3 厘米/家禽相比，4.6 厘米/家禽的腹部脂肪重量和产量降低（P  = 0.012 和P = 0.016，分别）。此处的数据表明，饲喂空间允许影响肉鸡生产性能，特别是在早期。在生命早期扩大饲养空间允许肉鸡在此期间最大限度地提高生产力，但这些影响似乎在 BW 方面减弱，并且可能对整体饲料转化率有害。需要进一步的研究来确定商业肉鸡生命早期的最佳扩大饲养空间和持续时间。