Broiler breeding: fewer males, more mating

Starting with a low male percentage and increasing this over time can lead to more voluntary matings, better feathering and higher fertility later in life. This is the conclusion of broiler breeder studies performed by Wageningen Livestock Research under commercial conditions. Previous research has shown that about 90% of matings in broiler breeders are forced which leads to about 50% failed matings. In addition, mating behaviour in broiler breeders is often rough, with an increased risk of d