Broiler growth rates have been shown to be negatively correlated to fertility traits
(Hocking & Duff, 1989; Lake, 1989; Nir et al., 1996; McGary et al., 2002) and broiler
breeder flock fertility during the early breeding period (30-49 WOA) is reported to be
above 95 percent, but declines rapidly during the latter weeks of production (Walsh &
Brake, 1997; Casanovas, 2002). Therefore, proper feeding and management of broiler
parent stock is key to maintaining flock fertility and ensuring maximum numbers of fertile
eggs during the production cycle.