and the size of the first preovulatory follicle (P <
0.05) were higher for the LIB than for the R hens. Also,
egg yolk, egg weight, and BW of the hatching chicks
were higher (P < 0.001) for the LIB hens. The inclusion
of a fiber source in the diet decreased (P < 0.05)
feed intake, BW gain, absolute liver and abdominal fat
weight, and egg yolk weight, with effects being more
pronounced (P < 0.05) with cellulose than with inulin.
Hens fed additional fiber produced more (P < 0.05)
eggs that were more fertile (P < 0.05) than control
hens. Crude protein content of the diet did not affect
hen performance but reduced (P < 0.01) the relative
weight of the liver, ovary, and abdominal fat. It is concluded
that the inclusion of inulin or cellulose in the
diet improved hen performance and that an increase
in dietary CP reduced obesity in broiler breeder hens.