The aim of the study was to investigate whether skip-a-day (SKIP) fed broiler breeders would experience better welfare than daily feed restricted broiler breeders (CTRL) and become physiologically and physically habituated to the less-predictable food availability of a 5:2 feed restricted regimen, considering measures of H/L ratios, plasma glucose concentration, activity and fearfulness.

The prediction was that SKIP fed broiler breeders would show higher levels of welfare due to higher satiety, being less fearful and having lower levels of H/L ratios, compared to the CTRL the farther into the feeding regimen.

SKIP fed broiler breeders were also predicted to be less active during fasting days and having lower levels of plasma glucose after being accustomed to the feeding regimen compared to the CTRL broiler breeders.