Work

Effects of Energy and Protein Levels on Egg Quality and Performance of Laying Hens at Early Second Production Cycle

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: One hundred sixty-two commercial 70-wk-old ISA Brown laying hens, previously subjected to induced molting by feed restriction, were distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (i.e., 3 metabolizable energy levels: 2,850; 2,950, and 3,050 kcal of ME/kg) and 3 protein levels (16, 18, and 20% CP), which totaled 9 treatments with 3 replicates of 6 birds each. Experimental diets were offered to birds after the feed restriction period. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated in 14-d intervals from the 4th to 12th weeks after forced molting for a total of 4 evaluation periods. Increases in dietary energy and protein levels did not improve performance or egg quality. The levels of 2,850 kcal of ME and 16% protein were sufficient for laying hens starting the second production cycle without decreasing their performance or egg quality.

Source: The Journal of Applied Poultry Research

DOI: 10.1093/japr/15.1.110

Authors: O.M. Junqueira, A.C. de Laurentiz, R. da Silva Filardi, E.A. Rodrigues, E M. Casartelli Casartelli

Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

Language: English

Topic: Animal Nutrition and Physiology

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,300