Combinations of Restricted Feeding, Lighting and Energy Levels on Performance of Growing Pullets and Subsequent Layer Performance

Abstract

Commercial strain cross (Leghorn type) pullets were fed diets containing 1820, 2040 or 2200 P.E. kcal. /kg. from eight to 19 or 20 weeks of age. One-fourth of the birds were maintained on the middle energy diet with natural light while the others were restricted to six hours of light per day from 13 weeks of age to 19 or 20 weeks of age.During the growing phase the light and feed restriction (LR) program did not increase mortality above the non-restricted (NR) control birds, but the LR treatment did produce birds of lighter body weight (1272 g.) on less feed as compared to the NR (1412 g.). As the energy level of the LR birds increased the feed consumption and g. feed per g. of gain decreased.During the egg production phase it was found that LR program delayed sexual maturity by 11 days, but egg weight, shell rigidity, body weight at 68 weeks and feed consumption were not affected.Proper use of time clocks will permit a combination of light and feed restriction in commercial units.