Effect of Environmental Temperature and Total Sulfur Amino Acids on Performance and Profitability of Laying Hens: An Econometric Approach

Abstract

SUMMARY Nutrient requirements for maximum profits are dependent on the production performance of the flock, egg and feed prices, and overall farm management. The production performance in turn is a function of many factors: nutrient density, TSAA levels, housing temperature, and feeding. For any viable layer operations, the above mentioned factors are the underpinning and need to be optimized. To optimize profits, all of the above factors must be optimized not maximized. For example, depending upon egg and feed prices, maximum performance may or may not result in maximum profits. In this project we found little or no effect on egg production, feed consumption, or egg specific gravity when various levels of TSAA were fed to laying hens. Hens housed in a cooler environment consumed significantly more feed and produced more and heavier eggs compared with those housed in a warmer environment. The TSAA requirement for maximum profits, therefore, varies with environmental temperature and market conditions (feed cost and egg price).