Feed Restriction in Laying Hens

Abstract

Brown egg Sex Link and White Leghorn laying birds were full fed, restricted 5 and 10%, and time restricted with the goal of restricting feed 10%. The production of the restricted Sex Links ranged from 5.3 more eggs per bird than the full fed to a maximum of 10.3 less eggs per bird. The restricted White Leghorns ranged from 2.8 more eggs per bird than the full fed to a maximum of 10.5 less eggs per bird.Feed restriction at the levels tested did not significantly affect mortality, but average egg size was reduced from 62.1 g in the full fed Sex Links to 60.4 g and 60.9 g, respectively, for the 10% and time restricted groups. In the White Leghorns the corresponding egg size figures were 58.6 g for the full fed and 57.2 g and 57.3 g for the other two groups. Difference in egg size in both types of hens between the various treatments was significant at the P≤.05 level.The total body weight gain during the laying year was approximately 30% less with the restricted groups.