HIGH-PROTEIN WHEAT IN DIETS FOR LAYING HENS

Abstract

High-protein wheat (21.0%) and regular-protein wheat (14.5%) were compared at two dietary protein levels with and without supplementary L-lysine. The diets were fed to White Leghorn laying hens maintained in floor pens for 44 wk. The addition of 0.3% L-lysine increased egg production from all diets, although the increase with the 17.4%-protein diet was not significant. L-lysine supplementation increased egg weight with the high-protein wheat diets but not with the regular wheat diets. Feed consumed per dozen eggs was lowest when hens were fed regular-protein wheat supplemented with L-lysine. L-lysine supplementation of the high-protein wheat in the 16%-protein diet reduced the amount of feed required per dozen eggs. Body weights of hens were not affected by L-lysine supplementation of the regular wheat diet; however, supplementation of the high-protein wheat diets resulted in increased body weights. The use of high-protein wheat in the diets that were not corrected for protein (i.e., 17.4%-protein diet) did not support high rates of lay, egg size, and body weight unless supplemented with L-lysine.