Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the energy levels in the diet to obtain better performance rates and quality of eggs from laying hens in the second production cycle. One hundred and eighty Bovans Goldline laying hens with 62 weeks of age were used during four 28-day periods. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four metabolizable energy levels (2,650, 2,725, 2,800, 2,875 and 2,950 kcal/kg), each with six replicates of six birds. The energy level of diet did not affect the weight of the egg, yolk, albumen and eggshell, the percentages of yolk, albumen and eggshell, yolk color and egg specific gravity. Feed intake, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion per egg mass and per dozen eggs increased significantly with increasing levels of metabolizable energy. Feed intake decreased linearly as the energy level in the diet increased. The metabolizable energy levels showed a quadratic effect on egg production, egg mass and feed conversion per egg mass and per dozen eggs. The metabolizable energy level of 2,830 kcal/kg was the most appropriate to promote better performance and quality of eggs from laying hens in the second production cycle.
Highlights
In the laying hens business, several aspects can change the egg productivity and quality and nutrition is one of the most important points
The metabolizable energy levels showed a quadratic effect on egg production, egg mass and feed conversion per egg mass and per dozen eggs
The variables analyzed in each period were: feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (%), egg weight (g) and egg mass (g/bird/day), feed conversion per egg mass and per dozen eggs, weight (g) and percentage (%) of yolk, albumen and shell and egg specific gravity
Summary
In the laying hens business, several aspects can change the egg productivity and quality and nutrition is one of the most important points. Diets for poultry are formulated according to the amount of nutrients needed for the basic functions of the body and for more efficient production. These requirements are not constant and vary. Semi-heavy laying hens have very different characteristics that determine the specific nutritional requirements for each phase. Due to these characteristics, many times the difficulties in achieving the desired body weight standards or feed intake require interference in the nutrient density of feeds or in specific formulations. This work was carried out to determine the metabolizable energy requirements (ME) for better performance and quality of eggs from commercial semi-heavy laying hens in the second production cycle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
