Performance of brown layers fed reduced dietary protein levels in two rearing systems

Eduardo De Faria Viana,Marcos Barcellos Café,Miliane Alves Da Costa,Emmanuel Arnhold,Wesley José De Souza,Fabyola Barros De Carvalho,José Henrique Stringhini,Heloisa Helena De Carvalho Mello

doi:10.37496/rbz4920200063

Abstract

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted aiming to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein, based on the ideal protein concept and two rearing systems, on productive performance of brown laying hens. A total of 400 Hisex Brown laying hens between 30 and 45 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design and a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with main effects including two rearing systems (cage and floor) and levels of crude protein (140, 150, 160, and 180 [...]

Highlights

Increasing demands for animal welfare and sustainability of egg production have motivated researchers to implement changes in rearing systems, especially in allowing conditions for birds to express their natural behaviors (Blokhuis et al, 2000)
Dietary protein levels and rearing system showed no interaction for body weight gain, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05) (Tables 2 and 3)
Dietary protein levels did not interfere with feed intake and body weight gain (P>0.05); birds raised on the floor had higher feed intakes (P

Summary

Introduction

Increasing demands for animal welfare and sustainability of egg production have motivated researchers to implement changes in rearing systems, especially in allowing conditions for birds to express their natural behaviors (Blokhuis et al, 2000). Birds raised in open housing systems, such as floor and free-range, with or without access to free areas, are allowed to express their natural behaviors such as scratching, flapping wings, dust bathing, and nesting. Such alternative housing systems have been widely used since they are designed to allow hens to express more natural behavior and have freedom of movement Dikmen et al, 2016) Studies of these alternative rearing systems to compare laying performance in conventional cages and on the floor are of great importance. Given the constant genetic improvement of genetic lines, research on the nutritional demands of laying hens in different systems is needed

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