Problems in Practical Implementation of Phase Feeding in Developing Countries

Abstract

A total of 288 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets were utilized to determine the practicality of phase feeding and the use of “low” protein diets in Pakistan. Dietary treatments consisted of feeding either a 19, 17 or 15% protein diet throughout 1 year of lay and of a stepwise reduction of the protein levels as follows: 19% to 15%; 17% to 13%; and 15% to 11%. The percentage of protein was reduced by 2% at the end of phases 1 and 2, each phase consisted of four, 28-day periods. Calculated values of lysine, methionine and methionine plus cystine were maintained at 4.5, 2.0 and 3.7% of the protein, respectively, in isocaloric diets containing 2,750 kcal. M.E. per kg. Average weekly high temperatures ranged from approximately 20° C. in the “winter” to 37° C. during the summer.Egg production and egg weight were directly related to protein consumption and it appeared that at least 17.5 g. of protein were required for maximum production in each of the three phases of production. Feed consumption during the warmer periods also appeared to be increased by feeding higher levels of protein regardless of the phase of production. This high protein requirement was thought to be due to low availability of essential amino acids in the local feed ingredients, especially in the fish meal. The problems encountered point out the extreme difficulty of trying to implement phase feeding and the use of low protein diets in developing countries where locally produced feed ingredients of unknown quality must be utilized.