Processed Feather and Hog Hair Meals as Sources of Dietary Protein for the Laying Hen with Emphasis on Their Use in Meeting Maintenance Needs

Abstract

THOUGH processed keratin meals have been shown to be of considerable value as protein source feedstuffs (Moran et al., 1966, 1967 a,b, 1968 a), their degree of use under practical circumstances is highly limited because of severe methionine and lysine inadequacies (Moran et al., 1968 b). While the growing and laying birds are both expected to suffer repercussions as a result of excessive keratin meal use, it is entirely possible that these protein sources may be put to more extensive use with the hen than the chick or broiler. The rationale behind this expectation lies in the proportion of the feed consumed which is used for maintenance. The laying bird because of its larger absolute body size and normally lower rate of net nitrogen accumulation (body tissue plus egg formation) will have a greater amount of its feed devoted to body care than the rapidly growing broiler. Due to the…