Productivity and Feed of Laying Hens by Efficient Use of Concentrates

Abstract

This study aims to obtain the right and efficient concentrate formula to produce maximum productivity of laying hens. The research method was action research at the location of layer farms by comparing the feed formula applied by farmers with the feed formula prepared as needed. The study used 21-week-old laying hens of the Lohman Brown breed with a total of 75 layers. The experimental design used was a one-way Randomized Complete Block Design with three different types of feed formulations, namely P1 (33.3% maize + 16.7% rice bran + 50% layer concentrate), P2 (36% maize + 26% rice bran + 38 % layer concentrate) and P3 (42% maize + 24.5% rice bran + 33.5% layer concentrate). The parameters observed were feed consumption, egg production per day, egg weight, FCR, and feed cost. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that by reducing the concentrate level in the feed by 16% from what is usually applied by farmers, egg production, egg weight, and FCR were not significantly different (p>0.05), but the feed costs incurred were lower ranging from Rp. 68.02-84.12 per head per day. The conclusion of this study is that by optimizing the use of concentrates and feed prepared according to needs results in the same productivity but more efficient than the breeder's feed formula.
 Keywords: Feed Consumption, Egg Production, Egg Weight, FCR, Feed Cost.