Research Note: Performance of Single Comb White Leghorn Pullets as Influenced by Niacin Supplementation from Zero to Six Weeks of Age and Subsequent Layer Performance

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted using a total of 288 Hy-Line® W-36 day-old Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) pullets in each experiment. The pullets were randomly assigned to one of the six dietary treatments that consisted of 0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, or 36.0 mg supplemental niacin/kg in a corn and soybean meal basal diet that contained 25.1 mg niacin/kg. Six replicates of eight pullets per replicate were used per treatment in each experiment. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. The pullets were housed in battery brooder pens with raised wire floors. Total feed consumption (FC), BW, BW gain, and feed efficiency (FE) were measured at 3 and 6 wk of age. Birds were observed daily for any signs of niacin deficiency. At the end of a 6-wk experimental period, the pullets that previously received the diets containing either 0 of 36.0 mg supplemental niacin/kg of diet were raised to sexual maturity (SM) and their age at SM, BW at 24 wk, and number of eggs per pullet through 36 wk were measured in both experiments.No differences (P<.05) in FC, BW, and FE were observed from 0 to 3 or 3 to 6 wk. None of the birds showed any signs of deficiency during the experimental period. No differences were observed in SM, number of eggs laid, and BW at 24 wk. It was concluded from these experiments that SCWL pullets do not require more than 25.1 mg/kg niacin furnished by the corn and soybean meal diet from 0 to 6 wk.