The effects of different choice feeding methods on laying hen performance, egg quality, and profitability

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of using whole wheat in choice feeding on performance, egg quality, and income of laying hens. In the study, a total of 160-Hyline W-80 white commercial laying hens aged 28 weeks were divided into four treatment groups and fed for 84 days. The treatment groups were as follows: 1) Control (C, standard commercial laying hen feed), 2) C feed+choice feeding continuously with whole wheat in a separate cup (CW), 3) C feed+weekly intermittent choice feeding with whole wheat in a separate cup (WW), 4) C feed+choice feeding with continuous whole wheat+limestone together in a separate cup (WL). Choice feeding by using whole wheat methods (continuous, weekly intermittent, and with limestone) caused a significant decrease in the live weight change of laying hens (P<0.01), increased feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (P<0.05). Total egg yield and egg weight were not affected by choice feeding with whole wheat methods (P>0.05). Choice feeding by using whole wheat caused a decrease in total eggshell weight, thickness, shell weight per unit area, and egg yolk color (P<0.01). However, it did not significantly affect the egg shell ratio, surface area, albumen height, and Haugh unit values of eggs (P>0.05). Also, total production costs, egg sales income, and net profit values were similar in all groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, the choice feeding by using whole wheat in laying hens did not affect the performance and economic parameters negatively; however, it caused reductions in some egg quality values.