The Effects of Four Different Feeding Programs of Varying Protein Levels on Performance of Brown-Egg-Type Birds

Abstract

Four feeding programs were evaluated on brown-egg type birds housed two birds per cage 25.4 cm. wide by 45.7 cm. deep. Three different protein levels were formulated in isocaloric diets and fed to these birds in a 48 week laying experiment. The feed schedules were: Program One, 16% protein Layer; Program Two, 17% protein Layer; Program Three, 18% protein Layer; (all fed from 22 weeks through 70 weeks of age) and Program Four, 18% protein Layer through 39 weeks, decreased to 17% protein Layer from 40th week through 59th week and 16% protein Layer from the 60th week through the end of the experiment.A statistical analysis of hen day egg production results showed a treatment difference at the 5% probability level. Birds on Programs One, Two and Four had 5% greater production than the birds on Program Three.Analysis of the feed data indicated no statistical differences in the feed consumed per dozen eggs between the four feed programs. The birds on Program Three consistently consumed less feed during the entire 48 week test period.There were no statistical differences in egg weight between the four feed programs. The egg weights of the birds on Program One ran slightly higher than the remaining three programs.Results obtained indicate that brown-egg type birds not stressed by crowding in cages and allowed 12.7 cm. of trough space per bird will do equally well on 16% protein, 17% protein or 18, 17, 16% protein laying rations.