The Impact of Genotype and Age on Energy and Protein Utilization in Individually Housed Brown Laying Hens.

Abstract

Simple SummaryAn investigation into whether the nutrient requirement of egg-laying hens has changed with genotype improvements was conducted. This study compared the response of individually housed laying hens of two different genotypes and ages. The strains used were a heritage breed in mid-lay and a modern breed at peak production. Energy was utilized with the same efficiency by both strains. All hens were able to adjust their feed intake to ensure that their energy requirements were met. The modern strain utilized protein slightly more efficiently than the heritage strain. It is unlikely that the nutrient requirements of modern layer strains have increased. More likely, requirements have decreased because modern hens are lighter and have a lower daily egg output (lay smaller eggs) despite their higher lifetime egg output. Regardless, feeding programs need to be adjusted for economic reasons and depend on achievable feed intakes under particular circumstances.Responses to dietary energy and protein levels were compared between two egg-laying genotypes. Individually housed hens of a historic strain (HS) and a modern strain (MS) were compared. In Experiment 1 (Exp.1), four levels of true metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (TMEn) and four levels of total lysine, were offered from 30 to 40 weeks of age. In Experiment 2 (Exp.2), three levels of apparent metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and four levels of standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), were fed from 20 to 30 weeks of age. A randomized factorial block design (4 × 4 Exp.1 and 3 × 4 Exp.2) was applied. Energy utilization for egg output (EO) did not differ (NS), and both strains maintained a constant kJ intake (NS). The efficiency of SID Lys utilization for EO differed, with the MS being the more efficient (p < 0.034). A single model could be used to predict feed intake, using BW, EO, AMEn and SID Lys (r = 0.716). In conclusion, it is unlikely that the requirements of modern layer strains have increased. However, feeding programs should be adjusted for economic reasons and are dependent upon achievable feed intake under particular circumstances.