Growth and egg production of layer pullets can be affected by the method of supplying energy and protein sources

BACKGROUND: The effects of different methods of offering energy (ES) and protein (PS) sources on growth and egg production of layer pullets were assessed. From 9 to 22 weeks of age, 320 layer chickens (Isa Brown) were allocated to four treatments: 1, control (balanced diet); 2, E60:P40 (ES and PS in balanced diet sequentially during 60 and 40% of daily photoperiod respectively); 3, E40:P60 (ES and PS in balanced diet sequentially during 40 and 60% of daily photoperiod respectively); 4, EPFC (free choice between ES and PS in separate troughs). RESULTS: Sequential or free choice feeding between ES and PS to point of lay decreased feed intake and delayed onset of egg production (P < 0.05). Control pullets had higher body weight at first egg than E60:P40 and E40:P60 birds (P < 0.05). Pullets in the E40:P60 group consumed less ES and more PS than those in other groups (P < 0.05). During the laying period, E40:P60 birds had higher egg production and egg mass than E60:P40 birds. EPFC pullets had lower feed efficiency than control and E40:P60 pullets. CONCLUSION: Offering PS during 60% of the photoperiod to point of lay may decrease feed intake without affecting egg production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry