Effects of differences in the initial body weight of groups on laying performance and egg quality parameters of Lohmann laying hens

Abstract

ABSTRACT:This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different body weight groups (light (L) = 1 400-1 500; medium (M) = 1 500-1 600 and heavy (H) = 1 600 < g) on performance and egg quality traits of Lohmann hens, 24 weeks of age, in different laying periods. A total of 288 Lohmann White layers were allocated randomly to three groups with respect to live weight, each consisting of 24 replicated cages as subgroups, comprising four hens. The study period lasting for 60 weeks was investigated as four different age periods (first period = 24-40 weeks; second period = 40-54 weeks; third period = 54-68 weeks; fourth period = 68-84 weeks). Differences in the initial live weight at the beginning of experiment among the groups continued to the end of experimental period. Considering the egg production, differences among the groups were not significant (P > 0.05) during the experimental period. Egg weight was determined to be lower in the group with low body weight (64.58 g) than in medium (64.97 g) and heavy hen groups (66.30 g). Differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the groups were found significant, and the mean values were 123.93, 127.48 and 130.67 for feed consumption (g/day); 2.23, 2.28 and 2.27 for feed conversion ratio. Except for the feed conversion ratio, the effect of weight groups by age period interaction on performance parameters was significant (P < 0.01). The effects of body weight on shell strength, shell thickness and yolk index were not significant during the experimental period. However, different body weight groups significantly affected shape index, yolk colour, albumen index and Haugh unit parameters. Shell strength, yolk colour and yolk index values were affected by weight groups by age period interaction. In conclusion, Lohmann White hens in the light group in a uniform flock had higher egg production and lower feed conversion ratio values than those of other weight groups.

The Effect of Giving Breadfruit Leaf Flour (Artocarpus Altilis) on the Productivity of Laying Hens

“…The provision of breadfruit leaf flour in rations up to 8% affects the consumption of rations, this shows that the tannin contained in breadfruit leaf flour can reduce the palatablity ration, so that the consumption of rations and body weight gain is also reduced. High tannin content in the ration produces a pungent odor so that the ration given is less like by poultry [12,13].…”

Níveis De Lisina Digestível Para Poedeiras Semipesadas Com Duas Categorias De Peso

“…Da mesma forma, Lacin et al (2008) não relataram efeito de três categorias de peso de poedeiras Lohmann na espessura de casca.…”

“…Níveis crescentes de lisina digestível resultaram em desequilíbrio entre os aminoácidos, portanto com maior excreção de nitrogênio como resultado da maior desaminação dos aminoácidos excedentes. Provavelmente, devido ao fato de que as aves apresentaram menor exigência de lisina digestível, já que a produção de ovos durante esse período foi baixa Lacin et al (2008). que observaram efeito de três categorias de pesos de poedeiras Lohmann no período de 24 a 40 semanas sobre a conversão alimentar, sendo que aves de maior peso corporal apresentaram pior conversão alimentar.…”

Nutritional Quality of Eggs of Amberlink and Hyline Layers Fed on Different Levels of Provitamin A-Biofortified Maize

“…As expected, the egg weight for the Hyline birds was significantly heavier than that of Amberlink birds. Lacin et al, (2008) also explained the negative relationship that exists between egg weight and egg production. Increase in body weight decreases egg production, while egg weight and feed consumption increase.…”