Modulation of energy and protein supplies in sequential feeding in laying hens

Abstract

Sequential feeding (SF) consists of splitting energy (E) and protein/calcium (P) fractions temporally, improving the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of hens compared with a continuous distribution during the day. In a previous study, the E fraction (with a low level of protein) was provided in the morning, whereas the P fraction (with low level of energy) was given in the afternoon. However, there is no clear evidence that a requirement in energy or proteins is connected to these distribution sequences, whereas the requirement for calcium is known to be required in the afternoon. To evaluate the effects on performances of the modulation of energy and protein supplies in SF, five different sequential treatments were offered: E0P0/E0P0; E+P+/E−P−; E+P−/E−P+; E0P+/E0P− and E+P0/E−P0 where E+ represents a high energy level, E0 a moderate one and E− a low one (with the same meaning for P regarding protein supply). Afternoon fractions were provided with particulate calcium. A total of 168 Hendrix hens were housed in individual cages from 20 to 39 weeks of age in two environmentally contrasted rooms. Feed intake in the morning and afternoon fractions, egg production, egg weight, BW and weight of digestive organs were recorded. No diet effect was observed concerning feed intake, egg production and BW. These results suggested that hens are not able to fit their feed intake on energy or protein level of fractions within half-day duration, whereas at the day scale same protein and energy intakes were observed. Moreover, the time of nutrient distribution in feeding did not seem to have an impact on birds’ performances. These studies have also demonstrated that, despite strong environmental pressure, the hens with SF had attenuated performance but continue to produce eggs.

Increasing persistency in lay and stabilising egg quality in longer laying cycles. What are the challenges?

“…“Gap” feeding where there is a 3 to 4 h gap between feedings allowing birds to consume fine particles, is a useful management tool to improve feed intake efficiency, and flock body weight uniformity during the laying period (Hyline International, 2015 ). Sequential feeding methods whereby the energy and protein levels in the morning versus the afternoon feed are varied are also under investigation (Traineau et al ., 2013 , 2015 ). Knowledge of the hen’s specific needs for energy and protein throughout the day would allow optimisation of the daily intake and improved FCR.…”

Effect van split-feeding bij biologisch gehouden leghennen op de fosforexcretie en schaalkwaliteit

“…In tegenstelling tot het onderzoek Faruk et al (2010) zagen Traineau et al (2015) geen grote verschillen in voeropname bij het toepassen van sequential feeding. In dit experiment werden verschillende combinaties van gehalten aan energie, eiwit en calcium in de ochtend-en avondvoeders onderzocht (Tabel 2).…”

“…Gehalten aan energie, ruw eiwit en calcium in de voeders die werden toegepast in het experiment van Traineau et al (2015).…”

Influence of particle size of the cereal of the diet on egg production, egg quality, and the development of the gastrointestinal tract of brown-egg laying hens

“…Hens showed a clear preference for consuming coarse particles and were unable to choose those fractions of the feed with a higher or lower protein content. Traineau et al (2015), however, reported that when hens were allowed to choose between two feeds varying in CP content, they over-consumed of the diet rich in protein after oviposition, early in the morning, a period in which the albumen of the egg is formed. In the research of Traineau et al (2015), hens were offered two different feeds to choose, whereas a single feed was supplied in the current research, limiting the capacity of the hens for selecting feed particles based on its protein content.…”

“…Traineau et al (2015), however, reported that when hens were allowed to choose between two feeds varying in CP content, they over-consumed of the diet rich in protein after oviposition, early in the morning, a period in which the albumen of the egg is formed. In the research of Traineau et al (2015), hens were offered two different feeds to choose, whereas a single feed was supplied in the current research, limiting the capacity of the hens for selecting feed particles based on its protein content. In this respect, Forbes and Shariatmadari (1994) showed that the ability of the hens to choose ingredients according to its CP needs, when offered a single diet, was limited.…”