The effect of choice-feeding from 7 weeks of age on the production characteristics of laying hens

Abstract

Day-old Amberlink pullets were fed chicken starter mash for the first seven weeks of age. Group A was choice-fed with pelleted protein concentrate, whole yellow maize and limestone powder from seven to 16 weeks of age. Group B received the same diet as group A, but the protein concentrate was fed in mash form. Group C (control treatment) received a pullet grower diet in mash form. The pullets were placed in individual laying cages from 16-80 weeks of age. The choicefed groups received feedstuffs from three separate troughs (i.e. whole maize, protein concentrate and limestone powder), and group C received a layer diet in mash form. Hens offered the choice-fed diets were heavier (P < 0.05) at 16 weeks and at first egg than hens fed the control diet, even though they ate less food (group A: 66.1 g/d; group B: 66.4 g/d) than the control group (68.2 g/d). During the laying period (16-80 weeks), hens offered the choice-fed diets laid significantly (P < 0.01) heavier eggs, eggs with thicker shells, eggs with darker yolks and had better food conversion ratios than those fed the control diet. No significant differences between treatments were observed for eggs laid per hen, food consumed per day or Haugh unit score. Choice feeding was found to be beneficial for laying hens, and it appeared that early commencement of the regime was necessary for optimum output.

Effect of supplementation on the feed intake and performance of confined and scavenging crossbred growing chickens in Burkina Faso

“…This result is different from other studies (Olver and Malan, 2000;Dana and Ogle, 2002), which showed lower DM intake by choice-fed birds compared to those that received a complete layer mash. This can be explained in our study by the anti-nutritional factors, such as a trypsin inhibitor and tannins, present in the mixed feed owing to the high level of inclusion (50%) of cowpea, which would probably have reduced its palatability (Pusztai et al, 1992).…”

“…This can be explained in our study by the anti-nutritional factors, such as a trypsin inhibitor and tannins, present in the mixed feed owing to the high level of inclusion (50%) of cowpea, which would probably have reduced its palatability (Pusztai et al, 1992). This negative effect on palatability due to the presence of cowpea was confirmed by the significantly lower intake of cowpea in favour of maize in all the choice-fed groups, although it should be pointed out that a high intake of maize is usually seen when it is given separately (Olver and Malan, 2000;Dana and Ogle, 2002).…”

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

“…Many factors, e.g. manipulation of time of access to some nutrients,1, 2 quantitative3–5 or qualitative6, 7 feed restriction and choice feeding8–10 in the starter, grower and/or developer phases, have been reported to affect the growth curve, early egg weight and sexual maturity of pullets and consequently egg production. Therefore favourable genetic characteristics can only be achieved when the bird is provided with all its nutritional requirements 11, 12.…”

“…Birds have specific appetites for nutrients such as energy, protein and calcium 10, 11, 14. Also, the nature of feedstuffs and the form of protein source are very important factors affecting the pattern of feed intake and the performance of choice‐fed birds.…”

“…Egg‐type pullets are normally fed a mash diet. The available information generally indicates that the current practice of providing hens with such a diet throughout the daily photoperiod might not be an ideal approach for optimal utilisation of nutrients 10, 15. Moreover, Olver and Malan10 reported that choice feeding may be beneficial for laying hens and that early commencement of the regime is necessary for optimal output.…”