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Effects of feed restriction during the laying period on the performance of two strains of mature caged commercial layers in the humid tropics
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
Summary
Two strains of commercial layers, 42 weeks old, were fed ad libitum, 85 and 70% of ad libitum for five 28-day periods to study the effects of feed restriction on body weight, carcass characteristics, laying performance and mortality. There were highly significant strain effects on all traits (P < 0·01) except dressing percentage. Period differences were also observed for egg production, egg weight and feed efficiency. In addition, in all cases the relationship between period and these traits was non-linear and was affected by strain or treatment.
Feed restriction had significant effects (P < 0·01) on all traits except dressing percentage and mortality. Feed restriction to 70% of ad libitum reduced egg production, egg weight, body weight and feed consumption and improved feed efficiency. However, in most cases there was no difference between ad libitum feeding and 15% feed restriction.
Strain × treatment interaction had significant effects on egg production and feed efficiency.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981
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