Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Effects of feed rationing on the laying performance of 40-weeks in-lay hens

Author(s):

J. O. Oyedeji ^*, A. M. Orheruata, M. Omatsuli

Recieved Date: 2007-04-15, Accepted Date: 2007-08-25

Abstract:

Two hundred and forty 40-weeks in-lay black Harco hens were used in a study that lasted for 12 weeks to investigate the effects of rationing feed on their laying performance. The treatment consisted of ad libitum feeding for hens in group A which served as control. Hens in Groups B, C and D were subjected to three different systems of feeding in the following manners respectively: weighed quantities of layers mash (150 g) based on daily requirement supplied once daily (1-0-0), weighed quantities of layers mash (75 g) supplied twice daily (1-1-0) and weighed quantities of layers mash (50 g) supplied thrice daily (1-1-1). Feeding systems were randomly allocated to hens using a simple completely randomized experimental design. Results at the end of experiment showed that egg production in terms of hen-day-production and egg weight (size) were comparable for hens fed ad libitum and those fed weighed quantity of feed once in a day in feed rationing system of 150 g daily (p>0.05), while these parameters were significantly lower for hens fed weighed quantities of feed twice or thrice a day (p<0.05). Feed intake was comparable among hens (p>0.05). Feed per dozen eggs and cost per dozen eggs were lowest among hens presented with 150 g of feed once daily (p<0.05). Percentage mortality was not significant among birds (p>0.05). It was concluded that for optimum laying performance and to save time and labour expended in feeding hens two or three times in a day, feeding laying hens the required feed quantity once in a day would be most economical and so recommended.

Keywords:

Hens, ad libitum, feed rationing, laying performance

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2007
Volume: 5
Issue: 3&4
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 301-303

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