The Performance of Laying Hens Fed Normal and Low Protein Diets Between 8 and 18 Weeks of Age

Abstract

RESULTS from several experiments involving protein restriction during a portion of the growing phase have been reported in recent years (Waldroup and Harms, 1962; Scott, 1965; Lillie and Denton, 1966; Waldroup et al., 1966). Though results are not in complete agreement, comparisons with measurements at the 16 percent protein level suggest that most traits studied were relatively unaffected when the diet contained in excess of 11 percent protein. With reference to grower diets containing 11 percent protein or less, a few conclusions appear to have validity. In general, such diets retard sexual development and lower body weight at time of housing, reduce feed consumption during the growing period and increase it during the laying period. The true relationship between grower protein restriction per se and subsequent egg production remains obscure. Lillie and Denton (1966) observed no significant effect upon egg production when 12 percent protein was fed from hatch or . . .