Effects of Protein Level and Source and Grain Source on Performance of Egg Production Stock

Abstract

IN A typical laying ration cereal grains account for approximately 70% of the total. With the technological advancements made in the grain sorghum industry the substitution of grain sorghum for corn and other cereal grains in laying rations is becoming more evident, especially in the Southwest. However, literature reports of a comparison of the experimental results of substituting grain sorghums for corn and other cereals have been very limited. Adolph and Grau (1956) observed no significant difference in performance between commercial layers on five California poultry ranches for two six-week periods when fed a 17.43% protein predominantly corn ration and an 18.03% protein predominantly milo ration. Berry (1958) compared hens housed in individual cages getting diets with the cereal grain portion (1) all corn, (2) half corn, half milo, and (3) all milo. He reported no significant differences in the performance of the birds receiving these diets. Since the protein…