Effect of Nutrient Restriction on White Leghorns in the Grower and Subsequent Layer Periods

Abstract

FEED restriction regimes for flock replacements have been investigated by a number of workers in recent years. In a comprehensive review of the published results, Bletner (1963) made 103 comparisons of pullets full-fed with those subjected to some form of nutrient restriction (limited feeding time, feed intake restriction, incomplete diets, high fiber diets). The most striking difference observed was delayed sexual maturity as a result of nutrient restriction. The review also indicated that (1) delays in sexual maturity of less than 8 days failed to affect the subsequent laying house performance; (2) delays of 8 to 21 days usually improved egg production and egg size; (3) delays of more than 21 days generally improved egg production of heavy breeds, but not Leghorn-type breeds. Denton and Lillie (1959) stated that low-protein diets fed in the grower period had no effect on sexual maturity and the subsequent laying house performance. Conversely, Harms . . .