Choice feeding of the replacement pullet on whole grains and subsequent performance on laying diets

Abstract

From 8 to 20 weeks of age crossbred pullets were offered a protein concentrate plus either wheat, millet or paddy rice as crushed or whole grain. These pullets were then fed on three laying diets which differed in either methionine content or bulk density. In the growing period pullets given whole grains were heavier, and ate more protein-concentrate and hard grit than those given crushed grains. In the laying period they matured earlier, laid more eggs and utilised food more efficiently than the others. Pullets fed on wheat consumed more hard grit and utilised food more efficiently than those given millet or paddy rice. Pullets fed on millet had a higher linoleic acid content in their livers and laid larger eggs than those reared on wheat. Pullets reared on paddy rice matured later and laid heavier eggs than those reared on wheat. Methionine content and bulk density of the laying diets had no effect on egg production.