Studies with Laying Hens

Abstract

THE PROTEIN requirement of laying hens has been studied by many, and widely different apparent results have been obtained. The minimum protein level needed by laying hens, expressed as percent of ration, has been found to be from 12 to 14% by Graham (1934), MacDonald (1938), Miller et al. (1957), Thornton et al. (1957), Adams et al. (1958), and Mac-Intyre (1958); 16% by Heuser (1941); and from 17 to 18% by Reid et al. (1951), Ingram (1956), and Hochreich et al. (1957). Hill et al. (1956) found that 15% protein was adequate for 5 lb. Leghorns while up to 16.5% protein was needed for 4 lb. Leghorns maintained in heated pens. A protein-energy relationship affecting egg production was observed by Hochreich etal. (1957) and Berg and Bearse (1957). Hens fed a low energy, 14% protein ration supported a rate of lay comparable to that of hens fed a high energy …