Effect of Energy Level and Laying House Temperature on the Performance of White Leghorn Pullets

Abstract

INTRODUCTION CONSIDERABLE interest in the energy requirements of poultry has been evident since the importance of higher energy rations for broilers was demonstrated by Scott, Matterson and Singsen (1947). Several investigators have studied the energy requirements of laying hens, employing productive energy values of feed-stuffs established by Fraps (1946). Singsen, Matterson and Kozeff (1952) reported that hens fed a high corn diet (61.25%) required as much as 13 percent less feed per dozen eggs, were slightly heavier in body weight, and tended to have a higher rate of production than hens fed a corn—oats—middlings ration. Skinner, Quisenberry and Couch (1951) obtained similar results and also found that larger eggs were produced on a high-efficiency ration than on a conventional breeder mash. Hill, Anderson and Dansky (1956) reported that increasing energy intake resulted in greater efficiency of, and increased egg production during the winter months. Harms et al. (1957) …