Feed forms, feeding systems and metabolizable energy levels in diets for brown-egg laying pullets

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Evaluated different feed forms (FF), (mash or pellets), feeding systems (FS) (ad libitum or controlled) and metabolizable energy levels (ME) (2,900 kcal/kg or 2,750 kcal/kg) in rearing period 1 (7 to 12 weeks) and 2 (13 to 17 weeks). Utilized 400 brown-egg laying pullets a completely randomized design in 2x2x2 factorial arrangement (eight treatments, with five replications). In period 1, feed intake was similar (P > 0,05) between FF and between ME, however pullets fed ad libitum showed 27.5% higher intake than fed with controlled amounts (P 0.05) by any of the study factors. Flock uniformity was affected (P 0.05). Uniformity (%) was influenced by the mash or controlled systems (P < 0.05). Between 7 and 17 weeks of age, brown-egg laying pullets need to be fed with a mashed diet in a controlled feeding system, with 2,750 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy.

Keywords

• feed management
• feed restriction
• mash
• pelleted
• poultry