Influence of dietary energy, nutrient density and environmental temperature on pullet performance in early lay.
1. Alterations in dietary metabolisable energy (ME) concentration had a limited influence on food and nutrient intakes and egg mass output of hens in early lay kept at the prevailing air (10 degrees to 24 degrees C), cold (6 degrees to 16 degrees C) or hot (25 degrees to 35 degrees C) temperatures. 2. Energy intakes were not improved by increasing the dietary concentrations of nutrients other than energy. 3. At prevailing air and cold temperatures all dietary ME-nutrient density combinations allowed hens to meet the recommended daily protein intake but only hens fed the most concentrated diets were able to meet this recommendation at hot temperatures. 4. Even the highest intakes of ME and protein achieved at hot temperatures failed to increase egg mass output to the values attained on any diet at cold temperatures.
Scott
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TA
Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia.
Balnave
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D
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism*; D004032:Diet; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D010058:Oviposition; D013696:Temperature
D004044:Dietary Proteins