title: Effects of stocking density and group size on the performance of white and brown Hyline layers in semi-arid conditions.
abstract: The effect of housing two Hyline strains of commercial laying hens White Hyline (W-98) and Brown Hyline (Hyline Brown) at densities of 2, 3 or 4 per cage (1100, 733 or 550 cm2/hen, respectively) was investigated over 3 months. Hyline Brown layers gained more weight, laid more but lighter eggs, utilized feed more efficiently and had a lower mortality than W-98 layers. Housing birds 2 or 3 per cage resulted in greater body weight gain, higher egg production, heavier eggs, better feed conversion ratio and a lower mortality than housing them 4 per cage. There were significant interactions between strain and stocking density for egg production, egg weight, egg output and mortality. It is suggested that for egg production in semi-arid areas Hyline Brown hens could be used and housed at a density of 733 cm2/hen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benyi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Norris
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Tsatsinyane
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D003441:Crowding; D004531:Eggs; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics