Comparative study on the production characteristics of white leghorns in cages and on litter

Abstract

This thesis embodies the results of an investigation carried out to study the productive traits of White Leghorn hens under the two housing systems. Single comb White Leghorn pullets formed the experimental subjects and the systems of housing employed were cage and deep litter management. The results revealed that rearing birds in cages significantly improved per cent hen-day production, body weight and feed efficiency. Feed consumption was more in floor reared birds. Birds in the two treatments maintained normal body weight, throughout the experimental period. The albumen and yolk quality showed no change attributable to treatments, but shell weight showed significant increase in the eggs from caged birds than the floor. There was no significant difference in livability. It was concluded that the cage system of management of layers could be employed as a means for better returns.