Studies on restricted feeding of replacement pullets

Abstract

An investigation was taken up to study the comparative merits of different methods of feed restriction on replacement pullets and to assess the best level of restriction from the point of view of the economics involved. The methods and results of the study formed the text of this thesis. Single comb white Leghorn pullets aged 8 weeks and housed in individual cages were put on four dietary regimes. One group was full-fed which served as the control. The second group was offered ad libitum feed on all days except on Mondays. Remaining two groups were assigned to 20 per cent and 30 per cent level of feed restriction each. Restricted feeding delayed sexual maturity, the extent of delay being proportionate to the severity of restriction. Skip-a-day treatment induced the least effect in this respect. Neither the body weight gains nor the feed consumption from 8 weeks to sexual maturity was affected by the treatments. Total quantity of feed consumed from 8 weeks to 40 weeks by the restricted fed birds was relatively reduced, which again was proportionate to the severity of restriction. Feed efficiency for growth appeared better for 30 per cent level of feed restriction, although that for egg production was little influenced by the treatments. Egg yield or mean egg weight during various fields up to 40 weeks of age was not appreciably affected by feed restriction during the growing period. Seventy per cent of full feeding programme resulted tin better initial egg weights. Considerable saving on feed cost from 8 weeks to 40 weeks age was recorded in respect of restricted fed groups compared to the control group. Thirty per cent restriction regime excelled the other two levels of restriction by registering the maximum feed economy. Feed cost for unit production was also in favour of the restricted fed groups. Since part-egg-records are correlated with annual production, restricting replacement stock to 70 – 80 per cent of ad libitum feed intake may be economical, especially in commercial poultry operations.