Effect of a high-protein diet fed prior to the onset of lay on performance of broiler breeder pullets.

Abstract

The influence of protein level (154 versus 181 g/kg) in a prelayer diet fed from 134 to 181 days of age on the subsequent performance of hens was studied with two strains of broiler breeders. Birds given the prelayer diet of 181 g protein/kg showed higher egg production, 110 versus 101 eggs per bird, and a lower requirement for amount of feed per egg. The differences were noted mainly in the period 35 to 50 weeks of age. No differences were observed in age at 50% production, egg weight, incidence of cracked eggs, hatchability, or mortality.