Potentials for barley as an energy source for layers
1988
Martin, E.A. (Central Luzon State Univ., Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines). Dept. of Animal Science)
The effects of barley as corn substitute on egg production, egg quality, and income-over-food cost (IOFC) were determined using 8.96 Single Comb White Leghorn (Hisex White) layers which were seven months old. The experiment was conducted in a 2 x 4 factorial experiment with enzyme treatment (with or without Endofeed) and rates of barley (0%, 33%, 67%, and 100%) as corn substitute as dietary factors. All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Results showed that corn can be totally substituted with barley without adverse effects on hen-day egg production rate, feed consumption, and feed conversion efficiency. Likewise, comparable results in all substitution levels were observed on percentage distribution of small, medium, large and extra large eggs, although there was a higher percentage of large eggs at a lower substitution rate (0%, and 33%). Egg shell weight and albumen height were also comparable at all substitution levels. Yolk color score was significantly higher in the corn-based diet than the barley substituted diets. This tended to decrease significantly with the increase of barley as corn substituted. Moreover, Endofeed supplementation did not influence egg production and egg quality of the hens with barley-based diets. IOFC increased by 3.29, 4.96, and 5.00% as corn was substituted at the rates of 33, 67, and 100%, respectively. This could materially affect profitability of egg production although the increase was not statistically higher than the corn-based diet.
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