Effects of ingredient particle size and feed form on the performance of Leghorn hens
1995
Hamilton, R.M.G. | Proudfoot, F.G.
In each of two experiments, 1536 Leghorn pullets from two commercial genotypes (A and B) were given diets that were in the form of either mash, crumbles or pellets. The cereal grains used in these diets were either finely or coarsely ground using a hammer or roller mill. The particle size and form of the diets used were: FM, FMC, FMP, CM, CMC, and CMP. These diets were fed and data were collected when the birds were between 140 and 490 d of age. Pullets in exp. 2 were heavier at 140 d (P < 0.001) and lighter in weight at 490 d (P < 0.001), reached 50% EP 4.8 d earlier (P < 0.001), had 1.3% higher rate of EP (P < 0.05), and laid more large and small (P < 0.001) and fewer medium-sized (P < 0.01) eggs than those in exp. 1. Hens from genotype A had lower 140 and 490 d body weights (P < 0.001), 187 and 490 d egg weights and specific gravity (P < 0.001), better feed conversion (P < 0.001) and higher (P < 0.001) monetary returns than birds from genotype B. Birds receiving the FM and CM diets had higher EP (P < 0.05), feed intake (P < 0.001), monetary returns (P < 0.001), and numbers of medium-sized and small eggs (P < 0.05) than those fed the FMP and CMP diets. Specific gravity was higher (P < 0.001) for eggs laid at 187-188 d by the FMP and CMP-fed hens than for those given the FM or CM diets. In general, performance was better for the hens given the mash diets than for those fed the crumbled or pelleted diets.
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