The effects of different choice feeding methods on laying hen performance, egg quality, and profitability

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of choice feeding of whole wheat on performance, egg quality and income in laying hens. In the study, a total of 160-Hyline W-80 white commercial laying hens with 28 weeks old were divided into four treatment groups and fed 84 days. The treatment groups were as follows: 1) Control (C, standard commercial laying hen feed), 2) C feed+choice feeding continuously with whole wheat in a separate cup (CW), 3) C feed+weekly intermittent choice feeding with whole wheat in a separate cup (WW), 4) C feed+choice feeding with continuous whole wheat+limestone together in a separate cup (WL). Choice feeding with whole wheat methods (continuous, weekly intermittent and with limestone) caused a significant decrease in live weight change of laying hens (P 0.05). Choice feeding with whole wheat caused a decrease in total eggshell weight, thickness, shell weight per unit area, and egg yolk color (P 0.05). Also, total production costs, egg sale income and net profit values were similar in all groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, the choice feeding of whole wheat in laying hens did not negatively affect the performance and economic parameters; however, it caused reductions in some egg quality values.