Feeding levels for the Embrapa 051 laying hen in a free-range system

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate whether providing different volumes of feed during rearing affects the productive potential and egg quality of the Embrapa 051 laying hen lineage in a free-range system. A total of 860 pullets were reared from 6 to 61 weeks of age. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and five replicates of 43 birds each. Treatments consisted of different feeding levels for pullets in the rearing phase: 93, 100, 107, and 120% of the feeding level recommended by a reference guide available in the literature. During the rearing phase, the body weight and feed conversion ratio variables were evaluated. During the production phase, egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs, and internal/external quality of the eggs were analyzed. The animals’ body weight increased with the increase in feeding level, especially in the rearing phase. Layers that are heavier at the time of transfer reach the laying peak earlier, but their persistency and production characteristics are reduced.