Prototypes for Application of Choice Feeding in Caged Laying Hens Using Flat Chain Feeders

Abstract

In two experiments with caged layers lasting from 22 to 82 weeks of age, three designs of prototypes for choice feeding (CF) and semi-choice feeding (SCF) using flat chain feeders in battery rows of 15 m length, were compared with conventional all mash (CAM) flat chain ad lib. feeding. Expt. I totally involved 3 888 Shaver Starcross 288 birds distributed over six battery rows (feeders) and Expt. II 3 264 LSL birds (Lohmann Selected Leghorns) in five rows. CAM was fed in three batteries with a diet containing 11.4 MJ ME/kg, 14.4% crude protein (CP) and 0.73% lysine. In the CF battery hens were fed by two narrow flat chains in a double trough, the outer chain distributing a mash concentrate and the inner chain distributing a mixture of unground grain. In the SCF-A feeder the concentrate was given as a layer upon the grain. In the SCF-B feeder, rations of concentrate were metered out upon the grain by augers on each tier placed after the grain hopper. The CF and SCF hens were given grain ad lib. Battery means for production, feed consumption, mortality and egg quality were recorded. In Expt. I production as g of egg mass per hen-day was higher in CF hens and SCF-B hens than in CAM hens. Due to unreliable distribution of concentrate in SCF-A, production was lower than in CAM birds. In Expt. II means for production traits were generally higher in CF and SCF birds than in CAM birds. In both experiments total intake of feed, ME, CP, lysine and methionine were higher in these batteries. Both experiments showed higher egg weights in CF/SCF than in CAM hens but similar percentages of lay per hen-day. In Expt. I there was a tendency for increased mortality rates in systems SCF-A and -B but not in Expt. II. Egg shell quality and proportion of cracked eggs tended to be inferior in the CF and SCF batteries than in the CAM systems mostly due to higher egg weights. Calculation of production, feed consumption and gross margins over the two production cycles revealed higher margins for the CF and SCF systems than for the CAM system. It is concluded that CF and SCF with flat chain feeders may be practically applicable. However, it is essential to carry out further studies with longer battery rows before similar systems are introduced in practice.