Controlled feeding of the layer. 2. Restriction in time of access to feed of the replacement pullet and laying hen

Abstract

The intake of the pullet was controlled in both growing and laying periods by limiting time of access to feed. Experiments examined severity of restriction and the age of lifting growing period restriction. In the growing period, severity of restriction was of less importance than the age at which restriction was lifted. Although ending restriction at 18 weeks improved the efficiency of conversion of feed to eggs, delaying the lifting of restriction gave marked further improvements. Restricting the bird's intake during lay gave additional increases in efficiency over and above those produced by growing period restriction alone. Denying the bird's access to feed from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. daily was the most effective of the laying period restrictions examined. The effects of treatments on carcase composition at point of lay were also examined.