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Feed Consumption Patterns in Pullets at the Onset of Lay

Department of Poultry Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611; Phone: (904) 392-1931; FAX: (904) 392-8479

S. Bootwalla

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611

Correspondence: Don R. Sloan

Many egg producers utilize feeding programs designed to supply a known amount of a given nutrient on a daily intake basis depending upon bird age or phase of production (phase feeding). Birds are given free access of feed and, if nutrients are not consumed in the desired amount, the diets are reformulated to adjust nutrient density.

This study was conducted to help producers who use phased feeding programs determine the appropriate amount and dietary density of feed for a particular flock as they initiate lay. Daily feed intake patterns in pullets were recorded in relationship to the onset of egg production. Measurements were recorded 5 days prior to and 5 days post initial oviposition. Flock consumption average was found to be a poor indicator of consumption for laying birds. During the 5 days prior to initial oviposition, birds consumed an average of 16.19 pounds/100 birds/day. On the day of oviposition, consumption averaged 17.58 pounds/100 birds/day. During the 5 days post initial oviposition, consumption averaged 18.46 pounds/100 birds/day. Birds consumed 1.76 pounds/100/day more on days when eggs were laid than on days eggs were not laid (18.94 vs 17.18) during the 5 days post initial oviposition.

Pullets that did not initiate production during this study consumed an average of 3.35 pounds/100birds/day less than birds that did initiate production (18.94 vs 15.59) during the 5 days post initial oviposition.

Key Words: Feed consumption • pullets • onset of lay