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Effect of Method of Feeding and Feed Formulation on Performance and Profitability of Laying Hens: An Econometric Approach

341 Poultry Science Department, Auburn University, Alabama 36830

Correspondence: H. A. Ahmad, E-mail: ahmadh{at}tuskegee.edu

Egg-producing hens are generally fed based upon their daily feed intake for a predetermined fixed TSAA level. The diet formulation for such hens is based either on lysine or protein, the two commonly employed methods in commercial layer operations. Market variables such as feed and egg price are not directly considered in diet choice selections. In the current research we evaluated two formulation methods, lysine vs. protein, and two feeding methods, constant vs. variable, with an objective of determining the optimal feeding and formulation method under varying market prices for eggs and feeds. Hens fed under the constant method of feeding had significantly higher feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, and body weight than hens fed diets with formulations based on lysine or protein under the variable method of feeding. No difference in the two formulation methods occurred when hens were fed by the variable methods of feeding. Method of formulation (lysine vs. protein) and TSAA levels required for maximum profits can vary from at least 562 to 859 mg per hen/d depending upon energy and protein cost.

Key Words: feeding method • feed formulation • layer performance • farm income over cost