Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
- Volume 10 Issue 6
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- Pages.657-664
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- 1997
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- 1011-2367(pISSN)
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- 1976-5517(eISSN)
DOI QR Code
Effect of Light and Feed Restriction During Rearing on Production Performance of Egg Strain Layers
- Ahsan-ul-haq, Ahsan-ul-haq (Department of Poultry Husbandry, University of Agriculture) ;
- Ahmad, Nazir (Department of Poultry Husbandry, University of Agriculture) ;
- Rasool, Shahid (Department of Poultry Husbandry, University of Agriculture) ;
- Shah, T.H. (Department of Poultry Husbandry, University of Agriculture)
- Received : 1997.01.07
- Accepted : 1997.05.28
- Published : 1997.12.01
Abstract
432 Babcock ISA white leghorn pullets reared for 8 weeks on a standard managemental conditions were exposed to feed/nutrient and light restrictions from 9 to 20 weeks of age. Four feeding regimes i. e. 100, 85 or 70 percent of the recommended allowance and low energy (2,500 Kcal/kg) low protein (13% CP) ration were fed each in the three light regimes i. e. (A) Natural day light starting from 13.24 hr/day at 8 weeks of age and ending 10.41 hr/day at the end of 20 weeks; (B) Constant 11 hr/day light and (C) starting with 13 hr/day at 8 weeks and decreasing @ 20 min/week till 20 weeks of age. At the age of 20 weeks all the birds were shifted to separate cages under uniform lighting feeding and management. During the 21st week light was increased to 12 hr a day and thereafter with an increase of 30 min per week, increased to 16 hr a day at the age of 29 weeks. From 20 weeks onward till 72 week age, all the birds were offered commercial layer rations ad libitum, prepared according to climatic conditions. The results of the study revealed that birds reared under natural and constant light had higher weights than decreasing light, yet they could not out perform during production period. The effect of feed and nutrient restriction, on the other hand, was found significant during rearing as well as production period. The birds exposed to higher level of feed and those exposed to nutrient restriction were lighter in weight. The 100% fed birds laid their first egg at an early age. However, those reared on 85% of the recommendation excelled all other groups in terms of produced number of eggs, egg mass, hen housed and hen day production and net returns.