Econometric feeding and management for first cycle phase two DeKalb Delta hens

Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Alabama 36849, USA.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding method (constant vs variable) and method of formulation (lysine vs protein) on the performance and profits of first cycle, phase 2 DeKalb Delta hens from 40 to 52 wk of age as influenced by egg and feed prices. Treatments 1 to 5 were formulated based on lysine to contain 0.65 to 0.81% TSAA and fed continuously regardless of feed consumption (constant feeding). Treatments 6 to 10 and 11 to 15 were formulated based on lysine to supply 570 to 650 mg TSAA and protein to supply 580 to 660 mg TSAA per hen per d, respectively, and fed based on feed intake. Dietary TSAA level had no overall significant effect on feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, mortality, or body weight. Hens fed diets using the constant method of feeding had significantly higher egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and body weight than hens fed diets formulated based on lysine or protein using the variable method of feeding. When the treatments in the two variable feeding methods were compared, feed consumption was significantly higher for hens fed diets formulated based on protein whereas egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and body weight were not different. It was concluded that method of formulation (lysine vs protein) and TSAA levels required for maximum profits can vary from at least 570 to 821 mg per hen per d depending upon energy and protein cost.