Feeding layers with different levels of energy and protein in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Three hundred day-old Single Comb White Leghorn hybrid chicks were kept in insulated units with ventilators and 930 in traditional open-air units under a corrugated galvanised sheet roof in Saudi Arabia. All were fed on a standard diet. Growth in both groups was almost equal, but feed conversion was slightly more favourable in the insulated house. Overall mortality was considered to be favourable. The remaining 995 pullets, when of laying age, were divided into 8 groups, 2 of which were kept in the insulated units, and the rest in open-air units. During the laying period, 4 groups were fed on a high-energy (HC) mash and 4 on low-energy (LC) mash. A 17-h lighting schedule was maintained. Feed intake and energy and protein conversion were higher in the LC groups, while gross feed conversion was better in the HC group and the hens tended to be slightly heavier. There was no difference in egg production between feed groups, but that of hens in insulated units was higher than that of hens in open units. Mortality was higher in the HC group, the main cause being visceral lymphomatosis, and higher in the open housed groups, where 33 died from heat stroke in July, than in the insulated units. The authors conclude that the favourable aspects of the HC feeding were offset by the higher mortality and the higher feeding costs, and so the LC mash might be more profitable. I. F. la C. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)