Effects of metabolizable energy and crude protein levels on laying performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Fengda-1 layers

Animal Nutrition
Yang DingXiaoting Zou

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ME and CP levels on laying performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Fengda-1 layers. In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 2,400 Fengda-1 layers (32 wk of age) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental diets with 2,650 and 2,750 kcal of ME/kg of diet, each containing 14.50%, 15.00% and 15.50% CP, respectively. Each dietary treatment was replicated 5 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. The trial lasted for 10 wk, including a 2-week acclimation period and an 8-week experimental period. Our results showed that ADFI decreased as the ME level of diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg (P < 0.05). Layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME exhibited higher mortality than those fed with 2,650 kcal/kg ME (P < 0.05). Birds fed with 14.50% and 15.00% CP had higher egg production (EP) and egg mass (EM) than those fed with 15.50% CP (P < 0.05). Yolk color increased as the ME level of the diet increased from 2,650 to 2,750 kcal/kg, however, the eggshell thickness decreased (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of uric acid and triglyceride in layers fed diets with 2,750 kcal/kg ME were higher than those fed diets with 2,650 kcal/kg ME (P < 0.05). There was ...Continue Reading

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