Influence of low-protein diet with different levels of amino acids on laying hen performance, quality and egg composition

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2020 Apr 3;92(1):e20180230. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202020180230. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the consequences of dietary levels of crude protein (CP) and total sulfur amino acids (TSAA, Met+Cys) on productive performance, egg quality and egg components for Lohmann Brown laying hens through 18-34 weeks of age. A 2×3 factorial design experiment was conducted using two levels of CP (16 and 18 %) and three levels of Met+ Cys (0.67, 0.72 and 0.77 %). A total of 144 Lohmann Brown laying hens at 18 weeks of age were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups. The best values of final body weight and body weight change were recorded by the hens fed 18 % CP diet. Increasing dietary CP up to 18 % accompanied with the best (P> 0.01) feed conversion, egg weight and egg mass. The combination between low-CP diet (16 %) and 0.72 % Met+ Cys gave the best percentage of egg production. The majority of egg quality traits were not significantly altered by dietary treatments. The interaction between CP and Met+Cys levels had a statistical (P>0.01) impact on egg content of moisture and total solids only. It could be concluded that the best production criteria could be obtained by using 0.72% Met+Cys. Moreover, dietary level of 16 or 18 % CP with 0.72% Met+Cys is recommended for feeding Lohmann hens.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids, Sulfur / administration & dosage*
  • Animal Feed*
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Chickens / physiology*
  • Diet, Protein-Restricted*
  • Eggs / analysis*
  • Female
  • Oviposition
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Sulfur