Abstract
Three protein feeding systems for egg-type pullets involving conventional step-down protein 18-15-12%), step-up protein(12-15-18%) and single-stage low protein (13-13-13%) with an iso-energy level of 2,900 ME kcal /kg were compared to examine the effect on pullet growth and subsequent laying performance. During the growing period, pullets subjected to the step-up and single-stage low protein feeding systems were lighter in body weight and consumed less feed and netabolizable energy than those on the conventional step-down protein feeding system(P<0.05). 3ut the pullets on the step-up protein diet consumed more protein, and those on the single-stage low protein diet consumed less protein than those on the step-down protein diet(P<0.05). Also, he feed cost was less in pullets on the single-stage low protein diet than in those on the other systems(P<0.05). During the laying period, sexual maturity was later in hens reared on the step-up and single-stage low protein diets than in those on the step-down protein diet(P<0.05), however, average hen-day egg production and egg weight were not significantly affected by the protein feeding systems in the growing period. Daily feed intake and feed required per egg were significantly reduced in hens on the single-stage low protein diet compared to those on conventional protein feeding system(P<0.05). It was concluded that the 13% single-stage low protein feeding system produced smaller pullets with less feed, energy, protein, and feed cost during the growing period, and hens reared on that system consumed less feed during the laying period without any impairment of production compared to the conventional rearing system.
