Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction to Growing Pullets on Their Performance at Laying

A trial with 280 day old chicks of egg type commercial strain was conducted to find the effects of restricting feed supply to the level of 90, 80 and 70 per cent of ad lib feeding each from 6-12, 6-18 and 6-24 weeks of age on laying house performance. The levels of feed restriction did not influence the mean hen-housed egg production and the egg mass. However, 18 weeks restriction period significantly (P<0.01) increased the egg production compared to that of 6 and 12 weeks restriction. Restriction at 70 per cent of ad lib feeding for 18 weeks; significantly improved the hen-housed egg production and egg mass without affecting the internal quality of the eggs.