Optimum protein and energy levels for layer chickens in the humid tropics

Abstract

In a study involving 12 diet combinations with 3 energy levels (2.6-3.0 Meal/ kg ME), 4 protein levels (14%-20%) and 12 calorie-protein ratios (13.13-19.68 Kcal/gm protein) layer chickens performed significantly better on a 3.0 Meal - 18.45% protein diet (E_3.0P_18.45) than any other diet, in egg number, egg weight, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, revenue-cost ratio and egg number feed cost ratio. Average daily feed consumption was 90g. Diets corresponding to N.R.C. levels of E_2.85P₁₅ supported less than 280 Kcal ME or 16.55g protein daily intake, respectively, and were inferior to the E_3.0P _18.45 diet.