The effects of feeding regime and stocking rate on the performance of medium‐bodied layers in the humid tropics

Abstract

1\. The effects of housing laying hens 1 or 2 per cage (1 452 or 726 cm2 /bird), and three feeding regimes (ad libitum, 70% ad libitum and 6 days/ week) were investigated. 2. With 2 birds/cage egg production and food utilisation were adversely affected, but there were no significant effects on egg weight, food consumption, shell thickness, body‐weight change, mortality and abdominal fat. 3. Food restriction significantly increased body‐weight loss and decreased egg production, food consumption, final body weight and abdominal fat, but had no significant effect on egg weight, shell thickness and mortality. The effect on food utilisation was inconsistent. 4. There were significant interactions between feeding regime and stocking rate for egg weight and final body weight. 5. It is suggested that in the humid tropics birds caged singly could be fed at 70% ad libitum while those caged in pairs should be fed ad libitum to avoid multiple stress.