STUDIES ON THE USE OF FABA BEANS IN RATIONS FOR LAYING HENS

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Abstract
In two experiments, White Leghorn pullets kept in batteries were fed rations containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30% raw faba beans (Vicia faba L.) for 336 days. The rations were designed to be isocaloric, isonitrogenous and to have equal levels of methionine plus cystine. The results obtained indicated that levels up to and including 20% faba beans in ration ssupplemented with methionine had no adverse effect on mortality, rate of egg production, efficiency of feed conversion or body weight. A level of 30% faba beans resulted in increased mortality, and decreased egg production and feed conversion in one experiment but had no effect in the other. Egg size tended to decrease as the level of faba beans in the ration increased, resulting in a considerable decrease in the percentage of "large size" eggs graded according to Canadian standards. There was an increase in interior quality of the eggs as measured by Haugh units as the level of faba beans used increased. Specific gravity of the eggs was not affected by use of faba beans in the rations.

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