Effects of moderate energy restriction on light and medium hybrid laying hens

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Abstract
1. Two light and two medium hybrid strains were fed, from 32 to 48 and from 56 to 68 weeks of age, ad libitum or approximately 89%, 85% and 80% of the ad libitum intake; from 48 to 56 weeks all the birds were fed ad libitum. 2. A daily energy restriction of 11 to 13% in the first period, resulted in the rate of lay being depressed by nearly 11% points for one light hybrid strain and by more than 5% points for the medium hybrids while the corresponding depressions in egg weight were 4% and 2%. 3. During rehabilitation egg output was similar for controls and restriction treatments, though that of the most severely restricted groups remained slightly depressed. 4. Energy restriction of about 8% during the second period depressed rate of lay by about 3% points and egg weight by about 2%.

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