Factors Influencing Early Egg Size

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of diet composition and body weight on early egg size. Increasing dietary protein or methionine level had little or no effect on egg size for the first 12 weeks of production. Linoleic acid levels also failed to show any influence on egg size during a similar period of time. Body weight appeared to be the main factor influencing early egg size. It is postulated that the laying hen is producing at maximum capacity during the period of peak egg production and peak egg mass and, hence, is not capable of utilizing enhanced nutrient inputs to increase egg weight, which is similar to the situation often noted with older birds.