Effect of High and Low Energy Diets and Range versus Confinement Rearing on Egg Production and Quality of Fresh and Held Eggs

IN A previous study in our laboratory (Pepper et al., 1957) it was found that the rate of egg production of Rhode Island Red pullets reared on range was significantly superior to that of birds reared in confinement. Orr et al. (1957) measured the egg quality and egg weight of these same pullets and found that the eggs produced by the range-reared birds were higher in Haugh unit value and lower in weight than those from confinement-reared birds. Taylor et al. (1957) found no difference in rate of egg production between laying strain birds reared on range or in confinement, or between birds fed during the growing period on an all mash diet on a free basis or this same diet and whole oats on a free choice basis. Kinder and Yoes (1956) found that when pullets were fed a 20 percent protein growing mash and grain, on a free …