The Potential Value of Morning and Afternoon Feeds for Laying Hens

Two studies were conducted in which variable levels of calcium and phosphorus were fed in morning (04:00 to 12:00 hr) and afternoon (12:00 to 04:00 hr) feeds. In the first study, reducing the afternoon nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) content significantly reduced hen-day egg production, increased feed required to produce an egg, had no effect on egg weight, and reduced shell strength. Calcium effects were related primarily to total Ca intake. There were no Ca effects on egg production or feed utilization; however, morning Ca affected egg weight; afternoon Ca and NPP × Ca interaction affected shell strength. The second study used a different set of morning and afternoon levels of Ca and NPP. Results were similar to the first experiment, indicating that total Ca and NPP intake levels had a greater influence on hen performance than time of day consumed. The hens’ wide range of ovulation times inhibited potential advantages of feeding different diets at different times of the day to accommodate the egg formation cycle. However, simultaneous presentation of diets differing in nutrient control may prove beneficial.