Daily Protein Intake Requirement of Laying Hens

Two feeding trials were conducted with commercial hybrid pullets housed in individual cages. In these feeding trials (1) graded levels of protein intakes ranging from 14 to 19 grams per pullet per day were provided on an ad libitum feeding basis over the first 20-weeks of the laying period, (2) amino acid requirements were fully met through strict attention to amino acid balance pattern, and (3) the pullets were allowed to meet protein intake requirements without being limited by energy intake. This was accomplished by manipulating ration levels of dietary weight, dietary volume, dietary protein, and dietary energy. Comparisons were made on egg production, egg weight, and body weight gain among the pullets fed the different protein intake levels. There were no differences in egg production or egg weight regardless of protein intake. A protein intake level of 14 grams per pullet per day was adequate to support egg production, and egg weight, but did not produce body weight gains comparable to the body weight gains produced by protein intakes of 15 to 19 grams per pullet per day. Even so, body weight gain with the 14 gram protein intake level was substantial, and this protein intake level could be recommended for use under practical feeding conditions. However, the pullets seemed to consume 15 grams of protein per pullet per day as a minimum, and this protein intake level might be more satisfactory under marginal management conditions.