A Step-Down Protein Program for Commercial Pullets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the protein requirement of commercial egg production pullets from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Hyline W-36 pullets were used in Experiments 1 and 3, and Hisex White pullets were used in Experiment 2. They were fed a 20% protein diet for the first 8 weeks. In Experiment 1, a diet containing 14% protein did not result in body weight at 16 weeks equal to that obtained from feeding a diet containing 17% protein. In Experiments 2 and 3, body weights of pullets fed a diet containing 17% protein from 8 to 10 weeks followed by 1% protein reduction biweekly thereafter (12% from 18 to 20 weeks) was equal to that obtained by feeding 18% for the entire period. Performance in the laying house for four 28-day periods was equal for the two treatment groups. Feeding diets with suboptimal protein from 8 to either 12 or 14 weeks of age resulted in reduced body weight. However, when 14% protein was fed for the remainder of the growing period, body weight was restored.