The intake pattern and feed preference of layer hens selected for high or low feed conversion ratio

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Feed costs significantly impact egg production economics.
• Individual variation in feed to egg conversion ratio (FCR) is considerable among layer hens.
• Limited research exists on layer hen feeding behavior and diet selection's effect on feed efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of feeding behavior and diet selection on feed efficiency in layer hens.
• To compare feeding patterns and diet composition choices between high feed efficiency (HFE) and low feed efficiency (LFE) hens.

Main Methods:

• Seventy ISA Brown layer hens (25-30 weeks old) were categorized into HFE (<1.8 FCR) and LFE (>2.1 FCR) groups.
• Feed intake was monitored every 2 minutes for 24 hours over 7 days.
• Behavioral observations and mash component selection were assessed for each hen.

Main Results:

• HFE hens exhibited lower feed intake and FCR compared to LFE hens, with similar egg mass.
• No significant differences in diurnal feed intake patterns were observed between HFE and LFE groups.
• HFE hens selected diets higher in ash (25% more) and lower in gross energy (4% less) than LFE hens.
• LFE hens spent more time eating and walking, but less time resting, drinking, and preening.

Conclusions:

• Individual hen diet selection, particularly for ash and energy content, influences feed efficiency.
• While diurnal feeding patterns were consistent, specific dietary choices differentiate high and low feed efficiency layers.
• Future research aims to formulate precision diets based on individual hen selection for enhanced feed efficiency.