Optimization of Split Feeding Strategy for Laying Hens Through a Response Surface Model

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Poultry Science
• Animal Metabolism

Background:

• Laying hens exhibit cyclic metabolic demands for egg production, requiring higher protein and energy in the morning and increased calcium in the afternoon/evening.
• Conventional feeding methods may not optimally meet these fluctuating nutritional requirements, leading to inefficiencies.
• Split feeding, or AM/PM feeding, is a novel strategy designed to synchronize dietary nutrient supply with the hens' physiological needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal levels of crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) for AM and PM diets in laying hens.
• To evaluate the impact of AM/PM feeding strategy on feed efficiency, egg production, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility.
• To identify the most cost-effective and efficient dietary formulations using a Box-Behnken response surface design.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week cage layer trial involving 364 hens was conducted using a Box-Behnken response surface design with 13 experimental treatments and one control.
• Diets varied in CP (19.6%-21% AM / 17%-18.4% PM), Ca (1.6%-3.3% AM / 4.9%-6.6% PM), and AME (12-12.8 MJ/kg AM / 10.4-11.2 MJ/kg PM).
• Measurements included daily egg production, weekly hen performance, egg quality, serum Ca, nutrient digestibility, AM:PM intake, and feed cost.

Main Results:

• Six of the 13 test treatments resulted in significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control (p = 0.017).
• Optimal performance in terms of lower feed cost and better feed efficiency was achieved with AM/PM diets containing (21/17)% CP, (3.3/4.9)% Ca, and (12/11.12) MJ/kg AME.
• Experimental treatments demonstrated significantly higher apparent protein and calcium digestibility compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with selective feeding observed based on nutrient level differences.

Conclusions:

• Optimized AM/PM feeding strategies can significantly enhance feed efficiency and reduce feed costs in laying hens compared to conventional methods.
• This feeding approach allows for precise nutrient delivery, aligning with the hens' cyclic metabolic requirements for egg production.
• The study confirms that AM/PM feeding, when properly formulated, improves nutrient utilization and potentially egg quality, offering a viable strategy for poultry production.