The influence of low protein grower diets on spring housed pullets

Two experiments were conducted using Leghorn-type pullets, hatched in November and December, to study the influence of level of protein (9, 14, and 21%) fed from 8 to 20 weeks of age on performance in the laying house. Feeding the diet containing 9% protein resulted in decreased body weight at 20 weeks of age compared to weight of those birds fed the two higher protein levels. The lighter body weight persisted throughout the laying period. Throughout the laying period the birds of lighter weight laid less eggs of lower weight.