[Peas (Pisum sativum L.) as a mixed feed component for laying hens]

Percentages of 0, 10, 20 and 30% peas (Pisum sativum) of the variety "Nadia" in the mixed feed with methionine supplementation were tested with 2,100 laying hybrids of the species White Leghorn in the age period between the 22nd and 73rd week of their lives which were kept in 3-storeyed cages. The feeding of peas had no influence on feed intake, laying performance, the weight of the individual egg, the stability of the egg shell, body weight, mortality, the hemoglobin content and the hematocrit value of the blood. With the increasing percentage of peas the consumption per animal and day and the expenditure of energy and methionine/cystine per 100 g egg decreased and that of lysine increased (p less than 0.05). On the basis of the investigations the conclusion is drawn that in laying hen feed supplemented with methionine a quota of up to 30% peas is possible without a decrease in performance.