The protein requirement of laying pullets with changing seasons in the tropics

1. The protein requirements of White Leghorn laying pullets were evaluated in summer and winter using isocaloric diets containing 12.8, 15.0, 16.6, 18.5 and 21.6% protein.

2. The age at 50% production of summer‐raised pullets was about 2 weeks later than that of winter‐raised pullets irrespective of the concentration of dietary protein.

3. Egg production in summer increased with increasing concentrations of protein up to 18.5%; further increases had no significant effect: in winter, egg production was similar provided the diet contained at least 15.0%.

4. The data on egg production, food consumption and egg weight indicated that the protein requirement of White Leghorn pullets is met by diets containing about 19% protein in summer and 15% in winter.