Partitioning of the response to protein between egg number and egg weight

Abstract

1. Data from published trials with laying hens were examined to see whether the concentration of dietary protein needed to achieve maximum egg weight was greater than the amount needed to achieve maximum rate of lay.

2. It is concluded that both rate of lay and egg weight continue to show small responses up to the same level of protein (or limiting amino acid) input.

3. When predicting egg output using asymptotic models, a reasonable assumption is that small increments in dietary protein, close to the optimum, will evoke equal proportional responses in egg size and in rate of lay.

4. When protein supply is severely limiting, the major response is a reduction in rate of lay. Egg weight seldom falls below 0.90 of its maximum value, however inadequate the protein intake may be.

Notes

Department of Animal Science and Poultry Science, University of Natal, PO Box 375, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa.