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Abstract
The effects of CP intake on broiler breeder hen performance were evaluated. A flock
of pullets was reared in floor pens from 0 d to 20 wk of age. At 20 wk of age, 96
pullets were randomly assigned to one of three feeding regimens with 14, 16, or 18%
dietary CP. Daily feed allocation from 20 to 29 wk of age was identical for all three
treatments and was based on the BW of the birds fed the 16% CP diet. Photostimulation
occurred at 22 wk of age. At 29 wk of age, the hens were killed for determination
of carcass characteristics. Dietary protein intake did not influence BW or BW gain
throughout the trial. There were no differences in age at sexual maturity among treatments.
From 25 to 28 wk of age, the hens on the 16 and 18% CP treatments had a significantly
greater egg weight than did hens in the 14% CP group. The 14% CP treatment was unable
to sustain as high a level of egg production as the other two treatments at 29 wk
of age. The number of settable eggs was also lowest for the 14% CP treatment. The
CP level in the diet did not affect the weights of the Pectoralis major or minor.
Carcass composition was also not different among the treatments. Increased levels
of CP in the prelay and early lay diets increased egg size and production rate although
had minimal effect on carcass and ovarian parameters.