[Completion of the set of amino acids contained in high-protein wheat through the addition of protein feeds and L-lysine to rations fed to laying hens].

2 types of chick rations were fed to 8100 birds. A commercial type of food prepared on the basis of state-controlled standard formulas was used as control ration. The experimental food contained 84% of wheat; the proportion of protein feed in this ration had been reduced by 30%. The chick period was taken to last 8 weeks (controls and half of the experimental groups) or 12 weeks. Until the age of 8 weeks the growth rate of the control birds was by no means better than that of the experimental chicks (8.6 and 8.3 g per bird/day) although the control birds consumed more food (but same level of EFh consumption). At the age of 8 weeks the experimental birds were adjusted to a type of food fed to young hens. The apparently stress-induced lower level of food consumption of the experimental chicks in the period between the 9th and 12th week decreased the rate of weight gains and affected the whole analysis of data for the entire chick period ranging from 0 to 12 weeks (9.0 g per bird per day as compared to 9.6 g). This difference was compensated for in the further course of rearing. No significant differences in the demands for food, energy and crude protein were noticed until the age of 8 weeks. The mortality rates were the same in both groups (2.4% and 3.1%, alphaless than0.05). With regard to the criteria investigated the two rations appear to be equivalent. The 30% decrease in the proportion of protein feed may be regarded as being justified.