Effect of increased bird population in a fixed cage area on production and economic responses of single comb white leghorn laying hens.

Quantitative relationships between the cage area allotted per hen and parameters associated with egg production were examined by regression analysis. Hens were placed 3, 4, and 5 birds per cage (30.5 x 50.8 cm) with 516, 387, and 310 cm2 of floor area per hen, respectively. Egg production declined as the area per hen was reduced. There was no numerical difference for feed consumption per dozen eggs between 516 or 387 cm2 per hen. Feed conversion was less efficient when the area was reduced to 310 cm2 per hen. Feed conversion when adjusted to 20 dozen eggs accentuated the decline in efficiency as previously noted. Mortality was significantly related to a reduction in cage area per hen. Egg weight tended to increase as the allotted area per bird decreased. Eggs produced and feed consumed per cage were highly correlated to bird numbers per cage area. An economic analysis based on dozens of eggs produced, feed consumption, egg and feed prices, grower payment, and pullet cost showed that profitability associated with increased bird numbers in a fixed cage area is sensitive to changes in egg and feed prices.