Production performance of white Leghorn layers limited fed.

Three trials were conducted to determine if the age at start of limited feeding or the amount of time laying hens were given to consume feed could be used to reduce feed intake without affecting egg weight (EW) or egg production. The age at start of limiting feed did not affect hen-day egg production (HDEP) or EW in any trial. In Trial 2, a significant difference in HDEP due to feeding times at 26 weeks of age was observed. Laying hens fed 7 hr/day at 26 weeks of age had a significantly lower HDEP than any other feeding time. Limited feeding in Trials 1 and 2 significantly decreased feed consumption, body weight gain (WG), and EW when compared with laying hens fed ad libitum. No difference in HDEP or EW was observed due to limited feeding in Trial 3. Laying hens fed 9 or 10 hr/day gained significantly less weight than laying hens fed ad libitum (Trial 3). Limited feeding did not improve feed efficiency in any trial. No consistent improvement in mortality could be attributed to limited feeding.