Increasing energy and amino acid levels in layer diets improved laying performance but not egg quality in ranging free-range hens

Abstract

It has been proposed that the metabolic energy requirements of free-ranging hens are up to 15% higher compared to caged hens due to the increased metabolic activity required for locomotion and thermoregulation (GfE 1999; Tiller 2001; Aerni et al. 2005). The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of various feed strategies on laying performance and egg quality of free-range laying hens. A total of 9,375 hens, placed amongst 5 flocks of 40,000 hens each were selected according to their range usage (hens accessed the range at least 70% of available days at 18-22 weeks of age).