Ann. Méd. Vét., 2003, 147 (1), pp 51 - 58 Effect of heat and separated calcium feeding on laying hens selected for a residual feeding consumption.Banga-Mboko H., Bordas A., Minvielle F., Leroy P.L.Abstract :
The responses to heat and separated calcium feeding were studied in 2 lines of laying hens selected for residual feed consumption. Ten variables had significant effects: average egg weight, percentage broken eggs, percentage shell, albumen weight, weight of yellow, consumption of feed without calcium source, and voluntary consumption with a calcium source. The under-consuming line had a lower percentage of broken eggs, mean egg weight, better egg and shell quality, and better food efficiency. It is suggested that adaptation to heat of this line might be improved by combining dwarf and naked genes known for their beneficial effects in a small farming system in a tropical area. Get the PDF Contact person : pascal.leroy@ulg.ac.be |