Abstract   

    The experiment was conducted to study effect of feed restriction during growing period on the subsequent performance of commercial White Leghorn (Babcock) layers. Two hundred and seventy chicks (6-weeks-old) were randomly divided into three equal groups i.e., A, Sand C. The birds in group A were given feed ad libitum (full feeding -FF) while those in groups Sand C maintained on the restricted feeding (RF) were given 10 and 20 percent less feed than the recommended daily feed allowance, respectively from 7 to 9 and 13 to 15 weeks and 20 and 30 percent lesser feed respectively, of the daily allowance from 10 tol2 weeks of age. From 6 weeks onward til158 weeks of age all the groups were fed ad libitum. The results showed reduction (p<0.01) in feed intake and body weight (p<0.05) of pullets and delay in age of sexual maturity (p<0.01) due to feed restriction. During the laying phase a non-significant effect of the feed restriction programme on egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency (feed/dozen eggs), mortality rate and cost of feed/dozen eggs was noted. An overall benefit of Rs.13.54 and 21.54 on RF-I (group-S) and RF-II (group-C), respectively, in comparison to that of FF during the growing period reflect on better economics of feed restriction programme in laying stock under given environmental conditions.    

Key words: Feed restriction, laying performance, growing period, White Leghorn hens.