One hundred and sixty two brown laying hens after the induced molt were randomly assigned to three treatments with nine replications and six birds each. The treatments consisted of 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75% of total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) in the diets for 30 days after the end of induced molt (postmolt phase). After 30 days, each one of the treatments used in the postmolt phase was dismembered in the same TSAA levels, composing therefore a completely randomized desing in a factorial arrangement 3x3 (3 levels of TSAA in the postmolt phase - 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75% x 3 TSAA levels in the production phase - 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75%). The treatments in the production phase were composed of three replications of six birds each. At the production phase the performance and egg quality were evaluated for 4 periods of 21 days. At postmolt phase the lower TSAA level (0.45%) determined lower values (P<0.01) for feed intake, TSAA intake and body weight. The TSAA levels used in the postmolt phase affected (P<0.05) only the egg weight and the smaller weight were determined by 0.45% of TSAA. The level of 0.45% of TSAA used in the production phase did not attend the bird requirements, and determined worse performance (P <0.01). The level of 0.60% of TSAA may be recommended for postmolt phase and the second production period.
egg quality; molting; semi heavy weight laying hens; sulfur amino acid
