Abstract

BRITO, Alexandre Barbosa de et al. Performance and egg quality of laying hens after molting (78 to 90 weeks of age) fed corn germ meal. R. Bras. Zootec. [online]. 2009, vol.38, n.10, pp. 1907-1913. ISSN 1806-9290.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982009001000008.

This experiment was carried to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens in the second production cycle consuming whole corn germ in substitution of corn in the diet. The forced molting procedure of 250 Lohmann LSL laying hens was accomplished in the 66^th to 74^th weeks of age. In 75^th week of age, 192 birds were standardized by weight. The experimental period coreresponded to the interval between the 78^th and 90^th weeks of age of the hens. Four levels were evaluated of replacing corn with corn germ meal in the diets (0, 25, 50 and 75%). The variables assessed were internal and external egg quality and performance. A randomized complete design was used and statistical analyses were performed using polynomial regression analysis. The level recommended was up to 25% of substitution for corn, that means 16% corn germ meal included in diets for molted hens in the second cycle production.

Keywords : egg internal quality; egg production percentage; eggshell quality; feed intake.