Welcome to Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin,

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2019, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (5): 154-159.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb18010034

Special Issue: 畜牧兽医

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Appropriate Energy Level for Lushi Green-shell Egg Laying Pullets During Growing Period

  

  • Received:2018-01-07 Revised:2018-03-15 Accepted:2018-03-23 Online:2019-02-13 Published:2019-02-13

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary energy levels on body measurements, growth performance and slaughter traits of growing Lushi green-shell egg laying pullets, and to gain the energy requirement of pullets. A total of 150 Lushi green-shell egg laying pullets with similar weight aged 8 weeks were randomly allocated to 5 groups, each of which included 5 replicates of 6 pullets. Five experimental diets were formulated based on ME content of A (10.52 MJ/kg), B (10.90 MJ/kg), C (11.29 MJ/kg), D (11.70 MJ/kg) and E (12.10 MJ/kg). A single factor experimental design was adopted. The pre-trial period was one week, and the trial period was ten weeks. The results showed that different energy levels had significant influence on shank length, chest width and chest depth of Lushi green-shell egg laying pullets (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between group D and E on final weight and ADG (P >0.05), but both were significantly higher than group A, B and C (P <0.05). When the ME (group E) was excessive, the final weight and ADG decreased. Different energy levels had significant influence on slaughter traits (P <0.05). It is concluded that ME 11.70 MJ/kg in this study could improve the growth performance and slaughter traits of Lushi green-shell egg laying pullets during the growing period.