Adjustment of Amino Acids and Metabolizable Energy in Diets for High-Laying Brown Nick Hens under Heat Stress

Authors: Rojas-Avendaño L, Arcos-González S, López-Pozos R, Santiago-Romero H, Arcos-García JL*, Gamboa-Alvarado JG

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000632

Volume 7, Issue 6

Abstract

Heat stress causes hens to reduce feed intake, so the nutrient intake of the diet must be adjusted to meet nutritional needs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adjustment of amino acids and metabolizable energy in the feed on the productivity of Brown Nick hens under heat stress. Sixty-three hens were used, of 22 weeks of age. Three diets were tested: commercial, processed1, and processed2. The productive characteristics of the hens and their eggs were evaluated. The experimental design used was a completely randomized block, with three treatments and seven replications. A stepwise variable selection test was also used. Feed intake and feed conversion were higher (p < 0.01) in the concentrated feed in relation to the processed feed. The laying percentage and total egg mass were similar (p > 0.05) in the concentrated and processed2 treatments. The weight of the egg (g) was greater (p < 0.05) in the processed2 food compared to the processed1. It is concluded that with respect to Brown Nick hens under heat stress conditions, the diet that showed the greatest improvement in productivity was the feed adjusted in both metabolizable energy and amino acids.

Keywords: Amino Acids; Metabolizable Energy; Stress; Production; Laying Period; Hens

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