Effects on production performance and egg quality of feeding different oats/wheat ratios to two hybrids of laying hens kept in aviaries

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of different dietary oat s/wheat ratios on production and egg quality. Two non-beak-trimmed genotype s were used, 290 Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and 272 SLU-1329, each of t hem housed in six Marielund multitier aviary pens. Energy and protein conte nt varied depending on feed ingredients but requirements of essential amino acids were satisfied. Increased oats/wheat ratios caused increased feed co nsumption, egg mass production (g hen(-1) day(-1)), egg weight, enhanced yo lk pigmentation and increased dry matter in the excreta. A higher oats/whea t ratio also lowered the energy intake kg(-1) egg produced and bird live we ight. The LSL hens had a better feed conversion ratio, a lower energy intak e kg(-1) egg produced compared with SLU-1329 hens. Egg quality traits showe d that SLU-1329 had heavier eggs than LSL, but lower albumen height, thinne r shells and higher egg deformation values. However, for egg production, th e hybrids reacted similarly to variations in the oats/wheat ratio.