The potential value of morning and afternoon feeds for laying hens

Two studies were conducted in which variable levels of calcium and phosphor us were fed in morning (04:00 to 12:00 hr) and afternoon (12:00 to 04:00 hr ) feeds. In the first study, reducing the afternoon nonphytate phosphorus ( NPP) content significantly reduced hen-day egg production, increased feed r equired to produce an egg, had no effect on egg weight, and reduced shell s trength. Calcium effects were related primarily to total Ca intake. There w ere no Ca effects on egg production or feed utilization; however, morning C a affected egg weight; afternoon Ca and NPP x Ca interaction affected shell strength. The second study, used a different set of morning and afternoon levels of C a and NPP. Results were similar to the first experiment, indicating that to tal Ca and NPP intake levels had a greater influence on hen performance tha n time of day consumed. The hens' wide range of ovulation times inhibited p otential advantages of feeding different diets at different times of the da y to accommodate the egg formation cycle. However, simultaneous presentatio n of diets differing in nutrient content may prove beneficial.