Effect of increased bird population in a fixed cage area on production and economic responses of single comb white leghorn laying hens. 1984

W B Roush, and M M Mashaly, and H B Graves

Quantitative relationships between the cage area allotted per hen and parameters associated with egg production were examined by regression analysis. Hens were placed 3, 4, and 5 birds per cage (30.5 x 50.8 cm) with 516, 387, and 310 cm2 of floor area per hen, respectively. Egg production declined as the area per hen was reduced. There was no numerical difference for feed consumption per dozen eggs between 516 or 387 cm2 per hen. Feed conversion was less efficient when the area was reduced to 310 cm2 per hen. Feed conversion when adjusted to 20 dozen eggs accentuated the decline in efficiency as previously noted. Mortality was significantly related to a reduction in cage area per hen. Egg weight tended to increase as the allotted area per bird decreased. Eggs produced and feed consumed per cage were highly correlated to bird numbers per cage area. An economic analysis based on dozens of eggs produced, feed consumption, egg and feed prices, grower payment, and pullet cost showed that profitability associated with increased bird numbers in a fixed cage area is sensitive to changes in egg and feed prices.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010058 Oviposition The process of laying or shedding fully developed eggs (OVA) from the female body. The term is usually used for certain INSECTS or FISHES with an organ called ovipositor where eggs are stored or deposited before expulsion from the body. Larviposition,Larvipositions,Ovipositions
D002645 Chickens Common name for the species Gallus gallus, the domestic fowl, in the family Phasianidae, order GALLIFORMES. It is descended from the red jungle fowl of SOUTHEAST ASIA. Gallus gallus,Gallus domesticus,Gallus gallus domesticus,Chicken
D003441 Crowding An excessive number of individuals, human or animal, in relation to available space.
D004435 Eating The consumption of edible substances. Dietary Intake,Feed Intake,Food Intake,Macronutrient Intake,Micronutrient Intake,Nutrient Intake,Nutritional Intake,Ingestion,Dietary Intakes,Feed Intakes,Intake, Dietary,Intake, Feed,Intake, Food,Intake, Macronutrient,Intake, Micronutrient,Intake, Nutrient,Intake, Nutritional,Macronutrient Intakes,Micronutrient Intakes,Nutrient Intakes,Nutritional Intakes
D005260 Female Females
D006799 Housing, Animal The physical environment in which animals are maintained. Animal Housing
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000821 Animal Feed Foodstuff used especially for domestic and laboratory animals, or livestock. Fodder,Animal Feeds,Feed, Animal,Feeds, Animal,Fodders
D000822 Animal Husbandry The science of breeding, feeding and care of domestic animals; includes housing and nutrition. Animal Husbandries,Husbandries, Animal,Husbandry, Animal

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