Effect of body weight loss and feeding regimen on the performance of moulted breeder layers

1. The effects of body weight loss (0.20, 0.25 or 0–30) during the period of food withdrawal and the subsequent feeding of cracked grain for 3 weeks, pullet grower ration for 3 weeks or layer ration immediately after the period of food withdrawal and their interactions on the second cycle performance of breeder layers were investigated.

2. Hens losing 0.30 of their initial body weight (BWL) produced more hatching eggs and chicks than those which lost 0.20 BW.

3. Hens fed on cracked grain produced fewest non‐hatching eggs, most chicks and the most efficient food utilisation.

4. The interactions showed that hens which lost 0.20 BW and were fed on layers ration produced most eggs. When number of chicks hatching was the criterion then hens losing 0.25 to 0.30 BW which were fed on cracked grain for 3 weeks gave the best performance.