EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION Cage Type and Density Effects on Performance and Economic Factors of Caged Layers

ABSTRACT Three cage designs and three population densities were evaluated for production and economic performance traits of caged layers. A deep cage measuring 38.1 cm across the front and 50.8 cm in depth was compared with two shallow cages measuring 60.9 cm across the front and 31.8 cm and 35.5 cm in depth (shallow A and shallow B, respectively). Population sizes were 4, 5, and 6 birds per cage. Birds in the shallow cages had higher hen-day egg production values, gained more weight, had larger egg weights and egg mass, produced more eggs grading large and extra large, used more feed, and had higher pullet and feed costs than birds in the deep cages. Hen-housed production and mortality differences for cage designed were not present. Birds in shallow cages also had poorer feed conversion figures and reduced net egg incomes. Differences between the shallow A and shallow B design cages were not significantly different (P>.05) for the traits measured except for egg loss. Increasing density reduced most performance and economic factors. Exceptions were observed for mortality, egg weight, eggs grading large, and undergrades for which significant differences for population densities were not found. Significant (P<.05) cage design by density interactions were present for hen-day production, feed usage, and pullet plus feed costs. (Key words: cage type, density, and performance