Some Effects of Low Protein Grower Diets Fed With or Without Antibiotics on Growth Rate and Subsequent Reproductive Performance

Several studies at this station have shown that Leghorn-type pullets can utilize diets as low as 10 to 12% protein during the growing stage (8 to 20 weeks) without adversely affecting their subsequent reproductive performance. Mortality during the growing and laying period was either unaffected or decreased. However, low protein, low-energy fed pullets tend to consume 1 to 2 pounds more feed during the growing period. As a result, pullet growers have tended to continue using the higher protein and higher energy diets. Two studies have been completed and another is under way to further evaluate low protein grower diets with and without antibiotics on subsequent egg production