Abstract
In previous report, authors suggested that better development of average body weight of chickens was observed in the cage rearing in comparing to the floor rearing, but there were no significant differences on the mortality in growing period among them. It was also found that birds reared in the multiple cage from 11 to 20 weeks of age should have 0.16-0.18m2 of space per bird.
In this trial, effects of cage or floor rearing for growing period on performance in egg laying Period were observed. Strain cross of White Leghorns, White Leghorn (_??_ _??_)×Barred Plymouth Rock (_??_ _??_) and White Leghorn (_??_ _??_)×New Hampshire (_??_ _??_) were used. Each strain cross was divided into three groups: the first group was reared in the multiple cage up to 20 weeks of age; the second and third groups were reared in the multiple cage up to 10 and 6 weeks of age respectively, and then were reared on the floor up to 20 weeks of age. At the beginning of 21 weeks, 45 birds of each group and cross were put in the individual laying cages.
Age at the first egg laid was the shortest in the first group notwithstanding the cross, though White Leghorn matured later than other two crosses. Differences between rearing methods and crosses were significant at 5% level. Average egg weight of the first group was heavier than those of other two groups. There were no significant differences on egg production and mortality between rearing methods and strain cross.
From these results, authors think that multiple cages may be used for rearing of egg laying type pullets throughout the growing period.
