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Pelleted Feed Screenings as Scratch Feed in a Poultry Ration
Pelleted Feed Screenings as Scratch Feed in a Poultry Ration J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH Poultry Nutrition Laboratory, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.
Tf XPERIMENTAL work on the use of -*—' feed screenings has been somewhat limited. It is generally conceded, however, that good quality, heavyweight feed screenings, high in broken and shrunken wheat, wild buckwheat and oats, may be used to great advantage in some poultry mashes. When so used it is included in very restricted amounts, because of variation in quality and uncertainty as to the amount of dust, chaff, and weed seed present. The use of feed screenings in a scratch mixture has not previously been considered feasible, owing to the fact that the small weed seeds and broken kernels of grain may be lost in the litter and so wasted. In order to overcome this difficulty, a local milling company produced a pelleted mixture consisting of 80% ground No. 1 Recleaned Feed Screenings,* 15% Oat Groats and 5% Cereal Grass. This mixture is hereafter referred to as "Pelleted Screenings." To determine the nutritive value of pelleted screenings as compared with * According to the Canadian Feeding Stuffs Act, 1937, "No. 1 Feed Screenings consists of wild buckwheat and broken and shrunken grain and may contain small proportions of other seeds of feeding value and wheat scourings. It shall contain not more than 7 percent of crude fibre, not more than 3 percent of small weed seeds, chaff and dust combined, not more than S percent of ball mustard, not more than 6 percent of small weed seeds, chaff, dust and ball mustard combined, not more than 8 percent of wild oats, and shall be cool and sweet."
wheat as the sole scratch grain, and as compared with a four-grain scratch mixture consisting of 60 parts of wheat, 20 parts of oats, 10 parts of barley, and 10 parts of corn, two experiments were undertaken. The comparisons were based on total egg production, maintenance of body weight, feed utilization, cost of feed required to produce one dozen eggs, and decrease in population (mortality and culls). In experiment 1, the various scratches were fed in approximately equal amounts along with a 19.7% protein laying mash. In experiment 2, pelleted screenings were compared with the fourgrain scratch mixture when fed along with an equal amount of a 17.3% protein laying mash. EXPERIMENT 1
The experiment was carried out in duplicate, using six pens with approximately 172 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets per pen, over a period of 300 days from the beginning of egg production. This period commenced August 1, 1949 for pens 1, 2 and 3. The birds in pens 4, 5 and 6, which served as the duplicate lots, were hatched two weeks later than those in pens 1, 2 and 3, and the calculations therefore were based on the 300-day period commencing August 16. Both lots of pullets had been reared in confinement under similar, conditions, and were put into the laying house in July, 1949. All pens were 20'X20' with an 8'X20' sun778
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(Received for publication November 23, 1950)
PELLETED FEED SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH FEED
779
day. On April 1, the amount of scratch was reduced to If oz, per bird per day, and on April 15 a further reduction to If oz. per bird per day was made. The reduction in the amount of scratch was made in order to increase mash consumption and thereby maintain egg production, which normally begins to decline at this time of year. Throughout the course of the experiment, the amount of mash in proportion to the amount of scratch fed was checked weekly and the scratch adjusted according to the number of birds in each pen.
TABLE 1.—Composition of rations
Results and Discussion
Ration Laying Mash Ground wheat Ground oats Ground barley Corn meal Bran Middlings Soyabean meal M e a t scrap Cereal grass Bone meal Ground limestone Iodized salt Feeding oil (1,200-A 400-D) Manganese sulfate Distillers' dried solubles
(a) (b) Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Pens 1-6 Pens 7-10 436.5 lbs. 200 200 200 100 200 250 150 150 20 50 10 8 0.5 25 2,000
350 300 300 200 200 300 200 100 150 20 50 20 10
lbs.
— —
It s.
2,200
lbs.
19.7 5.6 4.2
17.3 6.2 3.9
Pelleted Screenings Per cent protein Per cent fibre Per cent fat
13.0 min. 8.0 4.0
13.0 min. 8.0 4.0
Wheat Per cent protein Per cent fibre Percent fat
13.0 3.0 1.7
— — —
Grain Per Per Per
12.3 4.3 2.7
12.3 4.3 2.7
Per cent protein Per cent fibre Per cent fat
Mixture cent protein cent fibre cent fat
Total protein
Total fibre
Total fat
Pens 1 an 4 Pens 2 and 5 Pens 3 and 6
16.3% 16.4 16.0
6.8% 4.6 5.3
4.1% 3.2 3.6
Pens 7 and 9 Pens 8 and 10
15.1 14.8
7.1 5.4
4.0 3.4
Pens 1-6 Cost Laying mash Pelleted screenings Wheat Grain Mixture
4. m 3.0 3.5 3.5
lb.
Pens 7-10 3.93(!lb. 3.0
—
3.5
1. Egg Production. The average egg production during each 28-day period and for the whole experiment is shown in detail in Table 2, Section (a). It will be seen that there was no significant difference in egg production among the groups fed the three different scratch grains. The egg production in pen 5 during the early part of the experiment was somewhat lower than the average for the other pens, because of a mild outbreak of bronchitis in this pen during the month of October. The cold weather, which began during the last week in December and continued throughout January, resulted in a drop in egg production of about 4 - 5 % in most of the pens. 2. Maintenance of Body Weight. As will be seen from Table 3, Section (a), the pullets were weighed at regular intervals. The three groups were able to maintain body weight throughout the entire period of the experiment. Gain in weight over the initial weight ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 lb., with an average for pens 1 and 4 of 0.9 lb., pens 2 and 5 of 0.8 lb., and pens 3 and 6 of 0.8 lb. 3. Feed Utilization. Table 4, Section (a), gives a record, for each group of birds in experiment 1, of the feed consumed and cost of feed per dozen eggs produced. The
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porch, and were similar in equipment. Deep litter was used in all pens. A record was made of feed consumption, egg production, and mortality. In so far as possible, management was uniform in all the pens. Laying mash (the composition of which is shown in Table I, Column a) was fed ad lib. in all six pens. This mash had a protein content of 19.7%. From the beginning of egg production until March 31, 1950, the three scratches were fed at the rate of 2 oz. per bird per
780
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH TABLE 2.—Average egg production
(b) Expt riment 2 Prod, for 240 days Pens 7-10» (dup. lots)
Percent
Pen No.
Aug,
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
1
11.3
56.9
66.9
70.6
69.6
62.6
57.1
% 59.0
Pen total ave.
64.0
67.0
62.7
59.81
4
2.3
37.6
65.4
75.3
75.6
62.6
61.1
54.6
65.4
69.0
57.7
60.3J
2
11.3
57.3
70.1
69.0
69.3
60.4
55.0
59.7
65.2
64.3
71.3
60.51
5
2.2
33.5
53.8
70.3
64.6
57.9
55.0
56.6
61.2
68.0
67.3
57.3J
3
12.9
54.1
69.5
76.6
75.0
66.9
63.2
58.6
63.1
64.0
71.3
61.51
6
2.5
29.9
61.3
72.0
70.3
66.9
68.2
63.2
61.0
66.6
78.3
60.2}
59.2
61.8
62.31
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Ave. for dup. pens
7
61.1
67.6
67.1
60.4
59.3
9
55.7
69.6
73.6
62.0
66.1
60.5
59.8
63.8 J
8
45.1
68.6
71.8
68.3
63.9
60.5
54.0
61.71
10
44.5
70.0
69.2
65.2
68.9
68.2
66.4
64.6j
No. of eggs Pen total ave.
Ave. for dup. pens
179.51 60.1
58.9
60.9
63.1
63.2
181.Oj
180.3
181.61 171.9J 184.61 I8S.3J 136.31 140.OJ
176.8
185.0
138.2
135.21 140.7 J
138.0
* Test period started August 16 for birds in pen 7; September 1 for birds in pens 8-10, which were hatched two weeks later than those in pen 7.
TABLE 3.—Average weights of birds during experimental period Gain in weight August (Lb.)
October (Lb.)
December (Lb.)
April (Lb.)
End test (Lb.)
1
3.7
4.0
4.4
4.7
4.7
4
3.5
4.0
4.4
4.5
4.3
2
3.7
4.0
4.6
4.5
4.3
0.8J 0.61
5
3.4
3.8
4.4
4.4
4.3
0.9J
3
3.6
4.1
4.5
4.6.
4.5
0.91
6
3.4
4.1
4.4
4.4
4.1
0.7J
7
3.5
4.1
4.4
4.5
1.0
9
3.1
4.0
4.3
4.4
1.3
8
3.0
4.0
4.3
4.4
1.4]
10
3.2
4.0
4.4
4.3
1.1J
) Experiinent 1 Pens 1-6 (dup. lots)
Pen
(b) Expe riment 2 Pens 7-10 (dup. lots)
c«
Pen ave. (Lb.)
Ave. dup. pens (Lb.)
1
0.9
0.8
0.8
1.2
f
1.3
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(a) Experim
Average egg production (hen-day basis)
781
PELLETED FEED SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH FEED TABLE 4—-Feed consumption
Pen No.
(b) Experiment 2 Pen 7-10 (dup . lots)
3
Pen ave. (Lbs.)
1
2.781
4
2.83J
2
2.78
5
2.92
3
2.651
6
, 2.77J
7
2.981
9
3.16J
8
3.061
10
3.02f
Ave. dup. pens (Lbs.) 2.81 2.85 2.71
3.07
Scratch consumed Pen ave. (Lbs.) 2.34 2.16 2.291 2.42J 2.271 2.15J 2.511 3.04J
3.04
2.751 2.62J
Ave. dup. pens (Lbs.) 2.25 2.36 2.21
2.78
2.69
Total feed consumed* Per dozen eggs produced Pen total (Lbs.) 5.24 5.10 5.20 5.49 5.04 5.03 5.631 6.35J 5.951 5.80J
Ave. of dup. pens (Lbs.) 5.17 5.35 5.04
5.99
5.88
Total cost of feedt Per dozen eggs produced Pen total
(0 19.881 19.55J 20.88 21.91 20.27 20.35
Ave. of dup. pens
(0
19.72 21.40
20.31
20.40) 22.78J 22.921 22.28J
21.59
22.60
* Total feed consumed includes mash, scratch, the extra whey and corn fed during cold weather, and oyster shell. t Total cost of feed includes cost of mash, scratch, extra whey and corn fed during cold weather, and oyster shell fed ad lib. Cost of mash for experiment 1 was 4.180 per lb.; for experiment 2, 3.930 per lb.; cost of pelleted screenings was 3.00 per lb.; of wheat, 3.50 per lb., and of grain mixture, 3.50 per lb.
data show that there was no significant difference in the consumption of mash and scratch. The mash consumption ranged from 2.71 to 2.85 lb. per dozen eggs produced. The amount of scratch showed very slight variations, despite differences in fibre content. The fibre content of the ration in which pelleted screenings was used was about 2% higher than that in which wheat was used. The fat content of the pelleted screenings ration, however, was almost 1% higher than that of the wheat ration; consequently the energy content of the two rations did not differ a great deal. 4. Costs. Using June, 1950 prices as a basis, the average cost of feed per dozen eggs produced in experiment 1 during the 300-day period was calculated. Data are summarized in Table 4, Section (a). Costs included mash, scratch, oyster shell, and the supplementary whey and corn which were fed during the severe winter weather. On this basis the following costs were obtained:
Pens 1 and 4 Pelleted Screenings Pens 2 and 5 Wheat Pens 3 and 6 Grain Mixture
19.72ji per dozen 21.40)4 per dozen 20.3lfi per dozen
5. Decrease in Population. The health of the birds appeared to be satisfactory throughout the experiment, except for a mild attack of bronchitis in pen 5 during October. The main causes of death were leucosis, internal laying, impacted oviduct, prolapse and "pickout." Culls were removed regularly throughout the laying period in accordance with what is considered good practice on commercial poultry farms. The actual percent decrease in population which occurred among these experimental lots during the 300-day period (Table 5, Section a) closely approximates that which commonly occurs in commercial poultry flocks. EXPERIMENT 2
The object of the second experiment was similar to that of experiment 1, that is, to evaluate pelleted screenings as com-
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Experiment 1 Pens 1-6 (dup. lots)
-
Mash consumed
and cost of feed per dozen eggs produced
782
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH TABLE 5.—Decrease in population
Pen No.
Reason for decrease
1
Mortality Culled
Esperimen Pens 1-6 00-day perio
1 7
Oct.
7 2
Nov.
Dec.
4 3
1 2
Jan.
2
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
3 5
1 11
3
2 2
1 8
2 1
4 1
2 2
1 7
2
1
3 2
3 1 2
June
Total
Indiv. pen
21 44 65
37.21
3 27
21 5* 75
43.3]
14
25 47 72
42.3
5 4
22
26 55 81
46.2J
2 6
2 10
.7
27 39 66
38. l l
3 10
5 15
3 8
29 « 73
40.9J
12
40.2
9
4 2
5 5
3
6 11
1 2
3 7
3 1
Mortality Culled
2
4 1
2 4
4 10
3
Mortality Culled
3
5 9 l' 5
5 2
4 6
7
6
Mortality Culled
1
4 4
4 1
2 3
3 2
1
7
Mortality Culled
4
1 1
3 7
4 6
5 2
7
2 3
4 4
30 23 53
29.4[
9
Mortality Culled
1 2
2
1 5
2 3
1 3
3 4
1 2
5 4
14 25 39
25.OJ
Mortality Culled
1 1
3 7
3 8
5
3
7 4
3 13
5 S
27 42 68
38.2[
Mortality Culled
2
4 • 11
1
4 3
2 4'
4 2
25 23 48
36.6J
Mortality Culled
1
2
Mortality Culled
5
8 10
2
2 3 2
3 •2 '
.
pared with a grain mixture. In experiment 2, the protein content of the laying mash used (Table 1, Column b) was 17.3%, instead of 19.7% as in the other experiment. It was of interest to determine the effect of a difference of 2.4% protein in the laying mash on the rate of egg production, feed utilization, cost, and decrease in population. The experiment was carried out in duplicate under conditions similar to those pertaining in experiment 1, except that in this case there were 180 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets in each pen, and the period of egg production was 240 days from the start of lay. The laying mash was fed ad lib. in all four pens. Scratch was fed at the rate of 2 oz. per bird per day until April 1 (about seven months from start of lay), when a reduction to If oz. was made. On April 15 a further reduction to 1J oz. was made in order to increase mash consumption and help maintain egg production, which was beginning to decline.
44.2
39.0
27.2
' ' n("
5 1
2
Average of dup. pens
37.4
Results and Discussion 1. Egg Production. The rate of egg production for each 28-day period is shown in Table 2, Section (b). The data indicate that there were no significant differences in egg production between the groups of birds fed pelleted screenings and those receiving the grain mixture. The average egg production of birds in pens 7 and 9 was 63.1%; that of birds in pens 8 and 10 was 63.2% for the 240-day period. 2. Maintenance of Body Weight. The pullets in pens 7-10 were weighed four times during the experimental period, as is shown in Table 3, Section (b). Both groups maintained body weight throughout the period, and the average gains for the duplicate lots were 1.2 and 1.3 lb. respectively. 3. Feed Utilization. The birds in pens 7 and 9, receiving pelleted screenings, required an average of 2.78 lb. of pellets per dozen eggs produced, while those in pens 8 and 10, receiving grain mixture, required 2.69 lb. of the grain mixture per
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(b) Experiment 2 Pens 7-10 240-day period
1
Sept.
1
4
3 ™
Percent decrease Aug.
783
PELLETED F E E D SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH F E E D
GENERAL DISCUSSION
It will be seen from Table 1 that the ingredients in the 19.7% and the 17.3% protein mashes were, with few exceptions, identical. The exceptions were the additional 2.5% meat scrap, the 1.25% distillers' dried solubles, and the .025% manganese sulfate per ton in the 19.7% protein laying mash. If mash and scratch had been fed in equal amounts, the different groups would have received the following amounts of protein, fat and fibre in the various rations:
Protein
Pens 1 and 4 Pelleted Screenings Pens 2 and 5 Wheat Pens 3 and 6 Grain Mixture Pens 7 and 9 Pelleted Screenings Pens 8 and 10 Grain Mixture
Fibre
Fat
Energy value Cals./lb.
%
%
%
16.3
.6.8
4.1
867
16.4
4.6
3.2
919
16.0
5.3
3.6
888
15.1
7.1
4.0
848
14.8
5.4
3.4
868
In feeding the different scratches, the intention was to feed somewhat more than 50% mash at all times. An adjustment of the amount of scratch to be fed in each pen was therefore made weekly. As a result, the ratio of mash/scratch for pens 1-6 for the 300-day period was 53.5%/46.5% for duplicate pens receiving pelleted screenings; 53%/47% for pens receiving wheat; 53%/47% for pens receiving the grain mixture. The ratio of mash/scratch for pens 7-10 over a 240day period was 52%/48%. The record of egg production shows that all rations supplied sufficient of each of the nutrients to maintain good production. The average production for pens 1-6 was 60% over a 300-day period, and that of pens 7-10 was 6 3 % over a 240-day period—all calculations on a hen-day basis. The experimental period for pens 7-10 was terminated at 240 days because these birds were required for experimental studies on another project. There were no significant differences in egg production among groups receiving pelleted screenings, wheat or grain mixture. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in egg production between groups receiving the 19.7% protein mash and those receiving the 17.3% mash. Analysis of feed requirements per dozen eggs produced by the birds in pens 1-6 shows that there were no significant differences among lots receiving pelleted screenings, wheat or grain mixture. The
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dozen eggs produced. Both groups consumed approximately the same amount of mash, namely, 3.07 and 3.04 lb. respectively, per dozen eggs produced. (Table 4, Section b). It would appear, therefore, that there was a slight difference in feed utilization in favour of the birds receiving the grain mixture, and that efficiency was in the utilization of the scratch rather than of the mash. 4. Costs. The cost of feed per dozen eggs produced is shown in Table 4, Section (b), for the birds in experiment 2. In one of the pens receiving the pelleted screenings the cost was slightly lower per dozen eggs produced than in the pens receiving the grain mixture, despite the fact that the birds on the grain mixture showed a somewhat better feed utilization. When the averages for the two groups of pens are compared, however, the difference in cost amounts to a saving of 1^ per dozen eggs produced, in favour of the birds receiving pelleted screenings. 5. Decrease in Population. The decrease in population in pens 7-10 is shown in Table 5, Section (b). The main causes of death were leucosis complex and nonspecific disorders such as internal laying, prolapse, and "pickout." The percentage decrease in population varied only slightly from that of birds in pens 1-6.
784
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH
(4.6%) high-energy (919 Cals./lb.) value of the ration. From the results of these experiments it has been shown that Pelleted Screenings, a feed composed mainly of ground No. 1 Feed Screenings, with small amounts of Cereal Grass and Oat Groats, may be fed to laying hens without adverse effect on egg production, feed utilization, and maintenance of body weight. When fed at an approximate level of 50% of the total feed intake, pelleted screenings, as a scratch feed, is equal in value to wheat, or to a grain mixture of wheat, oats, barley and corn. It has also been shown that a 17.3% protein laying mash may be used in place of a 19.7% mash along with the above scratch mixtures without an adverse effect on egg production. On the 17.3% mash, however, slightly more feed (0.75 lb.) was required per dozen eggs produced. Considering the greater feed utilization, it would appear that from a cost point of view the 19.7% protein mash was more efficient than the 17.3% mash when fed in approximately a 50/50 ratio with various scratch mixtures. SUMMARY
1. A pelleted feed (Pelleted Screenings) composed of 80% #1 Feed Screenings, 15% Oat Groats and 5% dehydrated Cereal Grass, was evaluated as a substitute for wheat as the only scratch grain, and a four-grain scratch mixture consisting of 60 parts of wheat, 20 parts of oats, 10 parts of barley, and 10 parts of corn, when fed to laying birds in conjunction with a 19.7% and a 17.3% protein mash. The comparison was based on egg production, maintenance of body weight, feed utilization, cost, and decrease in population. 2. Three groups of birds in duplicate were fed the 19.7% laying mash with
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amount of feed required by these birds to produce one dozen eggs ranged from 5.04 to 5.35 lb. The average cost of the feed consumed ranged from 19.72ff to 21.40^ per dozen eggs produced, using as a basis the 1950 prices. Feed requirements per dozen eggs produced by the birds in pens 7-10 showed no significant differences between lots receiving pelleted screenings and those receiving the grain mixture. Feed consumption ranged from 5.88 to 5.99 lb. per dozen eggs produced, and the cost ranged from 21.59^ to 22.60f<. Approximately 0.75 lb. more feed was required per dozen eggs produced on the 17.3% mash as compared with the 19.7% mash. This increased the cost by slightly over l|ji per dozen eggs. The energy value of both rations appeared to be sufficient for adequate maintenance of body weight, while at the same time sustaining good egg production. Although it would appear from Table 3 that the birds on the 17.3% mash showed greater gain in body weight than did those on the 19.7% mash, it should be noted that birds in pens 7-10 were hatched later, and therefore when first weighed had not reached the same stage of maturity as the birds in pens 1-6. The decrease in population (mortality and culls) in all pens closely approximated that of a commercial flock. Birds were culled regularly but not drastically, except at the termination of the experiment, when they were being selected for breeding purposes. Pen 8 was culled more rigidly than the others, since more cowing occurred in this pen. Cowed birds were removed before cannibalism developed. It is interesting to note that cannibalism was most prevalent in the two pens fed wheat as the sole scratch grain. This was probably due, at least in part, to the low-fibre
785
A.F.M.A. AWARD
4. The average percentage of egg production on a hen-day basis was practically the same in the groups receiving 19.7% protein as in the groups receiving 17.3% protein in the mash. The efficiency of feed utilization per dozen eggs, however, was greater with the 19.7% protein mash. As a consequence, when fed in approximately equal amounts with scratch grain, the 19.7% protein mash was more economical than the 17.3% protein laying mash. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are greatly indebted to Buckerfield's Ltd., Vancouver, B. C , for their financial assistance, and to Mr. J. K. Clarke of Buckerfield's Ltd. for his continued interest in the project.
American Feed Manufacturers' Association Award This is an annual award given for distinctive work demonstrating sound research in poultry nutrition supplemented by capacity for research. The prize, instituted by the Nutrition Council of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association, shall consist of one thousand dollars to be presented at the annual meeting. The award is made annually. Any person residing in the United States or Canada shall be eligible to receive this award. The recipient need not be a member of the Poultry Science Association. The award shall not necessarily be made upon the basis of nominations. The committee may ask for nominations from the membership of the Association. The work must be original in the field of poultry nutrition. Review articles will not be considered. Only research done at public institu--
tions, hospitals, and similar organizations will be considered. Research work published in the two preceding calendar years will be considered for the award. The announcement concerning the offering of the award and the rules governing the selection of the candidates shall be published in Poultry Science. The recipient of the award will be named at the time of the annual meeting but will also be honored at the regular meeting of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association the following spring. The winners of the Award were: 1948—H. R. Bird, U. S. Department of Agriculture Research Centre, Beltsville, Md. 1949—J. P. McGinnis, Washington State College, Pullman. 1950—W. W. Cravens, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
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scratch as follows: pens 1 and 4, pelleted screenings; pens 2 and 5, wheat only; pens 3 and 6, grain mixture of 60 parts wheat, 20 parts oats, 10 parts barley, and 10 parts corn. Two groups in duplicate were fed the 17.3% laying mash with scratch as follows: pens 7 and 9, pelleted screenings; pens 8 and 10, grain mixture as above. The experiment was started with approximately 172 Leghorn pullets each in pens 1 to 6 and 180 Leghorn pullets each in pens 7 to 10. 3. The data show that pelleted screenings could replace wheat or a grain mixture as a scratch feed when fed at approximately equal amounts with laying mash containing 19.7% or 17.3% protein respectively.
Tf XPERIMENTAL work on the use of -*—' feed screenings has been somewhat limited. It is generally conceded, however, that good quality, heavyweight feed screenings, high in broken and shrunken wheat, wild buckwheat and oats, may be used to great advantage in some poultry mashes. When so used it is included in very restricted amounts, because of variation in quality and uncertainty as to the amount of dust, chaff, and weed seed present. The use of feed screenings in a scratch mixture has not previously been considered feasible, owing to the fact that the small weed seeds and broken kernels of grain may be lost in the litter and so wasted. In order to overcome this difficulty, a local milling company produced a pelleted mixture consisting of 80% ground No. 1 Recleaned Feed Screenings,* 15% Oat Groats and 5% Cereal Grass. This mixture is hereafter referred to as "Pelleted Screenings." To determine the nutritive value of pelleted screenings as compared with * According to the Canadian Feeding Stuffs Act, 1937, "No. 1 Feed Screenings consists of wild buckwheat and broken and shrunken grain and may contain small proportions of other seeds of feeding value and wheat scourings. It shall contain not more than 7 percent of crude fibre, not more than 3 percent of small weed seeds, chaff and dust combined, not more than S percent of ball mustard, not more than 6 percent of small weed seeds, chaff, dust and ball mustard combined, not more than 8 percent of wild oats, and shall be cool and sweet."
wheat as the sole scratch grain, and as compared with a four-grain scratch mixture consisting of 60 parts of wheat, 20 parts of oats, 10 parts of barley, and 10 parts of corn, two experiments were undertaken. The comparisons were based on total egg production, maintenance of body weight, feed utilization, cost of feed required to produce one dozen eggs, and decrease in population (mortality and culls). In experiment 1, the various scratches were fed in approximately equal amounts along with a 19.7% protein laying mash. In experiment 2, pelleted screenings were compared with the fourgrain scratch mixture when fed along with an equal amount of a 17.3% protein laying mash. EXPERIMENT 1
The experiment was carried out in duplicate, using six pens with approximately 172 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets per pen, over a period of 300 days from the beginning of egg production. This period commenced August 1, 1949 for pens 1, 2 and 3. The birds in pens 4, 5 and 6, which served as the duplicate lots, were hatched two weeks later than those in pens 1, 2 and 3, and the calculations therefore were based on the 300-day period commencing August 16. Both lots of pullets had been reared in confinement under similar, conditions, and were put into the laying house in July, 1949. All pens were 20'X20' with an 8'X20' sun778
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(Received for publication November 23, 1950)
PELLETED FEED SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH FEED
779
day. On April 1, the amount of scratch was reduced to If oz, per bird per day, and on April 15 a further reduction to If oz. per bird per day was made. The reduction in the amount of scratch was made in order to increase mash consumption and thereby maintain egg production, which normally begins to decline at this time of year. Throughout the course of the experiment, the amount of mash in proportion to the amount of scratch fed was checked weekly and the scratch adjusted according to the number of birds in each pen.
TABLE 1.—Composition of rations
Results and Discussion
Ration Laying Mash Ground wheat Ground oats Ground barley Corn meal Bran Middlings Soyabean meal M e a t scrap Cereal grass Bone meal Ground limestone Iodized salt Feeding oil (1,200-A 400-D) Manganese sulfate Distillers' dried solubles
(a) (b) Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Pens 1-6 Pens 7-10 436.5 lbs. 200 200 200 100 200 250 150 150 20 50 10 8 0.5 25 2,000
350 300 300 200 200 300 200 100 150 20 50 20 10
lbs.
— —
It s.
2,200
lbs.
19.7 5.6 4.2
17.3 6.2 3.9
Pelleted Screenings Per cent protein Per cent fibre Per cent fat
13.0 min. 8.0 4.0
13.0 min. 8.0 4.0
Wheat Per cent protein Per cent fibre Percent fat
13.0 3.0 1.7
— — —
Grain Per Per Per
12.3 4.3 2.7
12.3 4.3 2.7
Per cent protein Per cent fibre Per cent fat
Mixture cent protein cent fibre cent fat
Total protein
Total fibre
Total fat
Pens 1 an 4 Pens 2 and 5 Pens 3 and 6
16.3% 16.4 16.0
6.8% 4.6 5.3
4.1% 3.2 3.6
Pens 7 and 9 Pens 8 and 10
15.1 14.8
7.1 5.4
4.0 3.4
Pens 1-6 Cost Laying mash Pelleted screenings Wheat Grain Mixture
4. m 3.0 3.5 3.5
lb.
Pens 7-10 3.93(!lb. 3.0
—
3.5
1. Egg Production. The average egg production during each 28-day period and for the whole experiment is shown in detail in Table 2, Section (a). It will be seen that there was no significant difference in egg production among the groups fed the three different scratch grains. The egg production in pen 5 during the early part of the experiment was somewhat lower than the average for the other pens, because of a mild outbreak of bronchitis in this pen during the month of October. The cold weather, which began during the last week in December and continued throughout January, resulted in a drop in egg production of about 4 - 5 % in most of the pens. 2. Maintenance of Body Weight. As will be seen from Table 3, Section (a), the pullets were weighed at regular intervals. The three groups were able to maintain body weight throughout the entire period of the experiment. Gain in weight over the initial weight ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 lb., with an average for pens 1 and 4 of 0.9 lb., pens 2 and 5 of 0.8 lb., and pens 3 and 6 of 0.8 lb. 3. Feed Utilization. Table 4, Section (a), gives a record, for each group of birds in experiment 1, of the feed consumed and cost of feed per dozen eggs produced. The
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porch, and were similar in equipment. Deep litter was used in all pens. A record was made of feed consumption, egg production, and mortality. In so far as possible, management was uniform in all the pens. Laying mash (the composition of which is shown in Table I, Column a) was fed ad lib. in all six pens. This mash had a protein content of 19.7%. From the beginning of egg production until March 31, 1950, the three scratches were fed at the rate of 2 oz. per bird per
780
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH TABLE 2.—Average egg production
(b) Expt riment 2 Prod, for 240 days Pens 7-10» (dup. lots)
Percent
Pen No.
Aug,
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
1
11.3
56.9
66.9
70.6
69.6
62.6
57.1
% 59.0
Pen total ave.
64.0
67.0
62.7
59.81
4
2.3
37.6
65.4
75.3
75.6
62.6
61.1
54.6
65.4
69.0
57.7
60.3J
2
11.3
57.3
70.1
69.0
69.3
60.4
55.0
59.7
65.2
64.3
71.3
60.51
5
2.2
33.5
53.8
70.3
64.6
57.9
55.0
56.6
61.2
68.0
67.3
57.3J
3
12.9
54.1
69.5
76.6
75.0
66.9
63.2
58.6
63.1
64.0
71.3
61.51
6
2.5
29.9
61.3
72.0
70.3
66.9
68.2
63.2
61.0
66.6
78.3
60.2}
59.2
61.8
62.31
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Ave. for dup. pens
7
61.1
67.6
67.1
60.4
59.3
9
55.7
69.6
73.6
62.0
66.1
60.5
59.8
63.8 J
8
45.1
68.6
71.8
68.3
63.9
60.5
54.0
61.71
10
44.5
70.0
69.2
65.2
68.9
68.2
66.4
64.6j
No. of eggs Pen total ave.
Ave. for dup. pens
179.51 60.1
58.9
60.9
63.1
63.2
181.Oj
180.3
181.61 171.9J 184.61 I8S.3J 136.31 140.OJ
176.8
185.0
138.2
135.21 140.7 J
138.0
* Test period started August 16 for birds in pen 7; September 1 for birds in pens 8-10, which were hatched two weeks later than those in pen 7.
TABLE 3.—Average weights of birds during experimental period Gain in weight August (Lb.)
October (Lb.)
December (Lb.)
April (Lb.)
End test (Lb.)
1
3.7
4.0
4.4
4.7
4.7
4
3.5
4.0
4.4
4.5
4.3
2
3.7
4.0
4.6
4.5
4.3
0.8J 0.61
5
3.4
3.8
4.4
4.4
4.3
0.9J
3
3.6
4.1
4.5
4.6.
4.5
0.91
6
3.4
4.1
4.4
4.4
4.1
0.7J
7
3.5
4.1
4.4
4.5
1.0
9
3.1
4.0
4.3
4.4
1.3
8
3.0
4.0
4.3
4.4
1.4]
10
3.2
4.0
4.4
4.3
1.1J
) Experiinent 1 Pens 1-6 (dup. lots)
Pen
(b) Expe riment 2 Pens 7-10 (dup. lots)
c«
Pen ave. (Lb.)
Ave. dup. pens (Lb.)
1
0.9
0.8
0.8
1.2
f
1.3
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(a) Experim
Average egg production (hen-day basis)
781
PELLETED FEED SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH FEED TABLE 4—-Feed consumption
Pen No.
(b) Experiment 2 Pen 7-10 (dup . lots)
3
Pen ave. (Lbs.)
1
2.781
4
2.83J
2
2.78
5
2.92
3
2.651
6
, 2.77J
7
2.981
9
3.16J
8
3.061
10
3.02f
Ave. dup. pens (Lbs.) 2.81 2.85 2.71
3.07
Scratch consumed Pen ave. (Lbs.) 2.34 2.16 2.291 2.42J 2.271 2.15J 2.511 3.04J
3.04
2.751 2.62J
Ave. dup. pens (Lbs.) 2.25 2.36 2.21
2.78
2.69
Total feed consumed* Per dozen eggs produced Pen total (Lbs.) 5.24 5.10 5.20 5.49 5.04 5.03 5.631 6.35J 5.951 5.80J
Ave. of dup. pens (Lbs.) 5.17 5.35 5.04
5.99
5.88
Total cost of feedt Per dozen eggs produced Pen total
(0 19.881 19.55J 20.88 21.91 20.27 20.35
Ave. of dup. pens
(0
19.72 21.40
20.31
20.40) 22.78J 22.921 22.28J
21.59
22.60
* Total feed consumed includes mash, scratch, the extra whey and corn fed during cold weather, and oyster shell. t Total cost of feed includes cost of mash, scratch, extra whey and corn fed during cold weather, and oyster shell fed ad lib. Cost of mash for experiment 1 was 4.180 per lb.; for experiment 2, 3.930 per lb.; cost of pelleted screenings was 3.00 per lb.; of wheat, 3.50 per lb., and of grain mixture, 3.50 per lb.
data show that there was no significant difference in the consumption of mash and scratch. The mash consumption ranged from 2.71 to 2.85 lb. per dozen eggs produced. The amount of scratch showed very slight variations, despite differences in fibre content. The fibre content of the ration in which pelleted screenings was used was about 2% higher than that in which wheat was used. The fat content of the pelleted screenings ration, however, was almost 1% higher than that of the wheat ration; consequently the energy content of the two rations did not differ a great deal. 4. Costs. Using June, 1950 prices as a basis, the average cost of feed per dozen eggs produced in experiment 1 during the 300-day period was calculated. Data are summarized in Table 4, Section (a). Costs included mash, scratch, oyster shell, and the supplementary whey and corn which were fed during the severe winter weather. On this basis the following costs were obtained:
Pens 1 and 4 Pelleted Screenings Pens 2 and 5 Wheat Pens 3 and 6 Grain Mixture
19.72ji per dozen 21.40)4 per dozen 20.3lfi per dozen
5. Decrease in Population. The health of the birds appeared to be satisfactory throughout the experiment, except for a mild attack of bronchitis in pen 5 during October. The main causes of death were leucosis, internal laying, impacted oviduct, prolapse and "pickout." Culls were removed regularly throughout the laying period in accordance with what is considered good practice on commercial poultry farms. The actual percent decrease in population which occurred among these experimental lots during the 300-day period (Table 5, Section a) closely approximates that which commonly occurs in commercial poultry flocks. EXPERIMENT 2
The object of the second experiment was similar to that of experiment 1, that is, to evaluate pelleted screenings as com-
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Experiment 1 Pens 1-6 (dup. lots)
-
Mash consumed
and cost of feed per dozen eggs produced
782
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH TABLE 5.—Decrease in population
Pen No.
Reason for decrease
1
Mortality Culled
Esperimen Pens 1-6 00-day perio
1 7
Oct.
7 2
Nov.
Dec.
4 3
1 2
Jan.
2
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
3 5
1 11
3
2 2
1 8
2 1
4 1
2 2
1 7
2
1
3 2
3 1 2
June
Total
Indiv. pen
21 44 65
37.21
3 27
21 5* 75
43.3]
14
25 47 72
42.3
5 4
22
26 55 81
46.2J
2 6
2 10
.7
27 39 66
38. l l
3 10
5 15
3 8
29 « 73
40.9J
12
40.2
9
4 2
5 5
3
6 11
1 2
3 7
3 1
Mortality Culled
2
4 1
2 4
4 10
3
Mortality Culled
3
5 9 l' 5
5 2
4 6
7
6
Mortality Culled
1
4 4
4 1
2 3
3 2
1
7
Mortality Culled
4
1 1
3 7
4 6
5 2
7
2 3
4 4
30 23 53
29.4[
9
Mortality Culled
1 2
2
1 5
2 3
1 3
3 4
1 2
5 4
14 25 39
25.OJ
Mortality Culled
1 1
3 7
3 8
5
3
7 4
3 13
5 S
27 42 68
38.2[
Mortality Culled
2
4 • 11
1
4 3
2 4'
4 2
25 23 48
36.6J
Mortality Culled
1
2
Mortality Culled
5
8 10
2
2 3 2
3 •2 '
.
pared with a grain mixture. In experiment 2, the protein content of the laying mash used (Table 1, Column b) was 17.3%, instead of 19.7% as in the other experiment. It was of interest to determine the effect of a difference of 2.4% protein in the laying mash on the rate of egg production, feed utilization, cost, and decrease in population. The experiment was carried out in duplicate under conditions similar to those pertaining in experiment 1, except that in this case there were 180 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets in each pen, and the period of egg production was 240 days from the start of lay. The laying mash was fed ad lib. in all four pens. Scratch was fed at the rate of 2 oz. per bird per day until April 1 (about seven months from start of lay), when a reduction to If oz. was made. On April 15 a further reduction to 1J oz. was made in order to increase mash consumption and help maintain egg production, which was beginning to decline.
44.2
39.0
27.2
' ' n("
5 1
2
Average of dup. pens
37.4
Results and Discussion 1. Egg Production. The rate of egg production for each 28-day period is shown in Table 2, Section (b). The data indicate that there were no significant differences in egg production between the groups of birds fed pelleted screenings and those receiving the grain mixture. The average egg production of birds in pens 7 and 9 was 63.1%; that of birds in pens 8 and 10 was 63.2% for the 240-day period. 2. Maintenance of Body Weight. The pullets in pens 7-10 were weighed four times during the experimental period, as is shown in Table 3, Section (b). Both groups maintained body weight throughout the period, and the average gains for the duplicate lots were 1.2 and 1.3 lb. respectively. 3. Feed Utilization. The birds in pens 7 and 9, receiving pelleted screenings, required an average of 2.78 lb. of pellets per dozen eggs produced, while those in pens 8 and 10, receiving grain mixture, required 2.69 lb. of the grain mixture per
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(b) Experiment 2 Pens 7-10 240-day period
1
Sept.
1
4
3 ™
Percent decrease Aug.
783
PELLETED F E E D SCREENINGS AS SCRATCH F E E D
GENERAL DISCUSSION
It will be seen from Table 1 that the ingredients in the 19.7% and the 17.3% protein mashes were, with few exceptions, identical. The exceptions were the additional 2.5% meat scrap, the 1.25% distillers' dried solubles, and the .025% manganese sulfate per ton in the 19.7% protein laying mash. If mash and scratch had been fed in equal amounts, the different groups would have received the following amounts of protein, fat and fibre in the various rations:
Protein
Pens 1 and 4 Pelleted Screenings Pens 2 and 5 Wheat Pens 3 and 6 Grain Mixture Pens 7 and 9 Pelleted Screenings Pens 8 and 10 Grain Mixture
Fibre
Fat
Energy value Cals./lb.
%
%
%
16.3
.6.8
4.1
867
16.4
4.6
3.2
919
16.0
5.3
3.6
888
15.1
7.1
4.0
848
14.8
5.4
3.4
868
In feeding the different scratches, the intention was to feed somewhat more than 50% mash at all times. An adjustment of the amount of scratch to be fed in each pen was therefore made weekly. As a result, the ratio of mash/scratch for pens 1-6 for the 300-day period was 53.5%/46.5% for duplicate pens receiving pelleted screenings; 53%/47% for pens receiving wheat; 53%/47% for pens receiving the grain mixture. The ratio of mash/scratch for pens 7-10 over a 240day period was 52%/48%. The record of egg production shows that all rations supplied sufficient of each of the nutrients to maintain good production. The average production for pens 1-6 was 60% over a 300-day period, and that of pens 7-10 was 6 3 % over a 240-day period—all calculations on a hen-day basis. The experimental period for pens 7-10 was terminated at 240 days because these birds were required for experimental studies on another project. There were no significant differences in egg production among groups receiving pelleted screenings, wheat or grain mixture. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in egg production between groups receiving the 19.7% protein mash and those receiving the 17.3% mash. Analysis of feed requirements per dozen eggs produced by the birds in pens 1-6 shows that there were no significant differences among lots receiving pelleted screenings, wheat or grain mixture. The
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dozen eggs produced. Both groups consumed approximately the same amount of mash, namely, 3.07 and 3.04 lb. respectively, per dozen eggs produced. (Table 4, Section b). It would appear, therefore, that there was a slight difference in feed utilization in favour of the birds receiving the grain mixture, and that efficiency was in the utilization of the scratch rather than of the mash. 4. Costs. The cost of feed per dozen eggs produced is shown in Table 4, Section (b), for the birds in experiment 2. In one of the pens receiving the pelleted screenings the cost was slightly lower per dozen eggs produced than in the pens receiving the grain mixture, despite the fact that the birds on the grain mixture showed a somewhat better feed utilization. When the averages for the two groups of pens are compared, however, the difference in cost amounts to a saving of 1^ per dozen eggs produced, in favour of the birds receiving pelleted screenings. 5. Decrease in Population. The decrease in population in pens 7-10 is shown in Table 5, Section (b). The main causes of death were leucosis complex and nonspecific disorders such as internal laying, prolapse, and "pickout." The percentage decrease in population varied only slightly from that of birds in pens 1-6.
784
J. BIELY, D. COOPER AND B. MARCH
(4.6%) high-energy (919 Cals./lb.) value of the ration. From the results of these experiments it has been shown that Pelleted Screenings, a feed composed mainly of ground No. 1 Feed Screenings, with small amounts of Cereal Grass and Oat Groats, may be fed to laying hens without adverse effect on egg production, feed utilization, and maintenance of body weight. When fed at an approximate level of 50% of the total feed intake, pelleted screenings, as a scratch feed, is equal in value to wheat, or to a grain mixture of wheat, oats, barley and corn. It has also been shown that a 17.3% protein laying mash may be used in place of a 19.7% mash along with the above scratch mixtures without an adverse effect on egg production. On the 17.3% mash, however, slightly more feed (0.75 lb.) was required per dozen eggs produced. Considering the greater feed utilization, it would appear that from a cost point of view the 19.7% protein mash was more efficient than the 17.3% mash when fed in approximately a 50/50 ratio with various scratch mixtures. SUMMARY
1. A pelleted feed (Pelleted Screenings) composed of 80% #1 Feed Screenings, 15% Oat Groats and 5% dehydrated Cereal Grass, was evaluated as a substitute for wheat as the only scratch grain, and a four-grain scratch mixture consisting of 60 parts of wheat, 20 parts of oats, 10 parts of barley, and 10 parts of corn, when fed to laying birds in conjunction with a 19.7% and a 17.3% protein mash. The comparison was based on egg production, maintenance of body weight, feed utilization, cost, and decrease in population. 2. Three groups of birds in duplicate were fed the 19.7% laying mash with
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amount of feed required by these birds to produce one dozen eggs ranged from 5.04 to 5.35 lb. The average cost of the feed consumed ranged from 19.72ff to 21.40^ per dozen eggs produced, using as a basis the 1950 prices. Feed requirements per dozen eggs produced by the birds in pens 7-10 showed no significant differences between lots receiving pelleted screenings and those receiving the grain mixture. Feed consumption ranged from 5.88 to 5.99 lb. per dozen eggs produced, and the cost ranged from 21.59^ to 22.60f<. Approximately 0.75 lb. more feed was required per dozen eggs produced on the 17.3% mash as compared with the 19.7% mash. This increased the cost by slightly over l|ji per dozen eggs. The energy value of both rations appeared to be sufficient for adequate maintenance of body weight, while at the same time sustaining good egg production. Although it would appear from Table 3 that the birds on the 17.3% mash showed greater gain in body weight than did those on the 19.7% mash, it should be noted that birds in pens 7-10 were hatched later, and therefore when first weighed had not reached the same stage of maturity as the birds in pens 1-6. The decrease in population (mortality and culls) in all pens closely approximated that of a commercial flock. Birds were culled regularly but not drastically, except at the termination of the experiment, when they were being selected for breeding purposes. Pen 8 was culled more rigidly than the others, since more cowing occurred in this pen. Cowed birds were removed before cannibalism developed. It is interesting to note that cannibalism was most prevalent in the two pens fed wheat as the sole scratch grain. This was probably due, at least in part, to the low-fibre
785
A.F.M.A. AWARD
4. The average percentage of egg production on a hen-day basis was practically the same in the groups receiving 19.7% protein as in the groups receiving 17.3% protein in the mash. The efficiency of feed utilization per dozen eggs, however, was greater with the 19.7% protein mash. As a consequence, when fed in approximately equal amounts with scratch grain, the 19.7% protein mash was more economical than the 17.3% protein laying mash. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are greatly indebted to Buckerfield's Ltd., Vancouver, B. C , for their financial assistance, and to Mr. J. K. Clarke of Buckerfield's Ltd. for his continued interest in the project.
American Feed Manufacturers' Association Award This is an annual award given for distinctive work demonstrating sound research in poultry nutrition supplemented by capacity for research. The prize, instituted by the Nutrition Council of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association, shall consist of one thousand dollars to be presented at the annual meeting. The award is made annually. Any person residing in the United States or Canada shall be eligible to receive this award. The recipient need not be a member of the Poultry Science Association. The award shall not necessarily be made upon the basis of nominations. The committee may ask for nominations from the membership of the Association. The work must be original in the field of poultry nutrition. Review articles will not be considered. Only research done at public institu--
tions, hospitals, and similar organizations will be considered. Research work published in the two preceding calendar years will be considered for the award. The announcement concerning the offering of the award and the rules governing the selection of the candidates shall be published in Poultry Science. The recipient of the award will be named at the time of the annual meeting but will also be honored at the regular meeting of the American Feed Manufacturers' Association the following spring. The winners of the Award were: 1948—H. R. Bird, U. S. Department of Agriculture Research Centre, Beltsville, Md. 1949—J. P. McGinnis, Washington State College, Pullman. 1950—W. W. Cravens, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
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scratch as follows: pens 1 and 4, pelleted screenings; pens 2 and 5, wheat only; pens 3 and 6, grain mixture of 60 parts wheat, 20 parts oats, 10 parts barley, and 10 parts corn. Two groups in duplicate were fed the 17.3% laying mash with scratch as follows: pens 7 and 9, pelleted screenings; pens 8 and 10, grain mixture as above. The experiment was started with approximately 172 Leghorn pullets each in pens 1 to 6 and 180 Leghorn pullets each in pens 7 to 10. 3. The data show that pelleted screenings could replace wheat or a grain mixture as a scratch feed when fed at approximately equal amounts with laying mash containing 19.7% or 17.3% protein respectively.