Summary 



Restricted feeding of growing pullets has been investigated in a series of 

 seven experiments conducted over a six-year period. Heavy breed and light 

 breed stock was used, range and confinement rearing was practiced, feed 

 restriction on a time and poundage basis was studied, and the combined 

 effects of artificial lighting and restricted feeding were investigated. 



Restricted feeding of mash on a 4-hour time basis, supplemented with 

 whole oats to equal 25 percent of the total feed, results in only moderate 

 feed restriction. In one experiment there was essentially no restriction of 

 mash consumption when mash was available for 4 hours daily during the 

 period 16 to 20 weeks of age. 



Restricting the feed during the growing period 20 percent or more on 

 a poundage basis decreases feed intake, reduces pullet weight, and delays 

 sexual maturity 8 to 9 days. Restricting the feed had no significant effect 

 on subsequent egg production, egg weight on any calendar date, laying 

 house mortality, or percentage of hatching eggs. Differences which did 

 develop tended to favor restricted feeding. 



Range-reared and confinement-reared pullets, and heavy breed and light 

 breed stock react in the same manner to restricted feeding. 



November-hatched pullets subjected to 14-hour lighting and restricted 

 feeding react in essentially the same manner and to the same degree as 

 pullets managed only on a restricted feeding basis. Artificial lighting effects 

 and restricted feeding effects are not additive in altering sexual maturity 

 and associated factors. Hence either artificial lighting, restricted feeding, 

 or the combination of both management practices will produce the same 

 end results. 



Recommendations 



The outstanding advantage of a restricted feeding program lies in the feed 

 saved and the resulting economy in the cost of growing a pullet. For this 

 reason it is recommended to those who wish to use it. Like any feeding 

 system, good management and sound judgement are important factors in 

 the successful operation of a restricted feeding program. 



Since restricted feeding differs markedly from feeding systems in com- 

 mon usage in the past, perhaps a few suggestions and cautions for oper- 

 ation of the program will be helpful. 



Suggestions 



1. To be most successful, restricted feeding should be started when the 

 pullets are six to eight weeks of age. 



2. Restrict 20 percent on a poundage basis. 



3. Feed twice daily. 



4. Amount to feed. One of the more difficult aspects of the program is 

 determination of the amount of feed to be used each day. Table 6 may 

 be used as a restricted feeding guide. As the name implies, it is only 



15 



