CAGE TYPE EFFECTS ON FEEDING-ACTIVITY OF 3 COMMERCIAL STRAINS OF EGG-TYPE CHICKENS

The effect of strain and cage type (four hens in deep 30.5 .times. 45.7-cm or shallow 45.7 .times. 30.5-cm cages) on feeding activity of three commercial strains of laying hens were studied. Feeding activity and consumption were recorded throughout two separate photoperiods. Feed consumption was measured at 3-hr intervals. There were no significant effects from strain. Various patterns existed in the number of hens observed feeding and in feed consumption. Heaviest feed intake occurred in the early portion of the day with consumption steadily declining thereafter. Early in the photoperiod, hens in the shallow cages consumed more feed than did hens in the deep cages and vice versa after midday.