Evaluation of the Economic and Environmental Impact of Amino Acid Based Laying Rations

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE93-009.

The main objective of the project was to evaluate the impact of amino acid adjusted layer rations on 1) the performance of laying hens, 2)nitrogen content of chicken manure, 3) the feed cost of producing eggs using the amino acid adjusted ration.

In summary, the test results showed that birds fed amino acid adjusted ration performed slightly below the control birds in egg production, but still higher than the strain standard. Birds fed the amino acid adjusted ration had a better feed efficiency as measured by pounds of feed per dozen eggs than the control birds fed higher level of crude protein. The test birds on amino acid adjusted ration excreted significantly less nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen than the control birds. These results indicate that that use of amino acid adjusted ration for laying hens could positively impact the environment by reducing the amount of nitrogen excreted in the manure. It also improved the overall laying house environment by reducing the amount of ammonia nitrogen excreted in the manure.

• FNE93-009 Final Report