Further Studies on the Response of Saudi Baladi (local) Chickens to Different Levels of Protein

Al-Yousef, Y. and Najib, H. 1997. Further studies on the response of Saudi Baladi (local) layers to different levels of protein. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 12: 169-172. In view of insufficient information available on protein requirement of Saudi Arabian birds an attempt has been made to determine dietary level of protein required for optimum performance of Saudi Baladi layers. One hundred fifty Baladi layers (21 wk) housed in 30 cages were fed on 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18% CP containing diets (5 cages per dietary treatment). Varying protein levels from 14 to 17% had practically no effect on egg production, egg weight, egg mass, specific gravity, feed conversion, haugh unit etc. It has been concluded that 14% CP is optimum in the diet of Saudi Baladi layers.