Whole and ground corn in different feeding systems for brown laying hens

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and egg quality of semi-heavy layers fed diets with different particle sizes of corn in two feeding systems (4x2 factorial) using 256 birds in 32 cages from 46 weeks of age. The particle sizes used were round, 3.198 mu m, 1254 mu m and 663 mu m, and the feed systems complete and of free choice. The experiment lasted for four periods of 28 days. Food intake (g/bird/day), egg production (% eggs/hen/day), egg weight (g), specific gravity (g/cm(3)), egg mass (g), energy consumption (kcal/bird/day) and protein intake (g/bird/day) were evaluated. In the method of free choice, the different textures did not affect growth performance. The quality of eggs was not affected by the different particle sizes of corn and the feed systems. In the method of free choice there was a reduction in protein intake, except for corn grain. In the medium and coarse particle sizes the complete system provides a higher number of eggs in relation to the free choice system.