Title: The Cage Versus the Deep Litter System for the Management of Layers in the Humid Tropics
Abstract: Rhode Island Red and White Rock totalling 450 were randomised to an open sided deep litter house and two cage systems that differed structurally. In each housing system, the birds were randomised to three nutritional regimes that were practically isocaloric but different in crude protein percentages (15, 18 and 21%). Birds in the cages produced significantly (P < 0.05) at higher rates (59.1, 61.4%) and laid heavier eggs (53.9, 54.5 g.) than those on deep litter whose percentage production and average egg size were respectively 55.8 and 51.0. The superiority of the cage tended to be greater when its structural design permitted better ventilation and layer’s diet furnished up to at least 18% protein (N × 6.25). Body weight gain was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by housing system but was significantly (P < 0.05) greater for White Rock than for Rhode Island Red. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the efficiency of feed utilisation, carcass percentage, the water, protein and fat contents of the egg.