Effects were studied of population size, floor area, and feeder space per hen on variables associated with egg production and corticosterone level. A total of 408 White Leghorn-type laying hens was used in this study. Three treatments were observed: 5 hens per cage with 8.6 cm feeder space per hen, 5 hens per cage with 12 cm feeder space per hen, and 7 hens per cage with 8.6 cm feeder space per hen. Both 5-hen treatments had 420 cm2 of cage area per hen, while the 7-hen treatment had 300 cm2. Increased population size, reduced feeder space, and reduced floor area per hen resulted in a significant (P less than .01) decline in percent egg production. Restriction of feeder space was correlated with reduced feed consumption and mortality but not feed conversion, weight gain, and egg size. As cage space allowance increased, feed consumption and weight gain were higher, whereas mortality, feed conversion, and egg weight were lower. No significant (P greater than .05) differences in shell thickness, specific gravity, Haugh unit, throat skin ateromata, claw length, and corticosterone level were observed. Plumage condition and foot health were improved only when floor area allowances increased.

We studied the effect of sulfadiomethoxine and ormetoprim (Rofenaid 40) in combination with lasalocid (Avatec) and monensin (Coban) on mortality, weight gain, and feed conversion of 2592 male broilers to 47 days of age. Four shuttle treatments were utilized: 1) monensin feeding for the entire trial; 2) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by lasalocid for the remainder of the trial; 3) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by monensin; and 4) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding through week 3, then lasalocid for the remainder of the trial. No significant (P greater than .05) differences were observed in mortality among the four treatments. The combination of sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus lasalocid significantly (P less than .01) improved weight gain and final body weight, but the length of time that sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim were fed did not have any effect. Sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus monensin treatment resulted in better feed conversion as compared with the other treatments.