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Non-Ruminant Production (Layer Management), Savithrii Pillay A/P K.…
Non-Ruminant Production (Layer Management)
Housing Systems
Open Housed vs Closed housed
Aviary
Free - range
Battery Cages
Furnished Cages
Caged System vs Floor System
A-type vs H-type
Brooding Management
Heat Management
Optimal temperature: 35-36°C
Negative effects of low body temperature in chicks
● Dull and depressed, inappetence
● Immunocompromised/immunosuppression
● Susceptible to bacterial diseases
● Increased first week mortality
● BW loss in survivors
Relative Humidity
Optimal humidity: 60-70%
Too high: Wet litter condition and certain diseases like parasites, coccidiosis may crop in.
Too low: Dried up atmosphere and result in poor feathering
Water and feed
Essential for feed intake
and digestion
Optimal water temperature: 18 - 22˚C
Homogenous mash feed: Good and even feed and nutrient intake
Water temperature too high
Refuse to drink
Refuse to eat if do not drink
Transfer and Start of Lay
Transfer Guidelines
Transfer at 15-17 weeks
To be completed before appearance of the first eggs at 18 weeks
Complete within a day
Late transfer or long transfer period leads to delayed start of lay, higher mortality and high risk floor laying
Lighting Program
Light intensity for 4-7 days
22 hours of light the first day
Help birds in darkest cages find nipples
Reduce light intensity gradually
High light intensity for longer than 7 days increase pecking risk
Feed and Water Consumption
Gradual feed increase to 40% to meet bird's needs
Birds can become dehydrated during transfer
Panting
Pale comb and wattles
Spreading wings away from body
Diarrhea
Lethargic
Limp
Seizures/convulsions
Unresponsive
Temperature Management
Optimal Range: 18 to 25°C.
At elevated temperatures, birds begin to exhibit rapid, shallow, open-mouth breathing (gular reflex) to increase water evaporation
Growth is reduced above 24°C
Severely affected above 28°C
High mortality rates and significant production losses are common at temperatures above 33°C
Feed Management
Factors Affecting Feed Consumption
Body Weight
Performance
House temperature
Condition of feathering
Feed texture
Energy level
Nutrient imbalances
Starter and Grower/Developer Diet
The use of chick starter is recommended if the standard body weight is not reached by feeding grower feed or if the daily feed intake is expected to be low
Pre-Layer Feed
Used for a short period of time
Smooth transition from the developer/grower feed
Avoid the often reduced appetite/daily feed
intake during early production
Correct use can enhance the uniformity of a pullet flock
Phase Feeding
The time for switching diets is determined more by the level of production and the need for calcium rather than by age
Laying phase 1 (22-40 WO)
Laying phase 2 (41-50 WO)
Laying phase 3 (51-60 WO)
Laying phase 4 (61 WO-end of lay)
Lighting Management
Importance
Encourage Growth at Start of Laying
Counteract Decreased Natural Day Length
Control Livability Through Light Intensity Management
Determines onset of sexual maturity and egg production.
Affects feed consumption
Affects egg size, egg production rate, eggshell quality
Impact on cannibalism in the laying chicken
Golden Rule
Pullets should never experience increase in day length until the planned light stimulation start
Never experience a decrease in day length during the production cycle
Step Down/Step Up Programs
Step down lighting in early life to promote growth and feed intake
Step up lighting at 14-15 weeks to stimulate sexual maturity and laying
Midnight Feeding Program
Provide 1.5 to 2 hours of light in the middle of the night to encourage feeding during cooler hours
Benefits
Encouraging feed consumption during cooler hours
Stimulates feed consumption and supports growth at the beginning of the laying period
Focus at the end of lay is not on increasing feed intake but on allowing hens to consume calcium (limestone) during eggshell formation.
Can be discontinued at any time without
negatively impacting production
Cyclical Lighting Program
The 24 hours of the day are divided into cycles of 2,4,6 or 8 hours
Each cycle consists of a specific period of light followed by darkness
Benefits
Improves eggshell color and strength
Extends the time required for egg formation, leading to larger egg size
Promotes preening and delousing, helping manage red mite populations
Supports better bird survival rates and efficient feed utilization.
Savithrii Pillay A/P K. Arunasalam Pillay (D23B0132EF)