Avian Production Management

AGE AT SEXUAL MATURITY 

Age at sexual maturity (days)/Age at start of lay

• For a flock of layer pullets, age in days at which 5 % egg production level is reached is considered as the age at maturity. It usually falls within 21^st week of age. Sometimes the level may be reached even at 19^th or 20^th week which is not desirable. It happens when additional night lighting is given to growers indiscriminately even after six weeks of age
• If laying starts early, the eggs laid are smaller in size which continue to be so for long time, thus affecting the egg price and in turn, the profitability
• Adopt lighting schedule for growers as advised
• Strain of the bird and quality of feed are two other factors influencing age at start of lay of eggs