Avian Production Management

BODY WEIGHT AT MATURITY 

• This character decides feed efficiency, egg number and egg weight
• The body weight of layers at start of lay has to be optimal; it should neither be low nor high
• Low body weight indicates poor growth of egg forming female reproductive tract, which in turn will result in poor egg production and egg weight
• Higher body weight at maturity will lead to higher feed consumption and reduced persistency 
• If higher body weight is due to high abdominal fat, the same will obstruct infundibulum and affect egg production
• Strain and feed quality also influence this character