LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

PRE-LAYER NUTRITION

• The goal of managing the layers is to attain the greatest number of eggs in the desired weight range at the most efficient cost per dozen. To attain this goal the birds should be fed correctly during both the growing and egg production phases.
• The layer pullet should be started and maintained on a feed programme that provides all the known required nutrients for growth and sexual development. The objective is to be certain that the pullet reaches the target body weight during each week of growth. Uniformity of the body weight is also critical to achieving the goals of efficient and high production.
• The rations used must be adequate to achieve the targeted body weights and uniformity under normal environmental conditions. A more consideration may be required to attain the desired results to counter the effects of over-crowding, disease challenges, high temperatures, poor ventilation, stress the birds etc. Feed consumption level should be monitored constantly during stress to make appropriate adjustments in the formulas.
• The feeds used should contain all the essential amino acids, vitamins, energy and other non-energy nutrients. Body weight measurements of the pullets should be taken beginning at 7 days and taken weekly thereafter.
• The recommended ration for the first eight weeks of the birds’ life is a 'chick ration'. If eight weeks target body weight recommended by the breeder is obtained in time, the ration can be changed to a 'grower ration'. If, however, the body weights are low, the flock should remain on a starter ration until the 8 week target body weight is attained.
• The grower ration is designed to be fed from 8 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. If the flock is not achieving the targets for body weights, adjustments should be made in the nutrient levels of the feed to achieve these goals. This is why monitoring of a flock’s body weight is very important. The birds will, in effect, dictate which diet they should be getting by virtue of their body weights and uniformity.
• At 15 weeks of age, many feeding programmes recommend the use of a 'pre-lay diet' from that age to just prior to the onset of egg production. This is an acceptable approach, as long as care is taken to ensure that the flock is changed to a 'layer ration' as soon as they come into production.
• When body weight is more than target, an earlier change to the next phase feed and/or slight feed restriction may be applied. Excessive fat deposition can have negative results in liveability and production, therefore monitoring body conformation is also important.