PARENT STOCK MANAGEMENT GUIDE LOHMANN BROWN

Transcription

1 PARENT STOCK MANAGEMENT GUIDE LOHMANN BROWN

2 CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Top Performance by Systematic Selection... 4 Performance Data... 5 Breeding Scheme...6 Body Weights... 7 Body Weight, Feed and Water Consumption... 8 Nutrition General Management Housing Chicks Floor Management Equipment Environment...18 Lighting Hygiene Performance Goals per Hen Housed Performance Goals per Hen Day Vaccination Hatching Egg Care Notes

3 INTRODUCTION Lohmann Brown parents have a long history of systematic selection for a combination of efficient chick production and profitable production of quality brown eggs. The source lines are carefully selected for combining ability. The cross of male line males with female line females is color-sexable, i.e. male and female chicks can be seperated quickly and accurately Genetic selection within the pure lines is a continueing process to assure that LOHMANN Brown parents and commercial layers meet market requirements and produce more profit than other strains. Depending on management and age at depletion, Lohmann Brown parents may average more than 100 pullets per dame and pullets per sire, each laying about 300 eggs per year. Egg quality at the parent and commercial level depends on a combination of genetic potential and non-genetic factors (health, nutrition, light, temperature, air quality, technical environment). It pays to control the non-genetic variables in order to help the birds express their genetic potential. without the stress of vent-sexing. Each parent flock is a significant investment. To maximise return on investment, good management practices are required. This guide contains management recommendations based on comprehensive international experience. Local conditions may require specific adaptations of management practices to achieve optimal results. We trust that our management recommendations in this guide for LOHMANN Brown parent stock will help to improve your technical results from flock to flock. Keep accurate records and contact your area representative of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT for more detailed information. 3

4 TOP PERFORMANCE BY SYSTEMATIC SELECTION LOHMANN TIERZUCHT had a good start in 1959 when modern egg-type breeding began in Cuxhaven / Germany: pure lines with a history of excellent combining ability were obtained with a licence agreement from Heisdorf & Nelson Farms, at that time one of the leading poultry breeding companies in the USA. A method called reciprocal recurrent selection was applied to these lines gradually improving all economically relevant traits: r livability and desease resistance r hen housed number of saleable eggs r efficiency of feed conversion r external and internal egg quality r egg income over feed cost The success of this breeding program is documented with Random Sample Test results and field performance from around the world. With the help of powerful electronic data processing systems it has become possible to use virtually millions of individual observations from several generations to calculate breeding values for all individuals available for selection. Individual and family records are collected on pure line hens in single or group cages on LOHMANN TIERZUCHT`s own pedigree farms, where a high bio-security standard is maintained. Cross-line hens are tested in different farms on several continents, to ensure that family selection is based on management conditions, feed quality and health status of average egg producing farms. LOHMANN TIERZUCHT experts in genetics, nutrition, poultry health and general management are always in close contact with collegues at the scientific and applied level to ensure that advice given to costumers reflects the latest information available. 4

5 PERFORMANCE DATA Egg Production Age at 50 % Production weeks Peak Production at weeks Eggs per Hen Housed to 68 weeks of age to 72 weeks of age No. Settable Eggs per Hen Housed to 68 weeks of age to 72 weeks of age No. Saleable Chicks per Hen Housed to 68 weeks of age to 72 weeks of age Hatchability Average % Body Weight Female at 20 weeks kg ( Lbs) at 68 weeks kg ( Lbs) Male at 20 weeks kg ( Lbs) at 68 weeks kg ( Lbs) Feed Consumption 1 week to 20 weeks 8.0 kg (17.6 Lbs) (Male and Female) 21 weeks to 68 weeks 40.0 kg (88.3 Lbs) Liveability Rearing % Laying Period % B 449 5

6 BREEDING SCHEME Pure Lines AX AC BX BC CX CC DX DC Grandparents AX BC CX DC Parents AB CD Commercials ABCD ABCD ABCD 6

7 BODY WEIGHTS LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Week Flock Average Weight at End of Week (in Grams) Females Males lower limit average upper limit average * * depends upon sexual maturity: g higher for hens in production B 449 Variation is possible due to differences in feed composition and environment. 7

8 BODY WEIGHT, FEED AND WATER CONSUMPTION LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Females* Age in Weeks Body Weight Feed Water kcal/ g Consumption Consumption bird/day average minimum maximum g/bird/ cumulative ml/bird cumulative day g day ml ** Variation is possible due to differences in feed composition and environment. B 449 * Males and females have approx. the same feed consumption. ** Depends upon sexual maturity: g higher for hens in production. 8

9 NUTRITION Principles Correct nutrition is a prerequisite to utilize the high genetic performance potential of LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock. Best control on nutrition is achieved by feeding a ready mixed compound feed. The recommended feeding programs concentrate on the essential nutrients and are designed to cover the requirements for top performance in rearing and production. The base for correct nutrition is correct feedstuff evaluation. The following table is giving information on the sources used for the recommendations in this program and on analytical methods for the determination of specific nutrients. Nutrient Source of Information Analytical Method Energy Crude Protein Amino Acids Digestible Amino Acids Calcium Sodium Total Phosphorus Available Phosphorus Chloride Linoleic Acid Results of European Research Institutes Results of European Research Institutes Results of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT and Amino Acid Producers Digestion Coefficients based on Dutch trials Results of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT Results of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT Results of French Availability Studies Results of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT Results of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT N-corrected Metabolizable Energy Method according to Kjeldahl Amino Acid Analyser Flame - Photometry Ultraviolet-Spectroscopy Titration Method acc. to Mohr Gas-Chromatography Anlaysis 9

10 NUTRITION Rearing and Growing Period The recommended feeding program for the rearing and growing period - from day 1 to 5 % production - consists of a Starter/Grower-, a Developer and a Pre-Layer-Feed. The use of a Pre-Layer-Feed for LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock has several advantages. The Pre-Layer-Feed gives a better uniformity due to the higher protein and amino acid content in the critical period of sexual maturation. Individual males and females with weight below standard are given the chance to compensate. The Pre-Layer-Feed has a higher Calcium content than the Developer and improves the shell quality of early maturing hens also at a later age. The Pre-Layer-Feed supplies additional available Phosphorus in the critical period of hormonal changes. The Pre-Layer-Feed prevents from excessive high initial egg weight due to its low Linoleic Acid content. Recommendation for nutrient levels (Growing Period) Recommended level of Metabolizable Energy min. Protein Methionine Methionine + Cystine Digest. M. + C. Lysine Digest. Lysine Tryptophan Threonine Calcium Total Phosphorus Avail. Phosphorus Sodium (Na) Chloride (Cl) Linoleic Acid Starter/Grower Week kcal 11.4 MJ 18.5 % 0.38 % 0.67 % 0.55 % 1.00 % 0.82 % 0.21 % 0.70 % 1.00 % 0.70 % 0.45 % 0.16 % 0.16 % 1.40 % Developer Week kcal 11.2 MJ 15.0 % 0.32 % 0.57 % 0.46 % 0.67 % 0.55 % 0.16 % 0.52 % 0.90 % 0.58 % 0.37 % 0.16 % 0.16 % 1.00 % Pre-Lay Week 17-5 % Prod kcal 11.2 MJ 17.5 % 0.36 % 0.68 % 0.56 % 0.85 % 0.70 % 0.20 % 0.60 % 2.00 % 0.65 % 0.45 % 0.16 % 0.16 % 1.00 % B 449 LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock should be fed ad libitum during the growing period. Feed density and quality as described before will cover the body weight and consumption targets according to the table on page 8. 10

11 NUTRITION Laying Period For maximum hatching egg production and optimum hatchability a phase feeding program is recommended. Since the requirements for specific nutrients like essential amino acids, calcium, available phosphorus and linoleic acid are changing with age, a program with at least 2 phases is recommended. Feed Consumption The level of feed intake in the production period is mainly affected by Inhouse temperature Low temperature increases the maintenance requirement for energy Condition of feathering A bad condition due to management mistakes or malnutrition increases the maintenance requirement for energy Feed texture Coarse texture increases, fine texture decreases feed intake Energy level The higher the energy level, the lower the feed intake and vice versa Recommended Macro-Nutrient Specification per kg of Feed for LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock at different daily Feed Consumption Phase 1 (20 - ~ 50 weeks of age) Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumption* g/hen/day 105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g Crude Protein % 17.50% 16.70% 16.00% Methionine % 0.36% 0.35% 0.33% Methionine + Cystine % 0.68% 0.66% 0.63% Digest. M. + C % 0.56% 0.54% 0.52% Lysine % 0.79% 0.76% 0.73% Digest. Lysine % 0.65% 0.62% 0.59% Tryptophan % 0.19% 0.18% 0.17% Threonine % 0.56% 0.54% 0.52% Calcium % 3,80% 3.65% 3.50% Total Phosphorus % 0.58% 0.56% 0.53% Avail. Phosphorus % 0.40% 0.38% 0.37% Sodium (Na) % 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% Chloride (Cl) % 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% Linoleic Acid % 1.80% 1.75% 1.70% *includes the quantity for males B

12 NUTRITION Phase 2 (after ~ 50 weeks of age) Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumption* g/hen/day 105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g Crude Protein % 16.40% 15.70% 15.00% Methionine % 0.35% 0.33% 0.32% Methionine + Cystine % 0.65% 0.62% 0.59% Digest. M. + C % 0.54% 0.51% 0.49% Lysine % 0.79% 0.72% 0.69% Digest. Lysine % 0.62% 0.59% 0.57% Tryptophan % 0.18% 0.17% 0.17% Threonine % 0.53% 0.50% 0.48% Calcium % 4.00% 3.80% 3.70% Total Phosphorus % 0.49% 0.47% 0.45% Avail. Phosphorus % 0.34% 0.32% 0.31% Sodium (Na) % 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% Chloride (Cl) % 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% Linoleic Acid % 1.35% 1.30% 1.25% *includes the quantity for males B 449 In the tables with recommended nutrient levels per kg of LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock feed different daily feed consumption is taken into consideration. An average daily feed consumption of 115 g can be expected with a feed containing 11.4 MJ = 2720 kcal metabolizable energy per kg at an inhouse temperature of 22 C and good feather quality. 12

13 NUTRITION Micro-Nutrients The supplementation of parent stock feed with micro-nutrients like essential vitamins, trace elements and substances like antioxidants, coccidiostats and organic acids are essential for maximum hatching egg production and hatchability. By adding these micro-nutrients in suitable quantities, varying contents in the raw materials are compensated and the correct supply to the parent stock is safeguarded. Heat Treatment As a preventive measure against salmonella and other bacteria/viruses a heat treatment of the feed is sometimes applied. Depending upon the treatment technique the efficiency of specific micro-nutrients can be damaged. These micro-nutrients must therefore be added in higher quantities. According to our experience mainly Vitamin A an K 3 are affected. For further details contact LOHMANN TIERZUCHT feed formulation service. Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification for LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Supplements Starter/ Developer Pre-Lay Layer per kg feed Grower Vitamin A I.U Vitamin D3 I.U Vitamin E mg ** ** ** ** Vitamin K3 mg Vitamin B1 mg (Thiamin) Vitamin B2 mg (Riboflavin) Vitamin B6 mg (Pyridoxin) Vitamin B12 mcg Pantothenic Acid mg Nicotinic Acid mg Folic Acid mg Biotin mcg Cholinchloride mg Antioxidant mg * * * * Coccidiostat as required as required Organic Acids as required** as required** as required** as required** Manganese mg 100 Zinc mg 60 Iron mg 25 Copper mg 5 Cobalt mg 0.1 Iodine mg 0.5 Selenium mg 0.2 * Depending on fat content in the diet and storage conditions ** Contact Lohmann Tierzucht feed formulation service 13

14 GENERAL MANAGEMENT Daily Control Check at least once a day: health status temperature ventilation feed and water supply lighting mortality When assessing the state of health, do not just go by the general impression and mortality rate, but also take note of feed and water consumption and the condition of droppings. Water Supply Clean water is just as important as good feed for top performance. If you are using your own water supply, let the quality regularly check. Too high salt levels in drinking-water can cause persistent damage to shell quality. Rearing of Males Males may be reared together with the females from day one, but see also next page. Mating Ratio Depending on environmental conditions, the mating ratio ranges between 8 and 10 males per 100 females. In controlled environment, usually 8-9 males per 100 females are sufficient. In open houses with slatted floors and hot climate 9-10 males per 100 females are recommended. More males than needed cause disturbance in the flock, resulting in reduced fertility. Beak Trimming Normally beak trimming is not necessary. But beak trimming can be recommended to prevent cannibalism or featherpicking. Such behaviour sometimes occurs under certain environmental conditions such as, for example, open houses with very bright light. In practice the following recommendations and precautions have proved advisable: trim only healthy, unstressed birds, trim at the age of 5-6 weeks, allow only experienced personnel to do the work, work slowly and carefully, use only equipment and blades in perfect working order; adjust the blade temperature so that cauterisation is guaranteed and the beak is not damaged, do not feed for 12 hours before trimming, offer free feeding immediately after trimming, increase the level of feed in the troughs, increase the temperature in the house for a few days after trimming, for 3-5 days after beak trimming provide an extra hour of light and supply feed in the late evening or at night, giving vitamins via the drinking-water can also help to alleviate stress, males are generally not beak trimmed. 14

15 HOUSING CHICKS Before the Arrival of Chicks 1. Before bringing in the chicks, check that everything is in good working order. 2. Warm up the house in good time. In summer start heating at least 24 hours and in winter at least 48 hours before the chicks arrive. 3. Distribute feed and water. The water should have room temperature by the time the chicks arrive. 4. In the case of cage rearing adjust the cage floors and feeding grids according to the manufacturer`s instructions. On the Arrival of Chicks 1. Unload all chick boxes and distribute them in the house. Remove lids and put them loosely on top of the boxes. 2. Quickly place the chicks near feeders and drinkers. For cage raring distribute the chicks evenly among the cages starting at the far end of the house. 3. After placing the chicks, again check the working order of equipment and the temperature. 4. Place males under separate brooders (at least 2 brooders), or into a warmer pen if warm room brooding is used. A comfortable temperature for the first 2 to 3 days for males is 1 3 C (2 5 F) warmer than that required for the female line. Observe the birds and make sure they are comfortable. At the end of 2 weeks, the males should be mixed with the females to reduce the social adjustments which often cause excessive stress when males are introduced into the female flock at a later age. 5. To reduce pasting, a top dressing of cracked corn (maize or barley) may be fed for the first 2 days, spread over the starter feed. Approximately 7 kg (15 lbs.) will be required for each chicks. 6. One water jug per each 100 chicks should be provided in addition to automatic water fountains. These water jugs should be used for the initial 10 to 14 days, and will be useful in administering the first water vaccination. Clean and refill chick founts daily. 7. After a few hours, check whether the chicks have settled down well. The chicks behaviour is the best indicator of their well-being: The chicks are evenly spread out and moving freely = temperature and ventilation are all right. The chicks are crowding together or avoiding certain areas within the house = temperature is too low or there is a draught. The chicks are lying about on the floor with outspread wings, gasping for air = temperature is too high. At first signs that the chicks are not feeling well, fix the reason and check more frequently. 15

16 FLOOR MANAGEMENT Take precautions against coccidiosis outbreaks during production by arranging the conditions for rearing in such a way that immunisation against coccidia results during this period. Stocking Density The optimal bird density/m 2 depends on management conditions and to which extent climate can be controlled. 7-8 birds/m 2 can be taken as a general guide for rearing. In the laying period 6-7 birds/m 2 should not be exceeded. Grit Feeding grit is not absolutely necessary, but can be recommended when the rations are supplemented by grain. Litter Softwood shavings or straw make suitable litter. Use shavings from untreated wood only in order to avoid poisonings and other negative effects. Provide sufficient ventilation to ensure loose litter and remove wet litter. Nests and Egg Collecting Quality of nests is also a factor which affects hatching egg quality. Renew regularly the litter in litter-type nests and keep them clean. Provide individual nests at a rate of one nest for 4 hens. Collect floor eggs frequently to keep their rate as low as possible. As well as enough nests or sufficient nesting area in family type nests, the following factors are important for a low rate of floor eggs: Guide Week 1-2 once a week 1 g/bird (size 1-2 mm) Week 3-8 once a week 2 g/bird (size 3-4 mm) from Week 9 once a month 3 g/bird (size 4-6 mm) frequent collection of floor eggs clean, dry litter or soft nest lining easy access even distribution of the nests within the house only one type of nest in the house no draught in the nest area. With regard to hatching egg quality, rollaway nests in combination with slats can be rated better than litter-type nests or family type nests. 16

17 EQUIPMENT Equipment for Rearing Age in Weeks Chick Founts 1 1 Fount (4-5 l) for 100 Chicks Round Drinkers to 20 1 Drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 Birds Linear Drinkers to 20 1 running m for 100 Birds Nipple Drinkers to Birds per Nipple Chick Feeding Trays Tray for 60 Chicks Cut off Chick Cartons Carton for 100 Chicks Round Feeders Feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 Birds Feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 Birds Trough Chain ,5-3,5 lin. m for 100 Birds ,5 lin. m for 100 Birds Equipment for Production Round Drinkers Linear Drinkers Nipple Drinkers Round Feeders Single Nests Family Type Nests* 1 Drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 Birds 1 running m for Birds 4-6 Birds per Nipple 4 Feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 Birds 1 Nest (26 x 30 cm) for 4 Birds 1 sqm for females * Follow the Instructions of Manufacturer! 17

18 ENVIRONMENT Environmental conditions affect the well-being and performance of the birds. Important environmental factors are temperature, humidity and level of toxic gases in the air. The optimal temperature depends on the age of the birds. The following table is a guide to the correct temperature at bird level. The birds behaviour is the best indicator for correct temperature! Age Temperature C day day day week week week week week If the ventilation system is used to regulate temperature, take care that the necessary fresh air is supplied. The air quality should meet the following minimum requirements. O2 over 16 % CO2 under 0,3 % CO under 40 ppm NH3 under 20 ppm H2S under 5 ppm The relative humidity inside the house should be %. Reduce temperature always gradually, and avoid sudden changes. 18

19 LIGHTING The lighting programme controls onset of lay and affects the performance during the production period. So, within certain limits, performance can be adapted to farm specific requirements by adjusting the lighting scheme. It is easiest to follow the lighting programme in closed houses. In this case the hours of light and light intensity can be adjusted to changing needs. Lighting Programs for Closed Houses In closed houses the basic principles of lighting programmes for layers are: never increase hours of light during the growing period never decrease hours of light during the production period To what degree lighting hours are reduced during the growing period, and the time when stimulation is started by increasing the lighting hours, are means by which performance can be adapted to farm specific requirements. Lighting Program for windowless houses Age in Weeks Light in hours Light Intensity W/m 2 Lux day 1/ * * * * * * * to end 16.0* of prod. B 449 * According to recent research results, 14 hours of light are sufficient during production provided the house is light tight. 19

20 LIGHTING Lighting Programs for Open Houses In open houses, too, you should stick to the basic rules as far as possible = do not increase the hours of light during the growing period and do not de- crease the hours of light during the production period. This principle cannot always be strictly followed in open houses. Therefore, the onset of lay is sometimes earlier or later than planned. One critical factor is the length of natural daylight between the 8th and 17th week of life. Basically there are three different situations: 1. Nearly constant hours of natural daylight throughout the whole year. After gradually reducing the hours of light as in the programme for windowless houses, no further lighting programme is needed during the critical period (8th - 17th week). Stimulation occurs at the desired time by increasing the hours of light by 30 minutes weekly until the maximum lighting time has been reached. 2. Decreasing hours of natural daylight during the critical period (8th - 17th week). No lighting program is necessary during the critical period. To avoid delays in the onset of lay, stimulation can be started one week earlier. 3. Increasing hours of natural daylight during the critical period (8th - 17th week). To avoid premature onset of lay the increasing daylength has to be disguised. The lighting time is gradually reduced to the length of natural daylight at the start of the 17th week of life and then kept constant throughout the growing period. At the start of the 17th week of life lighting time is increased for stimulation. Light Intensity As a general rule, in open houses the intensity of artificial lighting must be comparable to bright daylight. So, the light intensity of artificial lighting should be about 6 W/m 2 or lux. B

21 LIGHTING Natural Daylight at different Latitudes Week of Year Hemisphere Approximate Duration of Natural Daylight in hours Latitude North South B

22 LIGHTING Natural Daylight at different Latitudes Week of Year Hemisphere Approximate Duration of Natural Daylight in hours Latitude North South B

23 HYGIENE General Recommendations 1. Set up the farm as far as possible from other poultry houses and fence in. 2. Keep birds of only one age group on the farm. 3. Keep no other poultry on the farm. 4. Allow no visitors to enter the farm. 5. Wear only the farm s own protective clothing within the farm area. 6. Provide the farm s own protective clothing for veterinarians, service and maintenance workers, and consultants. 7. Disinfect boots before entering the houses. 8. Use bulk feed if possible. Do not allow the truck driver to enter the houses. 9. Safeguard the houses against wild birds and vermin. Keep rats and mice under constant control. 10. Dispose of dead birds hygienically. Follow local laws and regulations. Insect and Parasite Control If necessary, use a suitable insecticide immediately after the birds have been removed in order to kill the insects before they are hiding in walls and parts of the equipment. Use a contact insecticide before warming up the house to control remaining insects. Make sure that the application is safe for the chicks! Cleaning and Disinfection 1. Disinfection is only effective after cleaning thoroughly. 2. Remove litter first and wash floor, walls and all equipment with plenty of water. 3. Remove all feed from silos and wash silos. Clean feeding and drinker systems. 4. Disinfect walls and floor first time by spraying an effective disinfectant. 5. Disinfect smaller parts of the equipment by dipping into a disinfecting solution. 6. Disinfect feeders and drinkers by spraying or rinsing with a disinfectant. 7. Disinfect the silos by spraying a disinfectant. 8. Clean and disinfect streets on the farm area. 9. Leave the house for a rest period of 1-2 weeks. 10. Disinfect house and equipment for a second time by fumigating or fogging a disinfectant. 11. Rinse drinker lines with plenty of water before placing chicks. 23

24 PERFORMANCE GOALS PER HEN HOUSED LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Age in Weeks Rate of Lay % Egg No. Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated % per Week accumulated total Chicks Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated B

25 PERFORMANCE GOALS PER HEN HOUSED LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Age in Weeks Rate of Lay % Egg No. Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated % per Week accumulated total Chicks Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated B 449 Performance figures listed above were compiled from actual field performance data. The figures are in no way a guarantee for performance. Performance of any parent flock will vary according to management and disease conditions. 25

26 PERFORMANCE GOALS PER HEN DAY LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Age in Weeks Rate of Lay % Egg No. Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated % per Week accumulated total Chicks Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated B

27 PERFORMANCE GOALS PER HEN DAY LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Age in Weeks Rate of Lay % Egg No. Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated % per Week accumulated total Chicks Saleable Chicks per Week accumulated B 449 Performance figures listed above were compiled from actual field performance data. The figures are in no way a guarantee for performance. Performance of any parent flock will vary according to management and disease conditions. 27

28 VACCINATIONS Vaccinating is an important way of preventing disease. Different regional epidemic situations require suitably adapted vaccination programmes. Please be guided, therefore, by the advice of your local veterinarian and poultry health service. Vaccination Methods Individual vaccinations - injections, eye-drops - are very effective and generally well tolerated but also very labour intensive. Drinking water vaccinations are not labour intensive but must be carried out with the greatest care to be effective. The water used for preparing the vaccine solution must not contain any disinfectants. During the growing period the birds should be without water for approximately 2 hours prior to vaccination. During hot weather reduce this time accordingly. The amount of vaccine solution should be calculated to be completely consumed within 2-4 hours. When vaccinating with live vaccines, add 2 g of skim milk powder per litre of water in order to protect the virus titer. Spray vaccinations are not labour intensive and are highly effective, but may occasionally have side effects. For chicks up to the age of 3 weeks apply only coarse spray. Use destilled water for vaccination. General Recommendations Only healthy flocks should be vaccinated. Check the expiry date. The vaccine must not be used after this date. Keep records of all vaccinations and vaccine serial numbers. Special Recommendations Marek re-vaccinations have proved successful after long transportation and in areas with high infection risk. Consult your veterinarian and the Lohmann veterinary laboratory for further information. Mycoplasmosis vaccinations are only advisable if the farm cannot be kept free of mycoplasmosis. Infections with virulent mycoplasma species during the production period lead to performance depression. The best performance is achieved by flocks which are kept free of mycoplasmosis and are not vaccinated. Applying vitamins in the first two to three days after vaccination can help to reduce stress and prevent undesired reactions. How far this is necessary depends on the specific situation on each farm. 28

29 VACCINATION Example of a vaccination time schedule LOHMANN BROWN Parent Stock Disease Codes: W = Water ED = Eye Drop * Marek Coccidiosis Newcastle* Gumboro* Inf. Bronchitis* AE Fowl Pox Pasteurellosis Inf. Coryza ILT Mycoplasmosis EDS E. Coli Appearance Time of Methods of worldwide locally applcation application 1 vaccination between week 13 and 16 1 vaccination between week 3 and 10 2 vaccinations, approx. at week 8 and 14 2 vaccinations, approx. at week 8 and 14 1 vaccination between week 13 and 20 1 vaccination between week 12 and 16 1 vaccination between week 12 and 16 SC ND IM Day 1 As recommended by the manufacturer Number of vaccinations acc. to disease pressure 2 life vaccinations at day 18 and 25 Number of vaccinations acc. to disease pressure 1 vaccination between week 8 and 18 = Subcutaneous Injection = Nose Drop = Intramuscular Injection SC-IM W-SP-ED-ND-BD W W-BD-SP W WW SC SC ED SC IM SC - IM WW = Wing Web SP = Spray BD = Beak Dipping A 699 The use of inactivated ND/IB/IBD vaccine before onset of lay is recommended. Depending on disease situation revaccination against ND and/or IB with live vaccines during production helps to maintain production and shell quality 29

30 HATCHING EGG CARE Handling of Hatching Eggs 1. Collect hatching eggs frequently. 2. Keep floor eggs separate. 3. Do not use floor eggs for incubation or set in separate incubators. 4. Do not deliver heavily soiled eggs to the hatchery. 5. Do not wash hatching eggs. 6. Store hatching eggs according to the holding time prior to incubation: 1-3 days 22 C 4-7 days 16 C over 7 days 12 C 16 C is a good compromise in case only one storrage room is available for all eggs of different age. 7. If eggs have to be kept longer than 7 days, hatchability will be better and more predictable if eggs are kept on turning racks or stored upside down. Hatching Egg Disinfection First disinfection of hatching eggs should take place immediately after collection by spraying or fumigation. Spray Disinfection Suitable Disinfectants for spraying are: - Formalin 2-3 % - Hydrogen Peroxide 2 % ppm Quarternary Ammonium - Chlorine Dioxide 200 ppm Test all spray disinfectants before application for possible damage to the hatchability! Fumigation Fumigation with formaldehyde can be done in 2 ways: a) Mixing of 21 cm 3 of Formalin with 17 g of Potassium Permanganate and 21 cm3 of water per m 3 air. Caution: Never add Potassium Permanganate to Formalin! b) Heating of 8 g Paraformaldehyde plus 20 cm 3 of water per m 3 in an electrical heater. Follow closely the instructions of the manufacturer. Watch legal restrictions with use of formaldehyde Disinfection in the Hatchery Disinfect the hatching eggs a second time in the hatchery prior to incubation by spraying, dipping or preferably by fumigation. Never fumigate with Formaldehyde within the first 96 hours of incubation. Never exceed a fumigation time of 30 minutes. 30

31 NOTES Vaccines, Medicine, Disinfectants, Feed Additives and Premixes from: LOHMANN ANIMAL HEALTH GMBH & CO. KG Heinz-Lohmann-Str Cuxhaven P.O.Box 446, Cuxhaven Germany Phone Fax Consultation and diagnostic in all questions of poultry health through: LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GmbH Veterinary Laboratory Abschnede Cuxhaven P.O.Box 446, Cuxhaven Germany Phone Fax

32 LOHMANN T I E R Z U C H T LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GMBH Am Seedeich Cuxhaven Germany Phone 47 21/ Telex ltz d Fax 47 21/ info@ltz.de B