ISA Brown Commercial Management Guide

Transcription

1 ISA Brown Commercial Management Guide

2 Contents Introduction ISA Brown Commercial Performance Objectives 3 ISA Breeding Scheme 4 General rules, farm & house design 5 The Rearing Period Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks age 6 Starting Conditions: Respect basics to be successful 7 Key Period 2: From 4 to 16 weeks, building potential future layer 9 Body weights and approximate feed consumption for ISA Brown pullets 10 Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite 11 The control growth 12 The beak trimming 13 Growth and sexual maturity control through lighting program 14 The Production Period Key Period 3: The transfer and adult space requirements 16 Key Period 4: Laying phase 17 After 28 weeks 19 Lighting programs 20 Adjusting egg weight to meet market requirements 23 Feeding in production 24 Water quality 25 Hot seasons and climates 26 Vaccination techniques 28 Feeding Program for ISA Brown in rearing at 20 C 31 Feeding Program for ISA Brown in rearing at 28 C 32 Nutritional specifications for growing diets 33 Daily nutrient requirements in lay 34 Nutritional recommendations for laying period 35 ISA Brown Production Table 37 ISA Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) Canadian System 38 ISA Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) USA System 39 Rearing Graph 40 Production Graph 41 Note: The performance data contained in this document was obtained from results and experience from our own research flocks and flocks our customers. In no way does data contained in this document constitute a warranty or guarantee same performance under different conditions nutrition, density or physical or biological environment. 2

3 ISA Brown Commercial Performance Objectives Body weight at 18 weeks: 1500 g 3.30 lb. Body weight at 30 weeks: 1870 g 4.12 lb. Body weight at 80 weeks: 2000 g 4.40 lb. Hen housed production at 60 weeks: at 72 weeks: at 80 weeks: 250 eggs 313 eggs 351 eggs Age at 50% rate lay: weeks Age at peak production: weeks Peak production: 95 % Production rate: at 60 weeks: 83.3 % at 72 weeks: 75.0 % at 80 weeks: 68.4 % Total egg mass at 60 weeks: at 72 weeks: at 80 weeks: Average egg weight: 15.5 kg 19.7 kg 22.1 kg 63.1 g (50.0 lbs./case) Feed Conversion* (ratio by weight) 2.14 kg/kg Average feed consumption during lay per day 111 g (24.4 lbs./100) Shell Strength 3900 g Shell Color 32.0 Livability (18 80 weeks) 93.2 % 3

4 ISA Breeding Scheme A A B B C C D D PURE LINES A B GRAND PARENTS C D PARENTS A * B C * D COMMERCIALS Your commercials chicks are results a multiple crossing process which give commercial layer a high potential for egg production, as well as a good capability in adapting to various environments. 4

5 General rules, farm & house design - Basic rules farm location Land governing regulations and environmental restrictions must be considered. Farm should be placed as far as possible from or poultry houses. Each phase production should be treated as a separate batch, according to principle ALL IN ALL OUT. - On a rearing farm : one age only - On a laying farm : one age only and naturally one source supply - No or poultry on rearing or laying farm - Ideally three separate laying units, supplied by one rearing unit - Housing types General rules - Whatever building style, y should be constructed so that y may be easily and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between flocks. The walls and ros should contain insulation with a moisture barrier and rodent pro materials. - Adequate ceiling height for adequate ventilation purposes - Equipment used in house should be designed for easy access and removal for clean-out, maintenance and biosecurity consideration - In open sided housing it is important : - To have sun protection - To use insulated materials including a shield (protection) for water tanks and pipes - To place a wire netting and fencing over openings and ventilation inlets to control predators, rodents and wild birds and or disease vectors - To use a reliable source electric power - Dirty & clean area concept Control entries and restrict to minimum number entries in farm with strict procedures - Floor material choice for easy maintenance (clean up and disinfection) - Clean hands with soap - Wear protective clothing within farm area - Provide specific protective clothing for veterinarians, consultants, etc - Disinfect boots before entry - Do not allow truck/lorry drivers to enter houses 5

6 - Clean up & disinfection - Use an insecticide just after birds have been removed - Remove all non-stationary equipment and residual feed from troughs, conveyors and bins - Exterminate all rodents and wild birds - Remove all manure, litter, fears, dust, and any or organic materials - Wash equipment, fans, ducts, water tanks, feed bins, walls and floor - Disinfection is efficient only after cleaning thoroughly - Disinfect interior building on surfaces and all equipment - If it is permitted and building can be tightly enclosed, fumigate building while it is still damp from disinfecting - After building is fumigated, close up for 24 hours and n air out for anor 24 hours Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks age LIGHTING PROGRAM Slow step down Light length & consumption PRE STARTER FEED 4 / 5 weeks in crumbs 2950 kcal & 20.5% protein Target: be at standard body weight at 4 weeks - Stocking densities - Environment control, T, Humidity - Water quality - Equipment - Quality beak trimming - Ventilation Body weight at 4 weeks old influences Body weight at transfer - Tools to reach target - starting in house conditions (temperature, comfort, hydration all chicks on arrival) - important to warm pullet house 24 hours prior to chicks arrival - if chicks brooding done in cages rough, moisture-pro paper should be laid on wire floor (first 7 days) - stocking density in relation to space and equipment (competition creates stress, poor growth and uniformity) - observe your birds several times per day - control body weight as soon as possible - keep a slow down light program, so that all chicks can have enough time to eat - if beak trimming: strong attention to details (frequency blade replacement, temperature, proper trim etc.) - usage infrared beak treatment requires that chicks upon arrival to a farm will have very easy access to source water (water cups should be filled, droplets water should be seen from nipples, water pressure must be reduced during first few days) - a high energy starter diet in crumb form for at least first 4 weeks in temperate climates and 5 weeks in hot climates. Do not switch to a lighter feed before you have verified that body weight is on target. 6

7 - Essential points Light Water Feed - During first few days: - Maintain 22 to 23 hours light - With lux to encourage intake water and feed - Afterwards - Normal decreasing lighting program - 10 lux at 15 days old (dark houses) and n adapt to bird behaviour - Wash drinking system after disinfection - Any medication should be carried out via feed - During first 2 days, use tepid water at C - 50 g vitamin C per litre first day if chicks are dehydrated - Supplementary drinkers during first few days (removal should be done gradually) - Drinkers should be cleaned daily first 2 weeks and n once a week - When nipple drinkers are used, we recommend that strips embossed paper are placed under nipples - Starter diet should be distributed when chicks have drunk enough water to restore ir body fluid (4 hours after delivery) - Diet presented in crumb form with adequate protein and energy concentration - For first few feeds, special small feed on non-smooth paper help feed consumption - To avoid built up fine particles, we advise allowing m to become empty once or twice each week Starting Conditions: Respect basics to be successful Stocking densities environment from arrival to weeks age - Stocking densities & environment from arrival to 4 weeks age Floor Cages Stocking density (maximum) 14 birds / m birds / sq.ft 200 cm 2 31 sq.in Minimum ventilation rate 0.7 m 3 / h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h / pds 0.7 m 3 / h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h / pds Heating 2 gas brooders or 2 radiant heaters 1450 Kcal / 1000 birds Drinkers Starters Temperate climate 1 starter / 100 birds Hot climate 1 starter / 80 birds Bell drinkers 150 birds / Hanging bell drinker ( 80 to 100 in hot climate ) Nipples Temperate climate 16 birds / nipple Hot climate 10 birds / nipple Feeders Per starting pans 50 birds / starting pan Linear Chain 4 cm / bird 1.6 in / bird 1.5 cm / bird 1.0 in / bird Per feeder 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 7

8 - Starting conditions Recommended lay out for 500 chicks Optimum distribution chicks B C B C D D A A E E A : Radiant heater 1450 kcal capacity A : Radiant heater 1450 kcal capacity B : Drinkers (5) but (7) in Hot climate A : Radiant heater 1450 B kcal : Drinkers capacity (5) but (7) in Hot climate C : Feed trays (10) B : Drinkers (5) but (7) in C Hot : Feed climate trays (10) D : 75 watt bulb at 1.50 m above floor level C : Feed trays (10) D : 75 watt bulb at 1.50 m above floor level E : Surround : 4 m diameter 0.6 m high D : 75 watt bulb at 1.50 m E above : Surround floor level : 4 m diameter 0.6 m high E : Surround : 4 m diameter 0.6 m high Standards for temperature Standards and for humidity temperature and humidity Standards for temperature for and and humidity humidity Age Brooding temperature Room Relative Age Brooding temperature Room Relative temperature humidity - For floor rearing, Age Brooding temperature Room Relative temperature humidity - For floo standard is 500 chicks temperature humidity - For floor rearing, standa (days) At edge At 2/3 m Optimum & per 1450 kcal (days) At edge At 2/3 m standard Optimum is 500 & chicks per 14 from Maximum in (days) At edge At 2/3 m from Optimum & per 1450 Maximum kcal in brooders brooders % - Preheat building for from brooders brooders Maximum in % - Prehea C C C to 36 hours before brooders 0 3 brooders 35 C C % C Preheat 55 building 60 for 24 to C 27 C C chicks arrive to C C 34 C C 27 C C 24 to 3655 hours 60 before chi C 26 C C obtain a litter C C 32 C C 26 C C chicks 55 arrive 60 to obtain C C C temperature at 28 to C C 29 C C 25 C C obtain a 55 litter 60 temper C C C C C C 23 C C temperature 55 at 6528 to 31 C C C C C 21 C C C C C Uniform temperature and C C 19 C C Uniform relative humidity, After C C C C Uniform temperature and relative After C throughout C building relative humidity, throug - After On floor 35 rearing, distribution 19 chicks 17 throughout C building C should be uniform. If chicks crowd - On floor rearing, distribution chicks throughout throughout building should building be uniform. If t toger under brooder: temperature is too low. If chicks are close to surround: toger under brooder: temperature is too low. If chicks are close to sur - temperature On floor rearing, is too distribution high. temperature chicks is throughout too high. building should be uniform. If chicks crowd toger under brooder: temperature is too low. If chicks are close to surround: temperature is too high. 8

9 Key Period 2: From 4 to 16 weeks, building potential future layer BODY WEIGHT At 4 weeks old LIGHTING PROGRAM FEED Specifications, Presentation FEEDING TECHNIQUES Length and time feeding period Growth in rearing Body weight at 5 % lay - Stocking density - Environment control - Water quality - Equipment - Quality beak trimming - Health status and prophylaxis Too low body weight at start lay could induce lower overall performance (below normal egg size, reduction peak production and post peak drops) The achievement this objective depends on : - Stocking density and age chicks are moved to laying location - Length lighting period - Quality beak treatment - Prevention stress - Feeding methods - Emptying feeders every day - Timing feed distribution - Feed presentation - Use midnight feeding in growing (if behind body weight standard) Pullet growing space and equipment requirements (5-16 weeks) : Floor Cages Stocking density (minimum) In temperate climate 10 birds / m sq. ft./bird 361 cm 2 56 sq.in In hot climate With evaporative cooling 9 birds / m sq. ft./bird 400 cm 2 62 sq.in Without evaporative cooling 8 birds / m sq. ft./bird 497 cm 2 77 sq.in Minimum ventilation rate Temperate climate 4 m 3 / h / kg 64 cu.ft / h / pds Hot climate 6 m 3 / h / kg 96 cu.ft / h / pds Heating Space heating Drinkers Temperate climate 10 hanging drinkers / 1000 pullets or 1 nipple / 12 pullets Hot climate 13 hanging drinkers / 1000 pullets or 1 nipple / 10 pullets Feeders 5 cm 2 in / pullet or 1 pan / 25 pullets 9

10 Body weights & approximate feed consumption for ISA Brown pullets Age Body Weight Approximate Feed Consumption Approximate Feed Consumption Grams Lbs Weeks Days Grams Lbs. Daily Cumulative Daily Cumulative

11 Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite - The range diets TEMPERATE CLIMATE HOT CLIMATE PRE STARTER GROWER PULLET - PRE LAY Grower Diet Pullet Diet Pre-Lay Diet - 10/11 to 15/16 weeks - Must meet birds requirements for amino-acids - Too low energy level will result in a reduction growth - Too high in energy will restrict development digestive tract and lead to reduced feed intake at start lay - So, we recommend an energy level slightly lower than layers diet - 4 to 10 weeks in temperate climate - 5 to 10 or 11 weeks in hot climate - Can be in mash form if grist is right or as crumbs - Feeding techniques weeks before reaching 2 % lay - Medullary bone which acts as a reservoir mobilisable calcium for egg shell formation has its development during this period. Necessary to provide a feed rich in protein, phosphorus and calcium. - To avoid under-consumption caused by powdery calcium carbonate, around 50% calcium should be supplied in particles form (2 to 4 mm). In order to : - avoid build up fine particles - encourage crop development by having rapid feed consumption - encourage gizzard development by using a coarse grist (50% calcium in particles from 10 weeks) Build up fine particles residues Rapid feed intake Feeding times - Birds are natural grain eaters. - Start to eat large particles and leave finest ones. - But accumulation fine particles leads to under consumption. - Essential to empty feeders once a day. Feed presentation - Particles below 0.5 mm : 15 % maximum - Particles above 3.2 mm : 10 % maximum - Crop is a storage organ. - Crop allows bird to eat enough feed in evening to satisfy its energy needs throughout night. - Rapid feed consumption during rearing leads to development crop. Use Insoluble grit or limestone particles Weekly : - 3 g / pullet from 3 to 10 weeks (2 to 3 mm) g / pullet from 10 weeks (3 to 5 mm) - Birds naturally eat more in evening and in morning. - Empty feeder period is recommended in middle day and could be started between 4 and 8 weeks. - Length empty feeder should be gradually increased to get a minimum 2-3 hours ( empty feeder) at 12 weeks old. - First feed distribution 2 to 3 hours before lights f. - If a second one is necessary, it could be done just before lights f, birds will quite easily eat finest particles in morning. - If difficult to obtain empty feeders, reduce amount feed distributed 11

12 The control growth: a must every week, to check real evolution flock - earlier you know earlier you can correct, if necessary To obtain correct bodyweight at 4 weeks Uniform flock at a bodyweight adapted to intended sexual maturity To achieve a steady growth between 4 and 16 weeks Make sure that between 5 % lay and peak production, growth is at least 300 g Productivity laying hens is influenced by : - The body weight and uniformity at start lay - By growth potential from start lay to peak production. The control growth from day old is an important parameter to control. - Body weight at 4 weeks depends on brooding conditions, lighting program and feed presentation - From 4 to 16 weeks, exceeding growth rate ten leads to a reduction in appetite during first weeks production. So we recommend during this period to keep pullets appetite active thanks to a daily empty feeder. Ration during this period should be adapted in order to maintain growth at higher standard line. - Method weighing - Time weighing should be fixed preferably in afternoon - We advise carrying out individual weighing when chicks are 4 weeks old - Surround a group birds in middle flock, and n weigh all birds in pen A sampling with a minimum 100 birds gives a good estimate mean body weight and uniformity (or 2 times 50 birds if re are 2 pens). When rearing in cages, one should weigh all birds from 5 or 6 cages chosen at random in different parts building. - Uniformity flock % sample ( - 10 % ) ( + 10 % ) - Uniformity individual birds is important as well as average flock weights - A batch is uniform when all weights within sample fall between ±20 % mean or, when 80 % weights lie within ±10% mean. - Within limits ±20 % mean, smallest and heaviest birds are same quality. Only those which are too small should be culled. 12

13 The beak trimming: to be carried out with strict guidance in accordance with welfare requirements with welfare requirements - Why to Beak Trim? reduction incidence pecking when it is a recurrent The - beak Why trimming: to Beak Trim? to be carried out with strict guidance in accordance problem reduction incidence pecking when it is a recurrent with welfare requirements - Why When to to Beak beak Trim? trim? - When to beak trim? IN DARK HOUSES (CAGES) - When to beak trim? Beak trimming should be carried out carefully, Beak IN trimming DARK at day HOUSES old should or at be about (CAGES) carried 10 days out old. carefully, at day old or at about 10 days old. Beak trimming should be carried out carefully, at day old or at about 10 days old. - Carrying out beak trimming - Carrying DELICATE out beak OPERATION trimming - Carrying risk DELICATE unevenness out beak OPERATION + difficulties trimming Before Before Trimming Trimming IN DARK HOUSES (CAGES) problem reduction feed wastage. reduction feed wastage. reduction incidence pecking when it is a recurrent problem reduction feed IN wastage. SOME CONDITIONS Beak trimming at IN around SOME 10 CONDITIONS days will not prevent pecking entirely. Beak trimming Therefore, at around we recommend 10 days will a light not trimming prevent pecking at 10 days entirely. (cauterisation Therefore, IN we beak SOME recommend tip CONDITIONS and a light lateral trimming edges) at and 10 days n (cauterisation carrying Beak trimming out a second at around beak operation tip 10 and days between will lateral not 8 and prevent edges) 10 weeks pecking and n age, carrying entirely. if it out is Therefore, allowed a second by we operation codes recommend and between regulations a light 8 and trimming 10 weeks country. at 10 days age, (cauterisation if it is allowed by beak codes tip and and regulations lateral edges) country. and n carrying out a second operation between 8 and 10 weeks age, if it is allowed by codes and regulations country. Performed only by trained personnel risk DELICATE with unevenness feeding OPERATION and + drinking difficulties Performed only by trained personnel risk with unevenness feeding and + drinking difficulties Performed only by trained personnel with feeding and drinking - do not beak trim when birds are not healthy or when reacting to vaccinations -- do add not vitamin beak trim K to when drinking birds water are not (to healthy prevent or haemorrhages) when reacting to vaccinations -- add check vitamin equipment K to (temperature drinking water (to prevent trimming haemorrhages) blade : C) -- check replace blade equipment with frequency (temperature specified by trimming equipment blade manufacturer, : C) do not trim with dull - replace blade blade with frequency specified by equipment manufacturer, do not trim with dull blade Beak Beak Trimming Trimming After Trimming AT ABOUT 10 DAYS AT - ABOUT Choose 10 carefully DAYS correct diameter hole on - Choose beak-trimming carefully machine, correct so as diameter to cut hole beak on at beak-trimming least 2 from machine, nostrils so as to cut beak at - least Hold 2 mm chick from in one nostrils hand, with thumb behind - Hold head chick ( in head one firmly hand, in with position thumb resting behind on thumb) head ( head firmly in position resting on - thumb) Tilt chick's beak upwards through 15 and - Tilt cauterize chick's reinforced beak upwards side edges through 15 beak, and to cauterize avoid unequal reinforced re-growth side edges 2 mandibles beak, to - avoid Check unequal temperature re-growth 2 blade, mandibles each operator - Check and machine temperature every hour blade, each operator and machine every hour AT 8-10 WEEKS AT insert WEEKS a finger between 2 mandibles -- insert cut a finger beak between perpendicularly 2 mandibles at a right angle to its - insert cut long axis, a finger beak so perpendicularly that after cauterisation between 2 mandibles at a right about angle half to its long length axis, so that beak after between cauterisation tip and about half nostrils - cut beak perpendicularly at a right angle to its long length is left axis, so that beak after between cauterisation tip and about half nostrils - length is cauterize left each mandible with care, particularly at beak between tip and nostrils - is cauterize sides left each beak, mandible so as with to round care, f particularly sides at Female where beak has been trimmed at 8-10 weeks age for floor housed laying - cauterize sides beak and avoid each beak, lateral mandible so as re-growth to with round care, f particularly sides at systems or in cages in naturally lit houses AT sides beak TRANSFER and avoid beak, lateral so as re-growth to round f sides AT - beak TRANSFER If necessary, and avoid re-trim lateral re-growth beaks any birds which require it, if it is allowed by codes and AT -If necessary, welfare regulations TRANSFER re-trim beaks particular any birds country which require it, if it is allowed by codes and -If welfare - necessary, increase regulations re-trim water level beaks particular in any country drinkers, birds which and require pressure it, if it in is allowed pipes by codes and welfare - make regulations sure that depth particular feed country is adequate (do not empty feeders for a week) 16 ISA Brown Layer Management Guide 2011 For more information visit : 13

14 Growth and sexual maturity control through lighting program - How to encourage growth? - Feed consumption is greatly influenced by light duration to which pullets are exposed. - Continuous light during first three days - From three days to 7 weeks old, reduce light duration to a constant light duration in temperate climate - From 7 weeks old, maintain a constant light duration hours: - In open house system, light duration at plateau has to be adapted to type housing, time year and location rearing farm. - How to manage sexual maturity? - In absence photo stimulation (constant light duration), age at start lay is determined by body weight. Once photo stimulation has started, age at start lay is no more influenced by body weight. - At all latitudes and irrespective type house : - Never increase day length between 8 and 14 weeks - Never increase day length before 1250 g bodyweight - Never decrease day length after start lay - Any decrease leads to drop production. - Egg weight depends on body weight at start lay. So re is a strong correlation between precociousness and mean egg weight. A low body weight at sexual maturity : - reduces mean egg weight - could also induce lower overall performance (egg numbers, shell quality, liveability, ) - To modify mean average egg weight obtained, we recommend to advance or delay photo stimulation according to bodyweight as previously explained. - In summer time, in dark house system, constant light duration at plateau could be increased to hours - In hot climate, a program long days decreasing until 15 weeks allows bird to eat during cooler parts days in order to compensate reduction bird s appetite due to heat causes. - In production, 15 hours light duration at 50 % production encourage feed intake and allows birds to counteract harmful effects decreases natural day-length. Target egg weight (Expressed as difference from standard) Bodyweight at stimulation - 1 g / std Standard + 1 g / std + 2 g / std 1100 g + 2 h g * 1250 g * + 2 h g * * 1400 g * * + 2 h g * * + 1 h g * * * + 2 h g * * * + 1 h 00 * * * * + 1 h 00 * n 30 minutes per week until 16 hours - Two weeks modification in photo stimulation will modify start lay by one week, egg number by 4.5 eggs and mean egg weight by 1 g. Total egg mass produced will be not affected. - In order to control egg weight prile, an adequate lighting program has to be defined according to type poultry house, location - How to adapt light intensity? - For first few days, an intensity lux is recommended. After that intensity used will depend on intensity to be experienced during laying period. - Buildings are considered as dark houses when light penetration from outside, through all kinds openings, produces intensity less than 0.5 lux. Ors are considered as semi-dark. In dark building : - An intensity 5 to 10 lux is sufficient if laying house is a dark building. - If laying house is an open sided house design, to avoid too much an increase in intensity at transfer, we recommend maintaining an intensity 40 lux. In a naturally lit or semi-dark house, in order to have an effective light program and to control sexual maturity, 40 lux may be required. An increase light intensity is not needed to stimulate pullets 14

15 stimulate pullets - Rearing in dark poultry house (Less than 0.5 lux above 20 latitude) - Basics rules : - If - production It is important in natural-lit to maintain laying house 40 lux : light - Slow step down lighting program till 7 weeks - It is important to maintain 40 lux light hours light as a constant day length, or hours in summer time intensity to avoid too much an increase in intensity at transfer hours photo stimulation and n 30 min per week - It is important to have constant light duration at plateau in order to avoid too much an increase in light duration at transfer - Get hours light at 50 % lay. It is not necessary to exceed 16 hours light in production - Rearing in naturally lit house Increasing day length Decreasing day length - It is very difficult to have a good control lighting programs in open house systems. - The following examples suggested are only guides. They should be modified according to results previously obtained. - The lighting programs have to be planned in conjunction with changes in natural day length. - One should make sure that lights on and lights out coincide with sunrise and sunset at time photo stimulation starts. - It is not necessary to exceed 16 hours in production, but we advice to get 16 hours at 50 % production NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SURATION HATCH IN WEEK 4 Dark period Dark period HATCH IN WEEK 28 Dark period WEEK OF THE YEAR Dark period Increasing Day-length Decreasing Day-length Hot climate between 20 North latitude and 20 South - In increasing day-length, to avoid a - In decreasing day-length, a - In se areas, we face nearly too early sexual maturity, length lighting given should be equal step down lighting program will meet natural daylength constant hours natural daylength during whole year. to natural day-length to which at 1250 g (98 days) - To compensate reduction in birds will be exposed at 1250 g - To reduce delay in sexual bird s appetite due to heat (98 days). maturity induced by causes, a slowly decreasing - Light stimulation should start at 1250 g by increasing length decreasing day-length, we advise to start photo light program till 15 weeks old is advised. light by one hour. stimulation by 2 hours. - By giving light early in - And n 30 minutes per week. morning, we encourage feed consumption during cooler part day. - Photo stimulation at 5 % production To get an efficient light stimulation, we advise light is added on in morning instead evening. 15

16 Key Period 3: The transfer to production house How to reduce its negative effect? Rearing unit Laying unit Sources stress : - Transport - Housing system (close, open house, ) - Drinking system - Feeding system - Environment - Light duration - Temperature The transfer is a major stress, accompanied by changes in environment (temperature, humidity...) and equipment. It should be carried out as fast as possible, ideally being completed within a day. The following points should reduce severity this stress. - When? Transfer at weeks old Because stress to which birds are subjected during transfer and immediately afterwards : - It is extremely important that transfer has been completed before appearance first eggs (Major developments reproductive organs occur during 10 days prior to first egg). - We advise that vaccinations are given at least a week before transfer. - A late transfer or a too long transfer ten leads to delayed start lay and higher mortality - Encouraging rapid adaptation to new environment - Give 22 hours light first day - Light duration should be decided according to what has been used during rearing - Increase light intensity for 4 to 7 days to help birds in darkest cages to find nipples. - High light intensity for longer than 7 days can increase risks pecking - Encouraging water consumption The duration transfer can be an important source water loss, especially in some atmospheric conditions. - Birds could be dehydrated - Pullets should drink before feeding - Absence feed helps m to find nipples - Wait for 3 or 4 hours before distributing feed and check if drinking system is working properly - A daily water consumption control is paramount importance It is also important to maintain temperature at point lay as close as possible to which y have become acclimatised during rearing. Note: if nipples used in production, necessary to have nipple drinkers in growing. 16

17 Adult space requirements Cages Litter Litter & Slats All Slats Floor 450 cm 2 (69.8 sq.in.) / bird 6 birds/m sq.ft./bird 8 birds/m sq.ft./bird 9 birds/m sq.ft./bird Feeder Trough 10 cm (4 ) / bird 7.5 cm (3 ) / bird Pans - 4/100 birds Drinker Trough 10 cm (4 ) / bird 5.0 cm (2 ) / bird Birds/Round Bell Drinker - 90 Cups or Nipples maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple a minimum 2 cups or nipples per cage maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple Key Period 4: Laying phase weeks WEEK Rapid egg weight increase 28 WEEK Peak production Laying rate in % Egg weight in g 30 KEY FACTOR IS 20 INCREASE OF 10 FEED CONSUMPTION, Light duration Age in weeks - Temperature - Feeding time - Feed composition - Feed presentation WEEK Adult bodyweight Between transfer and 28 weeks old, bird has to cover : - its growth till adult body weight - its requirements to achieve peak production - its requirements to get a rapid egg weight increase 17

18 Advice on how to encourage feed consumption Adapted light duration : - Achieving 15 hours light at 50 % production - Using midnight feeding till 1850 g for brown egg layers Feeding times should take into account behaviour birds : - 60 % feed is eaten during last 5-6 hours day - Minimizing number feed distributions according to equipment. Too many feed distributions leads to strong competition among birds and a lack uniformity due to preference for larger feed particles Below, we give some examples feed distribution times: - 2 distributions: 2/3 feed is given 5 to 6 hours before "lights-out" and remaining 1/3 about 2 to 3 hours after "lights-on". - 3 distributions: first should be 5 to 6 hours before "lights-out", second about 3 hours before "lights-out", and third at lights on. - 4 distributions: same timetable as for 3 distributions, but with an extra distribution during period light given in middle night. By giving an early lay feed to satisfy production and growth requirement: - Using a diet with an amino acid content about 7 % higher than that diet used after peak - Energy levels remain same. As birds adapt ir feed intake according to energy intake, too high energy diet content penalise feed intake Ambient temperature strongly influencing feed consumption. Lower temperatures in laying barn encourage birds to consume more feed in order to maintain ir body temperature. Very important after housing give young layers opportunity to gain body weight and reach fast good early egg size. It is advisable to house layers with F ( C) to develop eating capacity and reach adult feed consumption. When peak production reached and feed consumption stabilized at around 30 weeks age advisable gradually reach temperature in barn at around 76 F or 24.4 C. 18

19 After 28 weeks: Managing for best economical performances Feed conversion Egg quality Uniformity Liveability - Feed Conversion Ratio When body weight bird is correct, feed conversion ratio can be improved slightly by : Increasing house temperature - A change 1 C in ambient temperature brings about an inverse change in feed consumption in order 1.4 g per bird per day. In such temperature, egg weight is slightly reduced - Increase temperature is only possible if temperature throughout poultry house is uniform - Ventilation should always be satisfactory in accordance with requirements - Above 27 C, appetite falls too much and pullet under-consumes. It is important to avoid 27 C in hottest parts house. Reducing light duration - A reduction in light duration helps to maintain fearing and consequently reduces average maintenance requirements. - Lighting in middle night encourages feed consumption at start lay. According to its effect on shell quality later on, it is preferable to maintain it till end lay. - Discontinuous lighting program can only be considered in dark buildings. Progressive reduction light period could be done with this type program. - In a normal lighting program, in dark houses, a period darkness could be introduced and an increase from 35 weeks old if body weight is correct. Light on and light f has to be same throughout laying period. - Uniformity In order to achieve persistency and good shell quality late in lay, it is essential to keep flock uniform. Loss uniformity during lay is result competition for biggest feed particles. That depends upon: - percentage particles greater than 3.2 mm in diameter - number feed distributions - space and positioning feeders. - Liveability - Liveability depends, in naturally lit buildings, on standard beak trimming (see chapter on Beak- Trimming") and, in dark buildings, on lighting intensity used during production period and most all on uniformity light distribution (see chapter on "Light intensity"). Chlorination drinking water is essential to prevent infections from contaminated water. Frequent checks should be made on water quality. 19

20 Lighting programs: Several options possible, according to local conditions and targets The amount feed eaten is dependent on day-length. A change in day-length one hour changes feed intake by about 1.5 to 2.0 g. - Normal lighting program: 15 hours light from 50 % production - Provide 15 hours light from 50 % lay. - The day length (Interval between lights on and lights out) should not be decreased during lay. - A day-length longer than 16 hours is not necessary in dark buildings. - In naturally lit or semi dark buildings, day-length should be equal to longest natural day experienced h or 1.30 h light in middle night Light should be switched on about 3 hours after lights out, in order to : - Encourage feed consumption and growth in pullets at start lay - It can be discontinued at about 30 weeks age if body weight and feed consumption are on target - Towards end lay, night lighting improves quality and colour egg shell to satisfy specific appetite for calcium during egg shell formation. - In hot climates or during a hot spell, lighting during night reduces ill effects heat by encouraging feed consumption. 20

21 Lighting program in temperate climate Lighting program in temperate climate The programs suggested are only guides. They should be modified according to results previously obtained. Production in dark laying houses Production in dark laying houses Age and / or Duration lit period Intensity Age Body and weight / or Duration Temperate lit season period Hot season Intensity Lux Body weight Temperate season Hot season Lux 1 3 days 22 h 22 h days h h days h h days h h days h h days h h h days 1312 h h h days days h 1213 h 30 h After days days h h After 49 days g 10 h 12 h 12 h 14 h g g h h h 30 h g g h h h g h g 13 h 15 h 5 15 After g Increase by 30 min / week g 13 h h So as to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production After g Increase by 30 min / week So as to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production Production in naturally lit or semi-dark houses Age and / or Body weight Age and / or Production in naturally lit or semi-dark houses Duration light at 14 weeks 10 h 11 h Duration 12 light h at 14 weeks 13 h 14 h Body 1 weight 3 days h h h h h h h 4 7 days 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 8 14 days 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h days days h h h h h 1622 h h days days h h h h h 1520 h h days h h h h h 14 h 1830 h days h h h 1316 h 30 h 1416 h h days h h 1215 h 30 h h h 1415 h h days 13 h h 14 h 14 h 14 h 30 Decreasing day days lengths : 12 h 13 h 13 h 13 h h 43 After days days h 12 NL h 12 NL h 30 NL 13 h NL 14 h g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h Decreasing 1 day 325 lengths g : 13 h 14 h 14 h h h 30 After days g h NL h NL h 16 NL h 16 h NL g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h Increasing day g lengths : 13 h 14 h 14 h h h 30 After g days h 30 h h h h h g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h h 30 Increasing day lengths : g h h 16 h After 49 days 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h After g Increase by 30 min / week in order to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h h g 13 h 14 h 14 h h 16 h After g Increase by 30 min / week in order to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production ISA Brown Layer Management Guide 2011 For more information visit :

22 Lighting program in hot climate The programs suggested are only guides. They should be modified according to results previously obtained. Lighting program for hot climates between latitudes 20 north and 20 south 1 3 days 23 or 24 h days 22 h days 20 h days 19 h days 18 h days 17 h days 16 h days 15 h days 14 h days 13 h days 13 h days Natural light days Natural light 40 After 127 days Natural light 40 5 % lay 14 h (+ 2 h) 40 After 35 % lay 15 h (+ 2 h) 40 After 60 % lay 16 h (+ 2 h) 40 N ote: (+ 2 h) refers to period artificial light given in middle night to encourage feed consumption. 22

23 Adjusting egg weight to meet market requirements - Body weight pullet at sexual maturity If one has a standard growth curve, and age at start lay is changed, n body weight at sexual maturity is also changed. The age at start lay has a direct effect on adult weight and, refore, on egg size throughout whole laying period. Earlier maturing flocks will produce a greater number eggs, but se eggs will be smaller than those from delayed flocks because pullets are lighter. - Control sexual maturity Research has shown that mean egg weight increases by 1 g when sexual maturity is delayed by one week. Conversely, number eggs will be decreased. For each change one week in age at start lay, re will be a change about 4.5 eggs in number laid. By using appropriate techniques, age at start lay can be modified to produce eggs required weight, without affecting total egg mass produced. Rar than giving light stimulation according to age, we advise not starting to increase day-length until pullets have reached target weight planned. By that means, y will not be allowed to come into lay at too low body weight, which would be prejudicial to egg weight and overall performance. The following table shows us how to use light stimulation, according to mean egg weight desired. Body weight at light stimulation Target Egg Weight (Expressed as Difference From Standard) - 1 g standard + 1 g + 2 g 1100 g + 2 h 1175 g * 1250 g * + 2 h 1325 g * * 1400 g * * + 2 h 1475 g * * + 1 h 1550 g * * * + 2 h 1625 g * * * + 1 h * * * * + 1 h * * n 0 h 30 hour per week until 16 hours - Body weight at 24 weeks Egg weight is highly dependent on bodyweight at 24 weeks. Between 5 % lay and peak production, body weight should increase by at least 300 g. Our research has enabled us to determine optimum body weights throughout rearing and laying periods. This plays an essential role in obtaining performance as measured by egg numbers, egg weights and feed conversion ratio. - Management For a more precise treatment this subject please refer to chapter, "lighting program" in production period. o hours light in middle night: this technique encourages feed intake at start lay and allows egg weight to increase rapidly o Temperature C (70-71 F) at onset lay will encourage feed consumption and consequently increase early egg size. Between 23 and 27 C, egg weight falls by 0.5 to 1 % for each 1 C rise in temperature. Above 27 C, it falls by 1 to 1.5 % per C. - Oil Egg size can be increased by use vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid. Its inclusion leads to an improvement in digestibility diet and an increase in energy intake (by about 2 %) due to improvement in palatability. The addition oil also causes finer feed particles to stick toger. 23

24 Feeding in production: Cover daily requirement to maintain persistency lay & shell quality Start lay Feed to 28 weeks Addition 0.6 % limestone 28 weeks 50 weeks End - Energy requirements Chickens regulate ir feed consumption quite well, according to its energy content at constant oil level. This can vary within relatively wide limits. Which energy level to choose depends more on economic than on nutritional considerations. However, an important decrease energy level from pre-lay feed to layer feed will penalize quite a lot capacity birds to intake daily nutrient requirements. At a constant energy level, birds already need to increase its feed consumption by 40 % between 17 and 26 weeks old. Energy consumption is influenced by percentage oil, percentage fiber added to feed and feed presentation. Consequently a poor feed grist size can be compensated by a higher percentage oil. - Protein requirements Between 17 and 24 weeks, feed consumption should increase by about 40 %. Maximum feed intake should be reached for several weeks around peak production. In order to satisfy daily nutrient requirements, we have to consider that average daily food consumption, between 17 weeks and 28 weeks old, is about 7 g lower than that observed in period weeks. So, protein (digestible amino acids) specifications should be adapted to mean intake level recorded during this period. Taking into account persistency in lay, individual variability and egg weight, requirement for amino acids does not fall throughout laying period. In an economic context, it may be worth reducing safety margins slightly. However, best results, in terms productivity and feed conversion ratio, are obtained, when one maintains intake level amino acids. Any deficiency amino acids, no matter which type amino acid, shows up as a reduction in performance, which 2/3 is due to a reduction in rate lay and remaining 1/3 is a decrease in mean egg weight. - Mineral requirements Calcification shell starts shortly before "lights out" and finishes mainly at end night. It lasts for about 12 hours. The quality shell depends on quantity calcium available during shell formation. Getting correct feeding timetable, and giving extra light in middle night, enables us to improve shell quality. Calcium retention depends on size particles used. Particles less than 1.5 mm diameter are poorly retained in gizzards, and some calcium is found in droppings. This results in deterioration in shell quality. About 70 % total calcium supplied should be provided in granular form. This implies that 65 kg granular calcium carbonate should be included per tonne feed. To be retained in gizzard se particles should be between 2 and 4 mm in diameter. The remaining 30% should be supplied in powder form to be used for replenishing bone calcium reserves. Shell weight increases with age throughout lay. For that reason, we advise increasing calcium concentration in diet throughout laying cycle. Starting with % Ca and finishing with 4.5% Ca at end laying cycle. The quality shell also depends on solubility calcium. Sources calcium, which are too soluble, lead to poor shell quality. 24

25 Failure to supply enough phosphorus leads to demineralisation hen s skeleton, possibly causing long term fractures and mortality. During shell calcification, part bone calcium is mobilised bringing about release into blood calcium and phosphate ions. The phosphate ions are n re-absorbed by kidneys. The replenishment bone reserves necessitates a supply phosphate. The phosphorus requirement depends on how much is called on from bone reserves. The phosphorus requirement is, refore, dependent on form in which calcium is supplied and on methods by which it is fed. At end lay, an excess phosphorus tends to lead to deterioration in shell quality. Water quality - Chemical substances As yet, re are no standards for drinking water in farm animal production. However, we indicate below maximum concentrations some chemical substances, which can lead to physiological troubles and a reduction in performance. Their presence can also lead to deterioration pipelines. - chlorides (Cl) 500 ppm - potassium (K) 500 ppm - sulphates(so 4 ) 1100 ppm - sodium (Na) 500 ppm - iron (Fe) 500 ppm - nitrates (NO 3 ) 50 ppm - magnesium (Mg) 200 ppm - nitrites (NO 2 ) 5 ppm - arsenic (As) 0.01 ppm Where water is very saline, it could be worth reducing level salt in feed, but at same time making sure that re is no deficiency. In areas, where water is very hard, use steners or ion exchangers can lead to a significant increase in sodium content. A high content can be responsible for liquid droppings and shell quality problems, and even production problems. For birds, ideal ph lies between 6 and 7. If ph is too acidic, corrosion pipes sets in. Above ph 7 conditions favour growth bacteria. Organic acids can be used to lower ph. - Monitoring water quality The value any analysis depends on when, where, and how sample has been taken. One should not forget that an analysis only refers to quality water at time, when sample was taken, and is never a guarantee its quality at anor time. Where farms have ir own water supply, it is necessary to take a sample at least twice a year. On farms using mains supply an annual measurement should be adequate. - Treatment drinking water Chlorination is still best and most economic method treating drinking water. The chlorine can be injected by means a dosing pump. A contact time 15 to 30 minutes between water and chlorine is necessary for good disinfection. It is essential to monitor residual active chlorine at end pipe system once a week. The residual level active chlorine at end system should be mg/litre ( ppm). - Cleaning drinkers The water in drinkers ten becomes soiled with feed residues, and possibly with infections. To prevent development germs in drinkers, y should be cleaned at least once a day during first 2 weeks, and once a week reafter. In a hot climate, drinkers should be cleaned every day. The depth water in drinkers should be 15 mm. It is essential to decontaminate pipelines when birds have gone, using alkaline and acid cleaners in succession in order to avoid accumulation mineral and organic deposits in drinker pipelines. 25