Dekalb White: Product Guide Alternative Production Systems

Dekalb White
Product Guide
Alternative Production Systems
Introduction
Use of alternative production systems is expanding across the world. The
conditions in alternative production systems differ from the traditional
cage housing systems and require a different management approach.
To make sure the ISA customers get the maximum performance out of
our layers, ISA has developed a guide with recommendations that will
help to get the best results in alternative production systems. This guide
gives the key points for each period of the bird’s life cycle, from hatching
until depletion, to keep it healthy and highly productive in alternative
production system.
In recent years ISA has developed pure line breeds which take account
of all breeding goals,from productivity and parent stock performance, to
commercial stock performance and shell quality. Furthermore, ISA has
also been working on welfare, behaviour, robustness and liveability, both
within our internal R&D programmes as well as in collaborative programs
with universities and research institutes.
In order to improve commercial stock performance from crosses between
non related lines, ISA R&D department studies have been conducted on
pure line birds which are bred in a safe environment, and with crossline
progeny which are tested in field conditions and under various production
systems. This is a crucial part of bringing great hybrid power to the
progeny, destined for alternative production systems.
We recognise that the genetic potential created by ISA breeding
programmes cannot be realised without the experience and know-how of
the stockperson managing the flocks. This guide highlights management
factors, which can help to achieve maximum profit from egg layers from
the ISA breeding department.
Institut de Sélection Animale BV

Villa ‘de Körver’,
Spoorstraat 69, 5831 CK Boxmeer
P.O. Box 114, 5830 AC Boxmeer
The Netherlands-EU
T +31 485 319 111
F +31 485 319 112
www.isapoultry.com
vsisa5730
1 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Definition of the different systems
Alternative production systems can be defined as non-cage systems with
nests, adequate perches and a scratching area.
Within alternative production systems different housing systems can be
defined as:
• A barn (deep litter) system is a house where birds have access to
a litter area, and are able to practice natural behaviour like dust
bathing and scratching. A barn house also provides nest boxes and
can have a slatted area where water and feed are presented.
• An aviary house (multi tier) is like a barn house, but birds are able to
move among different levels. Feed is presented on different levels
and water is mainly presented in front of the nest box. Birds need
to move through the system to eat, drink, rest and produce eggs.
• Free range is either a barn or an aviary house where the birds have
access to an outside range area.
ISA Breeding
With roots dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, ISA has
emerged as the world’s leading breeder of brown and white laying hens,
which thrive in both traditional and alternative production systems and in
different climatic conditions.
Our mission is to contribute to profitable and sustainable egg production by

improving the economic life of laying hens. This involves breeding hens that
with each generation lay more eggs for a longer period of time, without
compromising on egg quality, animal health & welfare. We own the largest
gene pool of pedigreed pure lines in the world and collaborate closely with
renowned academic and research institutes in numerous research projects
in order to achieve our mission. The progress we are witnessing every
year in our breeding program and in production results obtained by egg
producers, gives us great confidence that our breeding objective of 500 first
quality eggs by 2020 is well within reach.
Aside from breeding, we produce and supply parent stock to around 300
distributors around the world with whom we have built a strong business
relationship over the years. Our hens are available on the market under the
brand names Isa, Babcock, Shaver, Hisex, Bovans and Dekalb. ISA is part of
multi-species breeding company Hendrix Genetics.
2 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

500 -
400 -
300 -
Breeding for 500 first quality Eggs !

Contents
Introduction 1
Definition of the different systems 2
ISA Breeding 2
Rearing table 6
Rearing graph 7
Notes 8
Production summary 9
Production table 1 10
Production table 2 12
Production graphs 14
Rearing period 16
Growing after 5 weeks 19
Beak trimming 20
Feeding in rearing 21
Litter management 22
Transfer to laying house 23
L aying period 25
Building and equipment for production 25
Partitioning and fencing 26
Heating 27
Ventilation 27
Ventilation system 27
Lighting systems 29
Basic growth concepts - body weight development & uniformity 29
Pre-lay key targets 29
Working with the birds after transfer 30
Training caged reared birds 31
Stocking density 31
Drinking and feeding 32
Feed intake stimulation 32

Insoluble grit 34
Lighting during lay 34
Light intensity 35
Floor eggs prevention 36
Prolapse prevention 37
Bird behaviour 38
Fibre for layer 41
Feed for birds in alternative production 42
Feeding management 46
Pasture and range management 46
Terminal hygiene 48
Terminal hygiene program 48
Minimum measurements and record keeping 49
Special health considerations 50

Biosecurity and hygiene 50
Monitoring 50
Warranty disclaimer 52
Conversion table 53
Notes 54

Rearing table
Weeks Age in Feed intake per bird Feed intake per bird Body weight
days per day (g) cum. (g) (g)
minimum maximum minimum maximum minimum maximum
1 0-7 6 8 42 56 64 66
2 8-14 12 14 126 154 118 122
3 15-21 20 22 266 308 185 195
4 22-28 29 31 469 525 258 272
5 29-35 36 38 721 791 336 354
6 36-42 40 42 1001 1085 419 441
7 43-49 43 45 1302 1400 502 528
8 50-56 45 47 1617 1729 585 615
9 57-63 47 49 1946 2072 668 702
10 64-70 49 51 2289 2429 746 784
11 71-77 51 53 2646 2800 824 866
12 78-84 53 55 3017 3185 902 948
13 85-91 55 57 3402 3584 975 1025
14 92-98 57 59 3801 3997 1048 1102
15 99-105 60 62 4221 4431 1112 1169
16 106-112 64 66 4669 4893 1165 1225
17 113-119 70 72 5159 5397 1204 1266
18 120-126 77 79 5698 5950 1229 1292
The information supplied in this guide is based on many actual flock results obtained
under good environment and managing conditions. It is presented as a service to our
customers and should be used as a guide only. It does not constitute a guarantee or
warranty of performance in any way.

Feed
Bodyweight
consumption
in g
in g
110
1600
100
1400 90
Rearing graph
80
1200
70
1000
60
800
50
40

600
30
400
20
200
10
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Notes

Production summary
Laying period 18-90 weeks
Liveability 92.5 %
Age at 50% production 142 days
Peak percentage 96 %
Average egg weight 63.1 g
Egg number hen housed 411
Egg mass hen housed 25.9 kg
Average feed intake 115 g/day
Feed conversion 2.24 kg/kg
Body weight 1720 g
Shell strength 4100 g
Haugh untis 86

Production table 1
PER HEN DAY

Age in % Egg weight Egg mass Feed intake Feed
weeks Lay (g) per day per day conversion
(g) (g) per week
18 86
19 6.0 40.1 2.4 90 37.41
20 43.0 43.2 18.6 96 5.17
21 66.0 45.9 30.3 105 3.47
22 82.0 49.4 40.5 109 2.69
23 88.0 52.2 45.9 112 2.44
24 91.4 53.9 49.3 114 2.31
25 93.0 55.2 51.3 115 2.24
26 94.5 56.5 53.4 116 2.17
27 95.3 57.4 54.7 117 2.14
28 96.0 58.2 55.9 118 2.11
29 96.0 58.9 56.5 118 2.09
30 96.0 59.5 57.1 118 2.07
31 95.8 60.0 57.5 118 2.05
32 95.6 60.5 57.8 118 2.04
33 95.4 60.9 58.1 118 2.03
34 95.2 61.3 58.4 118 2.02
35 94.9 61.7 58.6 118 2.02
36 94.6 62.0 58.7 118 2.01
37 94.3 62.3 58.7 118 2.01
38 94.0 62.5 58.8 119 2.03
39 93.7 62.7 58.7 119 2.03
40 93.4 62.9 58.7 119 2.03
41 93.1 63.1 58.7 119 2.03
42 92.8 63.3 58.7 119 2.03
43 92.5 63.5 58.7 119 2.03
44 92.2 63.7 58.7 119 2.03
45 91.9 63.8 58.6 119 2.03
46 91.5 63.9 58.5 120 2.05
47 91.1 64.0 58.3 120 2.06
48 90.7 64.0 58.0 120 2.07
49 90.3 64.1 57.9 120 2.07
50 89.9 64.2 57.7 120 2.08
51 89.5 64.3 57.5 120 2.09
52 89.1 64.4 57.4 120 2.09

PER HEN HOUSED
Age in Eggs Egg mass Feed Feed % Body
weeks per bird cum. intake conversion Liveability weight
cum. cum. (kg) cum. (g)
18 0.6 99.9 1260

19 1.2 73.19 99.8 1320
20 3 0.1 1.9 12.97 99.8 1380
21 8 0.4 2.6 7.36 99.7 1460
22 14 0.6 3.4 5.30 99.6 1510
23 20 1.0 4.2 4.35 99.6 1550
24 26 1.3 5.0 3.81 99.5 1570
25 33 1.7 5.8 3.47 99.4 1585
26 39 2.0 6.6 3.24 99.3 1595
27 46 2.4 7.4 3.06 99.2 1605
28 53 2.8 8.2 2.93 99.2 1615
29 59 3.2 9.0 2.83 99.1 1622
30 66 3.6 9.8 2.74 99.0 1628
31 73 4.0 10.7 2.67 98.9 1635
32 79 4.4 11.5 2.62 98.8 1640
33 86 4.8 12.3 2.57 98.8 1645
34 92 5.2 13.1 2.53 98.7 1650
35 99 5.6 13.9 2.49 98.6 1652
36 105 6.0 14.7 2.46 98.5 1655
37 112 6.4 15.5 2.43 98.4 1656
38 118 6.8 16.4 2.40 98.3 1657
39 125 7.2 17.2 2.38 98.2 1659
40 131 7.6 18.0 2.36 98.1 1660
41 138 8.0 18.8 2.35 98.1 1661
42 144 8.4 19.6 2.33 98.0 1662
43 150 8.8 20.5 2.32 97.9 1663
44 157 9.2 21.3 2.30 97.8 1665
45 163 9.6 22.1 2.29 97.7 1666
46 169 10.0 22.9 2.28 97.6 1667
47 175 10.4 23.7 2.28 97.5 1668
48 182 10.8 24.5 2.27 97.4 1669
49 188 11.2 25.4 2.26 97.3 1671
50 194 11.6 26.2 2.25 97.2 1672
51 200 12.0 27.0 2.25 97.1 1673
52 206 12.4 27.8 2.24 97.0 1674

Production table 2
PER HEN DAY

Age in % Egg weight Egg mass Feed intake Feed
weeks Lay (g) per day per day conversion
(g) (g) per week
53 88.7 64.5 57.2 120 2.10

54 88.3 64.6 57.0 120 2.10
55 87.9 64.7 56.9 120 2.11
56 87.5 64.8 56.7 120 2.12
57 87.1 64.9 56.5 120 2.12
58 86.7 65.0 56.4 120 2.13
59 86.3 65.1 56.2 120 2.14
60 85.9 65.1 55.9 120 2.15
61 85.5 65.2 55.7 120 2.15
62 85.1 65.3 55.6 120 2.16
63 84.7 65.4 55.4 120 2.17
64 84.3 65.4 55.1 120 2.18
65 83.9 65.5 55.0 120 2.18
66 83.5 65.5 54.7 120 2.19
67 83.1 65.6 54.5 120 2.20
68 82.7 65.7 54.3 120 2.21
69 82.3 65.8 54.2 120 2.22
70 81.9 65.9 54.0 120 2.22
71 81.5 66.0 53.8 120 2.23
72 81.1 66.1 53.6 120 2.24
73 80.7 66.2 53.4 120 2.25
74 80.3 66.3 53.2 120 2.25
75 79.9 66.4 53.1 120 2.26
76 79.5 66.5 52.9 120 2.27
77 79.1 66.6 52.7 120 2.28
78 78.7 66.7 52.5 120 2.29
79 78.3 66.8 52.3 120 2.29
80 77.9 66.9 52.1 120 2.30
81 77.4 67.0 51.9 120 2.31
82 76.9 67.1 51.6 120 2.33
83 76.4 67.2 51.3 120 2.34
84 75.9 67.3 51.1 120 2.35
85 75.4 67.4 50.8 120 2.36
86 74.9 67.5 50.6 120 2.37
87 74.4 67.6 50.3 120 2.39
88 73.9 67.7 50.0 120 2.40
89 73.4 67.8 49.8 120 2.41
90 72.9 67.9 49.5 120 2.42

PER HEN HOUSED
Age in Eggs Egg mass Feed Feed % Body
weeks per bird cum. intake conversion Liveability weight
cum. cum. (kg) cum. (g)
53 212 12.8 28.6 2.24 96.9 1675

54 218 13.2 29.4 2.24 96.8 1677
55 224 13.5 30.2 2.23 96.7 1678
56 230 13.9 31.1 2.23 96.6 1679
57 236 14.3 31.9 2.23 96.5 1680
58 242 14.7 32.7 2.22 96.4 1681
59 247 15.1 33.5 2.22 96.3 1683
60 253 15.4 34.3 2.22 96.1 1684
61 259 15.8 35.1 2.22 96.0 1685
62 265 16.2 35.9 2.22 95.9 1686
63 270 16.6 36.7 2.22 95.8 1687
64 276 16.9 37.5 2.21 95.7 1689
65 282 17.3 38.3 2.21 95.6 1690
66 287 17.7 39.1 2.21 95.5 1691
67 293 18.0 39.9 2.21 95.4 1692
68 298 18.4 40.7 2.21 95.2 1693
69 304 18.8 41.5 2.21 95.1 1695
70 309 19.1 42.3 2.21 95.0 1696
71 315 19.5 43.1 2.21 94.9 1697
72 320 19.8 43.9 2.21 94.8 1698
73 325 20.2 44.7 2.21 94.6 1699
74 331 20.5 45.5 2.22 94.5 1701
75 336 20.9 46.3 2.22 94.4 1702
76 341 21.2 47.1 2.22 94.3 1703
77 346 21.6 47.9 2.22 94.2 1704
78 351 21.9 48.7 2.22 94.0 1705
79 357 22.3 49.4 2.22 93.9 1707
80 362 22.6 50.2 2.22 93.8 1708
81 367 23.0 51.0 2.22 93.7 1709
82 372 23.3 51.8 2.22 93.5 1710
83 377 23.6 52.6 2.23 93.4 1711
84 382 24.0 53.4 2.23 93.3 1713
85 387 24.3 54.2 2.23 93.1 1714
86 392 24.6 54.9 2.23 93.0 1715
87 396 24.9 55.7 2.23 92.9 1716
88 401 25.3 56.5 2.24 92.8 1717
89 406 25.6 57.3 2.24 92.6 1719
90 411 25.9 58.1 2.24 92.5 1720

Laying Average
rate Egg
weight
100 85
90 80
80 75
70 70
Production graphs
60 65
Bodyweight
2250 50 60
2000 40 55

1750 30 50
1500 20 45
1250 10 40
0 35
16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
DEKALB WHITE -
Feed
Egg mass in
consumption
g/day
in g
70 145 450
65 135 400
60 125 350
55 115 300
Feed
50 105 250
Cum no. of
conversion
eggs per HH
Kg/kg
2.20 45 95 200
2.15 40 85 150
2.10 35 75 10

2.05 30 65 50
2.00 25 55
16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
Rearing period
Good rearing is needed to reach the best genetic potential as it directly
affects the flock’s performance.
A good growing period which keeps the chicks in their “comfort zone”
will enhance viability and production levels during the laying period. The
same type of production housing system should be used for rearing. The
birds are easily acquainted with the production house and its equipment
after transfer, and overcome this stressful period smoothly. Ideally the
house should be empty for at least 14 days after all the traces of the
previous flock have been cleaned out. It should be disinfected and dry.
Figure 1: Bodyweight development
• 12
BW growth
Growth (g)
Skeletal
• 6
Organs
Calcium
Increase Reproductive
Muscles at prelay tract
Fat
___________________________________________________ Medullary bone

___________________________________________________ ___
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Weeks in age
Litter consists of wood shavings or chopped straw of good quality. Litter

should be dried and friable and be approx. 30°C at the time chicks are
placed on to the floor.
Perch surface per bird is 5 cm. The first accessible level must be at 20 cm
height and must be introduced before 4 weeks.
Partitions can decrease competition between birds for feeding and
drinking and can have a positive effect on behaviour.
Feeders should be easily accessible. They should distribute the feed
rapidly and enable the birds to finish it to encourage feed intake capacity.
Feed intake must be measured.

Drinking systems should be disinfected and washed before the flocks
arrival. They should be easily accessible and provide water of good quality.
Nipples must be suitable for day old chicks. Providing supplementary
drinkers during the first days of life promotes water consumption. Drinkers
should be cleaned daily during the first 2 weeks then once per week.
Table 1: standards for temperature and humidity
Age(Days) Brooding Brooding Room Relative

temperature temperature temperature humidity
At the edge At 2/3m from optimal & maxi-
of the the brooders mal in %
brooders
0–3 35ºC 29 - 28ºC 33 - 31ºC 55 – 60
4–7 34°C 27ºC 32 - 31ºC 55 – 60
8 – 14 32ºC 26ºC 30 - 28ºC 55 – 60
15 – 21 29ºC 26 - 25ºC 28 - 26ºC 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 - 23ºC 25 - 23ºC 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 - 21ºC 23 - 21ºC 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 - 19ºC 21 - 19ºC 60 – 70
After 35 19 - 17ºC 19 - 17ºC 60 - 70
During the first two days tepid (20-25°C) water should be used. Water
consumption must be measured. For infrared beak treated birds, we
recommend using a 360° nipple or providing open water for the first
week.
Feed and water monitoring systems are recommended.
Ventilation requirement is 0,7 m3/kg bw and the maximum ventilation
requirement is 3,6 m3/kg bw.
Lighting systems must be independent, dimmable and programmable.
They should be placed on strategic places: above perches, slatted area
and above the floor. Light intensity should be uniform (see table 3&4,
see page 20).

Closed heating systems without open fire are more appropriate to reach
the required temperature (see table 1). Two gas brooders or two radiant
heaters of 1450kcal/1000birds is recommended.
Figure 2 & 3: Recommended layout for 500 chicks & Radiant

heater position and ground temperature.
32 to 35 °C
A: radiant heater of 1450 kcal capacity D: 75 watt bulb at 1.5M above floor level
B: drinkers (5) but (7) for hot climate E: surround: 4m diameter – 0.6 m high
C: feed trays (10)
The best way to check if the house temperature is correct during this
period is to measure cloacal temperature of the chicks (40°c/104°f).
Body weight at 5/6 weeks is the most important determinant of
pullet quality. It is extremely important to follow ISA body weight
recommendations during the life of the birds.
Uniformity of the flock should be very good to facilitate management
and stimulation.
Table 2: equiment requirement for rearing
Stocking density (maximum) 12-14 birds / m²

Minimum ventilation rate 0.7 m3 / h / kg
2 gas brooders or 2 radiant heaters of 1450
Heating
Kcal / 1000 birds
Drinkers
Starters
Temperate climate 1 starter / 100 birds
Hot climate 1 starter / 80 birds
150 birds / Hanging bell drinker (80 to 100
Bell drinkers nipples
for hot climate)
Temperate climate 16 birds / nipple
Hot climate 10 birds / nipple
Feeders
Per starting pan 50 birds / starting pan
Linear chain 4 cm / bird
Per feeder 1 unit / 50 birds

Growing after 5 weeks
Because of the sensitivity of birds to day length, lighting programmess
are used to encourage growth and control the birds’ sexual maturity.
Never increase day length between 6 weeks of age and the start of light
stimulation. Timing of light stimulation should always be based on body
weight, not on age.
Figure 5: Guide for lighting programme for rearing in a dark

poultry house
Age in weeks
GUIDE LINE FOR LIGHTING PROGRAMME FOR REARING IN A DARK POULTRY HOUSE
Lighting programme
dalaying maturity
C
Lighting programme
during hot season
B
B
C
during temperate period

A
Lighting programme
A
duration
Light

When pullets are reared in dark houses, use a slow step down lighting
programme in order to maximise growth during the first weeks and keep
a constant light duration adapted to growth performance or the sexual
maturity expected.
Table 3: lighting program for alternative production according to day

length at 15 weeks.
Age and / or weight Duration of light at 15 weeks (hours)

10 11 12 13 ≥14
1 - 3 Days 23 23 23 23 23
4 - 7 Days 22 22 22 22 22
8 - 14 Days 20 20 20 20 20
15 - 21 Days 18 18 18 18 18
22 - 28 Days 16 16 16 16 16
29 - 35 Days 14 14 14 14 15
36 - 42 Days 12 13 13 13.30 14
43 - 49 Days 11 12 12.30 13 14
Decreasing daylengths:
From 49 days to light 10 Natural light
stimulation
Increasing daylengths:
From 49 days to light 10 11 12 13 14
stimulation
When pullets are reared in open system houses, control of sexual maturity
is difficult to achieve. Darken the poultry house and use a lighting program
taking into account the natural day length at the moment of transfer.
Total light duration must never be shorter than the longest natural day
length in the period between 6 weeks of age and light stimulation.
Table 4: recommended light intensity for rearing period
Light intensity
Production in houses ex-
Age (days) Rearing & production in
posed to natural light
dark house
1–3 20 – 40 Lux 40 lux
4–7 15 – 30 Lux 40 lux
8 – 14 10 – 20 Lux 40 lux
15 – Transfer 5 – 10 lux 40 lux
Beak trimming
This operation is normally carried out to prevent feather pecking and
cannibalism.
Different methods for beak trimming can be applied. Following
cauterization by hot blade or infra-red treatment it is recommended to

increase the water level in the drinkers and lower the pressure in the pipes
for some days to make it easier for the birds to drink, as well as increasing
the depth of the feed to avoid the feeders from becoming empty.
Beak treatment can also be carried out at one day old in the hatchery,
before delivery of the chicks .As the beak of the chick treated at one day
old is still sensitive, it is advisable to use side activated nipples (360°)
or nipple drinkers with cups and the use of supplementary starting mini
drinkers in the rearing farm for the first few days.
In addition to technical recommendations, any codes and local regulations
concerned with animal welfare should be followed.
Feeding in rearing
• Do not change the feed if birds do not reach the standard
bodyweight.
• Promote early growth, skeleton and organ development by
providing feed in crumble form for starter diet.
• Use a good coarse mash grist for grower, pullet and pre lay feed.
• Develop digestive tract and eating capacity (feeding management
/ grit).
• Feed specifications for alternative production pullet do not differ
from intensive system recommendations.

Table 5: Feed specifications during rearing period for commercial layers
Between Diet Starter Grower Pullet Pre - lay

18 & 24 °C units 0-4 4-10 10 - 16 112 days
weeks weeks weeks to 2 %
1-28 28-70 70 - 112 lay
Days days days
2950- 2850-
MetabolIsable energy kcal/kg 2750 2750
2975 2875
12.3-
Mj/kg 11.9-12.0 11.5 11.5
12.4
Crude protein % 20.5 19 16 16,8
Methionine % 0.52 0.45 0.33 0,40
Methionine + cystine % 0.86 0.76 0.60 0.67
Lysine % 1.16 0.98 0.74 0.80
Threonine % 0.78 0.66 0.50 0.56
Tryptophan % 0.217 0.194 0.168 0.181
Digestible amino acids
Dig. Methionine % 0.48 0.41 0.30 0.38
Dig. Meth. + Cystine % 0.78 0.66 0.53 0.60
Dig. Lysine % 1.00 0.85 0.64 0.71
Dig. Threonine. % 0.67 0.57 0.43 0.48
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.186 0.166 0.145 0.155
Major minerals
1.05 - 0.90 - 0.90 - 2 - 2.10
Calcium %
1.10 1.10 1.00 (1) (1)
Available phosphorus % 0.48 0.42 0.36 0.42
Chlorine minimum % 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.14
Sodium minimum % 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.15
(1): To avoid falls in food consumption, 50% of the calcium should be supplied in granular form
(diameter= 2 to 4 mm) Remark:For temperature above 24° other nutritionnal recommendation
are available in our complete alternative management guide.
Litter management
The top priority is to keep the litter dry. Well managed ventilation and
good gut health are key points.
Litter should be friable and ‘moveable’. The birds help to maintain this
condition by scratching and dust bathing. Scratching may be encouraged
by providing a small daily ‘scratch feed’ of whole grain.
Water pressure in drinker supply lines should meet suppliers specification
to avoid leakage.
Where nipple drinkers are provided, they should be suspended so that the
birds have to reach up to drink.

Litter depth should be 5 to 10 cm depending on the type of floor.
Additional litter should be added, on top of the existing litter, in order that
moisture content is kept low.
Wet patches resulting from water spillage should be promptly removed.
During cold and/or wet weather, it is important to work the litter regularly
with a fork.
Transfer to laying house

This is a stressful period for the birds due to handling and transport
involved in movement from rearing to laying facilities, and the change
from a rearing to a laying environment. This should be done at 4 weeks
(ideally) and certainly no later than two weeks before egg production
starts. This will give the bird enough time to adapt to the situation in the
new environment.
Preparation – rearing farm
Birds must always conform to the breed bodyweight.
Light intensity and rearing temperature should be adjusted, over a period
of 2 to 4 weeks, and must be equal to the level in the laying house. Two
weeks prior to transfer, birds should not be handled, except for routine
uniformity and bodyweight checks. Birds must have every opportunity to
grow, even during this critical period.
Insoluble grit should have been provided for the flock, ideally during the
entire rearing period, but at least 2 weeks prior to transfer.
Feed withdrawal before departure should not exceed 6 hours and should
be adapted to transport duration and climatic conditions.
Preparation – laying farm
An appropriate terminal hygiene program must be implemented to avoid
cross disease transmission.
Maintenance and repairs to complete before the arrival of stock:
• Flush the water system and provide fresh water the day before
arrival of new stock.
• Where nipple lines are used, ensure the height is slightly below the
back of the birds (for the first 7 days), then raise to ensure birds
“comfortably stretch” to use the nipples. Bell drinkers should be
filled to double the normal depth, and lowered to a height of 20 cm
above floor level, for the first two or three days.
The house should be dried prior to the arrival of the new flock and
preheated in cold season.

Transfer
An ideal time for transfer is during the early morning. If the stock are
unloaded by the time their day would have started on the rearing farm,
disturbance to their routine of drinking and eating is minimised.
Transport vehicles and equipment must be clean and disinfected.
The flock should be transferred within the same day.
The whole procedure should be fast with the loading of the birds,
transport and unloading all conforming to local regulations. Additionally
every effort should be made before and after transfer to maintain water
and feed intake according to the normal routine of the flock.
Precautions should be taken to minimize undue exposure to wind and
rain/sun during transfer procedure.
After housing
The period of the first 48 hours after housing is a critical period; close
supervision and observations are required to ensure the normal behavior
of the entire flock.
The following points should be noted:
Water consumption – normal drinking habits, within 6 hours after arrival.
Temperature: ideally 15°c, 18°c is the maximal temperature. It is important
that birds do not become chilled but they must have fresh air.
Feed consumption – increasing appetite/intake.
General attitude of the flock: at first it will be quiet, but should gradually
become more active and ‘talkative’, but not frenetic or hyperactive.
If slats are incorporated in the house, the birds have to be encouraged to
perch during the dark night period. This may take some time initially (3 to
7 days), prior and during lights off.
Nest boxes must be closed until you see the first egg. Open them 2 hours
before the main house lights and keep open until late afternoon.
Light intensity must be high (refer to lighting chapter).
Dim the light gradually at light off (refer to lighting chapter).
It is recommended to keep birds on the system for a few days if they were
not reared on a partly slatted house (according to local regulations).
Table 6: minimum mesurements and record keeping
Optimal advised Optimal advised

Traits Traits
practices practices
Feed consumption weekly Mortality daily

Water consumption daily Climate daily
Hen bodyweight weekly

Laying period
Building and equipment for production
Housing Equipment
It is important the birds are reared in the same system as they will
experience in production.
Table 7: standard stocking densities and environnement.
Stocking density 7 birds / m²*

Min. ventilation rate 0.7 m3 / h / kg
Drinkers
100 birds / Hanging bell drinker ( 80 in
Bell drinkers
hot climate )
Nipple 10 birds / nipple
Feeders
Per feeding pan 25 birds / round feeder - pan
Linear chain minimum 10 cm / bird
5-6 birds per nest / 120 birds per 1m² of
Nest boxes
collective nest
10 cms of perch / hen (distance 40 cms
Perches
from each other)
Pop hole (access to free range) 1 / 600 hens
*stocking densities are given for the deep litter systems. Stocking densities for aviaries could
be higher – follow the manufacturer recommendations. Do not forget to provide always enough
drinking and feeding space according to the given technical requirements and local regulations.
Slats
Slats, either plastic, wooden or metallic should be adapted to the building
design. They should be on a level which provides easy access for the birds
and which also accommodates manure throughout the whole production
cycle. When higher than 90 cm, use the perch rails to help the birds’
access them, as drinkers, feeders and nests are placed here.
Feed and Water
We recommend a feeding system that distributes feed rapidly and enables
the birds to finish all the distributed feed each day. It helps the correct
feeding technique with a rapid increase of feed intake at start of lay, no
fine particles accumulation and feed intake control. Rapid floor mounted
chain feeders seem to be the best option. If pan or tube feeders are used
they should be adapted properly to this technique.
It is best to use the same type of drinkers in rearing and production (for
example nipples to nipples).

The feeders and drinkers should be easily accessible and recognised by the
birds, their height adapted to the size of the birds. If slatted areas are used
in the house, place the slats in front of the nests. The drinker line attracts
the birds to the nest boxes.
The standards for drinking and feeding space given in the table of stocking
densities and environment must be followed from transfer until depletion.
Remember: If the hen does not drink enough for any reason, it will not
eat enough and so the growth, uniformity and production of the flock will
be compromised.
Nests
Use one comfortable individual nest for 5 – 6 birds or 1 m² of collective
nest for 120 birds. The individual nest should be strawed. Any nests must
be clean and well maintained. A dim light (0.3-0.5 lux) placed in the nests
or over the slats switched on 1.5 h before lights on could be used to avoid
floor eggs.
Perches
Perches improve the welfare of the birds. They also help to increase the
usable surface per bird and decrease floor density, train the birds to jump
in the system and allow an escape to aggressed birds.
Minimum perch length per bird is 10cm. The first accessible level must be
at 20cm height.
The perches should be situated on the slats to maintain good litter
conditions. Distance between perches should be 40 cm and a slope of 45°.
Partitioning and fencing

Partitioning the house into different pens helps the bird distribution and
makes the flock management easier.
Fencing – Outside:
Perimeter fencing is a requirement to protect birds from different predators
and to aid security and bio security.
A fencing example could be a wire type mesh construction, 2m high with
an overhang of 30cm placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical
on the outside of the fence. The bottom of the fence could be approx
30cm underground to act as an anti-tunneling barrier. Alternatively
commercially available safety electric fencing can be used.
For range management, a more practical and lighter material like
electrified netting can be used.

Heating
If possible keep the laying house temperatures between 18-22°C, though
the hens can withstand lower or higher temperatures during winter and
summer. Keep in mind that at lower temperatures a hen increases feed
intake and at higher temperature decreases the feed intake. A temperature
change of 1°C will translate to approximately 1.4g change in feed intake.
To avoid temperature stress in wintertime, it is advisable to preheat the
production houses before transfer of point of lay pullets, up to 18°C.
Make sure you always follow minimum ventilation requirements to avoid
damage by high CO2 and NH3 levels. Lower temperature is less harmful
than high CO2 and NH3 levels.
Ventilation
A major priority of ventilation is the provision of fresh air. If the air in the
poultry house is stuffy – humid – smells or laden with dust, then the rate
of air change is too low!
The minimum rate of air change, in order to supply the birds’ respiratory
needs is 0.7 m³ / hour / kg live weight. Good working ventilation removes
the excessive moisture – maintains a good litter quality, removes the dust,
maintains a sufficient oxygen supply and removes noxious gases from a
chicken house.
Ventilation system
A free range house can be ventilated mechanically, naturally, or by a
combination of both systems. Fundamental to any system is the provision
of finely adjustable air inlets, usually at eaves level on both sides of the
house, and outlets in the apex of the roof. Some houses are be cross
ventilated, with inlets one side of the building and the extractor fans on
the other side. If the climatic conditions suit a low ventilation rate.
Table 8: Air quality levels
Trait Recommended level

Ammonia (NH3) 20 ppm max
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 2500 ppm max
Air Circulation
When the rate of air change is low, it is best to keep a good air circulation
in the house. It helps a better distribution of the fresh, as well as the
warmer air, throughout the whole house It also allows a better moisture
removal from litter and improves the birds’ comfort in case of hot weather.
Be careful of direct draughts on birds. The use of an axial fan can be a
good method of effective air circulation.

Frequently problems associated with poor ventilation
Table 9: Air quality recommendations
Too little ventilation Too much Uneven

E coli E coli E coli
Respiratory diseases Respiratory diseases Respiratory diseases
Feed intake Feed intake Feed intake
Ammonia blindness Floor eggs Floor eggs
Poor internal & external egg quality Nervousness Nervousness
Poor production Poor production
Crowding Crowding
Litter quality Litter quality
Litter is also considered to be one of the wellbeing factors for birds,

allowing them to scratch, dust bathe and be more relaxed.
Slatted areas covering an enclosure, to which the birds are denied
access,should be used for storage of manure. This separation of manure
from the litter makes the task of maintaining the litter in good condition
much less onerous, particularly during wet and cold weather.
The litter adjoining the slatted area should be well lit, in order to deter
floor egg laying.
Litter management
The objective of the litter management is to maintain a dry, friable and
odourless material, attractive to the birds for scratching and dust bathing.
The type and quality of the litter are important for the hens and the
house climate. Materials like sand or gravel, wood shavings, wheat spelt
or rye chopped straw, bark mulch or coarse wood chips can be used as
litter. Sawdust is not suitable as once moistened it compacts, becomes
immovable and does not release moisture to the atmosphere.
Neither material should be contaminated and should not be moved on
site from flock to flock. It should be uncontaminated when spread in the
poultry house. Straw should be chemically treated so that it is free of
moulds, aspergillus species in particular.
If the system allows it, frequently remove accumulated litter/manure. This
prevents floor eggs and improves the environment. Avoid wet and caked
litter.

Lighting systems
The lighting system in lay must be designed to ensure independent lighting
control of the different areas. We advise the creation of three zones, one
as a scratching area, one as a slats area and one above the nests.
All lighting lines must be dimmable and programmable. The dimming
ability of the system will allow the control of behaviour inside the building
and to avoid dark areas where bird could lay on floor.
An independent programmable lighting row encourages birds to climb/
move on to slats and not to sleep on the scratching area. This point is
important to avoid floor eggs.
Nest lights could be used with brown birds to attract them into the nest
before the general light on.
Lighting systems using bulbs with too low frequency will result in
flickering light which will stress birds. Warm color type (yellow-orange
spectrum) must be used. In the event of negative bird behaviour, the use
of lampshades and red painted light covers can help.
Basic growth concepts - body weight development

& uniformity
From transfer to around 30 weeks of age the birds need to achieve at
least 300g of bodyweight gain. Growth after 30/35 is mostly due to fat
deposition, and its excess will be negative for lay and feed conversion.
A lack of bodyweight gain after transfer makes hen less robust against
environmental variations (disease, heat, etc…).
Flock uniformity has to be maintained in order to avoid extremes of
bodyweight leading to poor laying performance.
Pre-lay key targets

Increase layer bone mineralisation
The pre lay period is characterised by an increase of the calcium
concentration of the feed.
The first objective is to reinforce the mineralisation of medullary bone and
calcium storage before the beginning of the lay.
The second objective is to prevent demineralisation of early layers in the
flock. The calcium concentration of a grower feed would not be sufficient
to compensate the calcium exported for the eggshell of these birds.
In summary, a higher calcium level on pre lay diets will prevent layer
demineralisation of early birds, reinforce medullary bone mineralisation
before transfer and ensure good eggshell quality in the last phase of lay.

Transition to layer feed
Pre lay diet constitutes a step, in terms of feed composition, between
rearing and laying feed. The abrupt increase of both fine as well as coarse
calcium carbonate particles has a strong influence on feed palatability
and presentation. There is an increased risk of low feed consumption after
transfer if pre lay feed is not used. We strongly recommend the use of a
pre lay diet to accustom bird to layer feed.
Growth continuation, lightest bird catching up and maintaining
uniformity
The birds continue to grow during the pre-lay phase, for the lightest
ones it is the last chance to catch up and the earliest can start to lay.
Both groups require a high nutritional feed to assist correct growth and
production. Without using an adapted feed, uniformity of the flock could
decrease.
Working with the birds after transfer

Put the birds close to drinkers and feeders at transfer.
Keep the flock on a slatted area for a few days, it helps the birds to get
used to slats, find drinkers and feeders but also perches and nests.
Light intensity must be higher compared to rearing building
Lighting management encourages the birds to move on to the slatted
areas to rest and sleep. Switch off the lights gradually starting from floor
ending at a top tier of aviary.
Place the birds found on litter just before dusk on to the slatted area
during the first week.
Collect the floor eggs several times per day at start of lay, until the level
becomes acceptable.
Automatic nests must be open at least 2 hours before lights on. After all
the eggs are laid close the nests (to be adapted according to the flocks
laying behaviour). It helps to keep the nests clean and to remove all birds
from them.
Continue to check the growth by measuring bodyweight.
Monitor feed and water intake.
Watch out for birds that do not find the drinking/feeding points. Look
for these on top level of aviary system, on the scratching area or perches.
Move them to drinkers and feeders.

Training caged reared birds
Rear the birds on floor or in an aviary when these are destined to be
housed on floor or aviary systems during production. If birds reared in
cages are transferred to a production house with a floor or aviary system
there is a high risk of problems. The birds might not find their way to
drinkers and feeders, are not accustomed to jump and mount on slats and
into the system. More weakened birds and higher mortality may occur
after transfer, the flock may have a low peak, with many eggs laid on
floor.
If you are forced to transfer the cage reared birds to floor or aviary systems
for production ,here are some tips to help you and the birds to cope.
1. Transfer the flock as soon as possible (at a younger age for example 12
weeks) so that the birds have a better chance to get acquainted with
this new environment.
2. Allow them enough slatted space so that they can be kept there
(with a temporary fence) for some time (7-10 days) without a risk of
overcrowding.
3. Place all the drinking and feeding equipment on slatted areas.
4. Use as many different ladders and steps as possible so that the birds
are not forced to jump to high to get back to slats.
5. Start to release the birds from the slatted area to litter gradually, after
you are sure they all have found water and feed.
6. Inspect the flock more frequently and help the “lost” individuals to
find water and feed.
7. When released, encourage the flock to get back to slats or aviary
system in the evening.
8. This type of transfer needs much more physical work from skilled
workers.
9. Special attention is needed for coccidiosis prevention or treatment.
Stocking density
Respect for this parameter in lay is as important as it is in the rearing
period. Flocks with enough feeding and drinking space will fulfil their
genetic potential much more successfully.
Follow the local regulations for stocking density. However, it should not
exceed 7 birds per usable m² on litter, 9 birds per usable m² on slats.
However, the aviary system enables an increase of stocking density up to
18 or even more birds per m² of the floor of the house.
In any of these cases the birds must have enough easily accessible drinking
and feeding space. Overcrowded flocks risk low feed and water intake,
they could show pecking, cannibalism, suffocation, mortality, culls and
finally a compromised performance.

Drinking and feeding
Ensure at least 1 nipple per 10 birds or 1 bell drinker for 100 birds in
temperate climates and1 bell drinker for 80 birds in hot climates. We
consider 10 cm of linear chain space should be assured per bird and that
1 pan is sufficient for 25 birds (if their mutual distance allows the access
from all sides). The height of the feeders and drinkers should be adjusted
for an easy access for all the birds and so that they do not impede the
movement of birds, nor encourages floor laying under them.
Measuring daily feed- and water intake
The daily monitoring of water and feed intake is very useful. The
consumption/empty feeder time is also a practical tool if precise
measurements are not possible. Any strong deviations from the previous
day’s consumption might indicate a start of some disease or technical
problem. Together with a regular inspection of the flock it helps to avoid
big surprises in the development of the flock..
Feed intake stimulation

Feed presentation
Birds have a strong preference for coarse particles; they tend to leave the
fine part of the feed. Consequently, the feed needs to be uniformed, with
a maximum of 10% coarse particles above 3.2mm and 15% maximum
of fines particles below 0.5mm. Too high proportion of coarse particles
will lead to feed sorting, uneven bodyweight and laying performance, too
high proportion of fine particles will decrease feed consumption.
Birds also do not like variation in feed presentation. Similarly to fine
particles, variation in feed presentation decreases feed consumption.
Addition of 1% oil to mash layer feed, is recommended to improve feed
presentation. Oil sticks the finest particles together and makes them
easily ‘eatable’.
In case when the feed intake is very low or the feed presentation is poor,
crumbs could be used, they are easy to take by beak and each particle is
nutritionally balanced. Crumbs increase water intake and wet droppings
and a change from crumbs to mash, can decrease feed consumption.
Feed distribution
We recommend the distribution of feed equal to the amounts of feed
that the hens finish each day. The feeders should be emptied daily at
the beginning of the afternoon. This technique leads to decreased feed
selection and to increased mineral and vitamin consumption usually
found in the fine particles of feed
Feed distribution during the intensive oviposion time of a day increases
dirty eggs and floor eggs.

For eggshell quality reasons, a minimum of 60% of the feed, needs to be
distributed in the afternoon.
This programme needs to be adapted according to observations and the
feed distribution equipment.
Lighting program :
High intensity after transfer
Increase the light intensity just after transfer. This encourages hens to
discover their new environnement (nipples, feeder and nest location) and
stimulates feed consumption too. When feed consumption is sufficient,
light intensity could be reduced.
Night flash (midnight feed)
When the local legislation allows it, a maximum of two hours of light
could be given to hens 3 hours after light extinction. Birds can use this
extra time to consume some more feed if needed. This technique is very
useful especially during hot season.
Temperature
In comparison with rearing period, temperature could be decreased a little
(1 or 2°C) to stimulate feed consumption.
Prelay diet
Prelay diet utilisation facilitates the transition from rearing to production
diets that are very different especially in type and amount of calcium
carbonate concentration and palatability linked to this fact.
Digestive tract development
A proper feeding technique in rearing helps to develop the digestive tract
so that the birds is well prepared to eat enough during lay.
Crop
The importance of the crop as a feed storage organ is recognized
especially after transfer when bird ought to increase it’s feed intake from
80 to 120 g. A poorly developed crop reduces this feed intake capacity.
The concept of meal feeding technique with empty feeders once a day
leads to faster feed consumption and better crop development. (refer to
‘Feeding mangement’).
Gizzard
Pullet feed presented in coarse particles mash helps gizzard development.
Coarse limestone particles in prelay feed or the use of grit in rearing also
help to develop gizzard.

Insoluble grit
Grit of proper particle size was once considered essential. Now, with the
mash feed, it is considered unnecessary, grit stimulates the gizzard muscle
development in rearing, stimulates digestion and improves feed intake
capacity.
Where the hens eat litter and feathers and have no grit, physical damage
of the intestinal tract may occur. It is recommended to provide 3 g of
insoluble grit per hen once a month, with a particle size between 4 and
6 mm.
Lighting during lay

The objective of the lighting programmes during production period is:
• To encourage growth at start of lay
• To counteract the harmful effects of decreases in natural day length
• To control the liveability through the light intensity management
Whatever the type of laying house (natural or artificial light), the golden
rule is to never decrease daylength (interval between lights on and lights
off) after start of lay.
The bodyweight plays a major role in the determination of the egg weight
profile during all the laying period, the light stimulation has to be done
according to the observed bodyweight.
Table 10: Lighting program for dark laying houses.
Age and/or body Standard program Standard pro- Delaying matu-

weight brown egg layers gram white egg rity/hot season
(hours) layers program
(hours) (hours)
End of rearing to
10 10 12
light stimulation
At bodyweight
12 11 14
reference (bwr*)
Bwr + 1 week 13 12 15
Bwr + 2 weeks 14 13 15.30
Bwr + 3 weeks 15 14 16
Bwr + 4 weeks 15.30 15 16
Bwr + 5 weeks 16 16 17
The minimum bodyweight reference is:

• 1 250 to 1 300 g for the brown egg layers
• 1 100 to 1 150 g for the white egg layers
Uniformity is also an important parameter to consider. If uniformity
(+/-10%) is below 80% for brown and 85% for white, delay the light

stimulation.
Table 11: Lighting duration for a given daylength
Age and/or weight Duration of light at 15 weeks (hours)

10 11 12 13 ≥14
Decreasing daylengths :
After 49 days 10 NL** NL NL NL
At bodyweight reference 12 13 14 15 16
At bwr(*) + 1 week 13 14 14.30 15.30 16.30
At bwr + 2 weeks 13.30 14.30 15 16 16.30
Increasing daylengths :
After 49 days 10 11 12 13 14
At bodyweight reference 11 12 13 14 15
At bwr + 1 week 12 13 14 14.30 15.30
At bwr + 2 weeks 13 14 14.30 15 16
+½ hour per week in order to reach 15 to 16.30
After
hours at 50% production
Note: This is a sample programme only and lighting programme should be matched to time of
year, body weight and egg size requirements.
You will find an example of a lighting programme among charts. It is a

sample programme only and lighting programme should be matched to
time of year, body weight and egg size requirements.
Lighting programmes are only effective in light controlled environments.
Please consult your local breed representative for further advice.
In aviary systems it is important to be able to control lighting system in
different groups. In the evening, light should be turned off in stages,
first lights in the aisles, then lights in different levels of the system, from
bottom to top, to encourage the birds to move to the resting areas before
lights off.
In the morning, lights should be switched on at once, but if floor eggs are
found, a dim light can be turned on one hour before the main lights are
switched on.
Light intensity
A Low light intensity from 5 to 10 lux is required for production. The most
important is to achieve the best possible uniform light spread. Standard
light bulbs with dimmer are preferred.

Floor eggs prevention
Floor eggs prevention is a key factor for flock success.
The two main points are:
• The nest must be more attractive and comfortable than other parts
of the hen house
• Access to nest has to be easy for birds
General Management Advice
Management is one of the key factors to prevent floor eggs.
• Light has to be well spread in the laying house, shadow areas need
to be avoided. Birds preferentially lay in all darkened area.
• Limit the number of corners – place barriers.
• Lateral light should be off first, this will encourage birds to go close
to the nest and to sleep on slats and lastly, the central light should
be switched off.
• Ensure all birds sleep on the slatted area/system from time of
placement, allow access to the litter area within a reasonable time
scale – 2 weeks max.
• According to the breed used and the lighting program applied, a
variable percentage of birds will lay before lights on; the probability
to lay on the floor is higher for these birds. Night light in the nest
encourages these early birds to go into the nests for laying before
the general lights come on.
• Installation of deflection barrier between the nest boxes enables
the birds to be evenly distributed, diluting the pressure in the nest
boxes. This also helps to prevent overcrowding of nest located near
to partitions
• Where the legislation allows it, a night flash during the dark period
(for example 1h30 of light, 3 hours after light off), will delay the
lay of one part of the flock and reduce the competition in the nest.
• In some situations adding one extra hour of light in the morning
could solve floor eggs problems.
Important Behaviour
Just before laying, approximately 30 minutes before, birds express a
specific behaviour called pre-laying behaviour which consists in 3 phases:
• Active nest searching
• Choice of nest
• Nest creation
Birds shouldn’t be disturbed during the process of searching for a nest
otherwise they stop the search.

Additional Influences – Floor Eggs
• Availability of perches in rear
• Feeder/Drinker availability.
• Stocking rate.
• Ventilation
• Nest availability/comfortable
• Slat position
• Incorrect installation of Electric Fence
Prolapse prevention
Prolapse refers to a condition seen in laying hens characterized by part of
the oviduct remaining outside of the vent after the hen has laid an egg.
Prolapse is very often combined with pecking of the vent and cloacal area
or at the everted oviduct, leading to a rapid death.
Main causes of prolapse are the following:
• Improper body weight and frame development: underweight pullets
at point of lay, before reproductive tract is completely mature and
oviduct muscles have developed elasticity and strength. Pullets
with excess fat are also more prone to prolapse since fat excess
contributes to lower elasticity and tone of the tissues involved in
egg laying.
• Lighting program: too early light stimulation, before complete
development, or giving excessively large light increments, leading
to an increased incidence of double yolks.
• Any condition encouraging pecking behaviour : high light intensity,
unbalanced feed, poor quality beak trimming, enteritis… increasing
the chances of physical damage to oviduct tissues
To control prolapse we advise:
• Making sure the flock is uniform during rearing
• Ensuring body weight is on target by getting a steady growth since
early age
• Avoiding excess weight (i.E., Fattening) during rearing
• Avoiding any sudden increase in light period
• Applying a proper lighting program to compensate natural light
and avoiding unwanted early light simulation

Bird behaviour
Individual or flock behaviour is influenced by many factors, single or more
usually in combination.
Normal behaviour
In general the bird can cope with moderate stress, such as temperature
rise or fall, transfer from rearing to laying facilities, or change of ration,
etc.
It is important to recognise any change in behaviour, as this may indicate
some problem, and it is better that this is both recognised and remedied
sooner rather than later. The most important behavioural characteristics
to recognise are aggression and crowding.
Abnormal behaviour
Pecking
We recognize different kinds of pecking. Gentle pecking we consider as
normal behaviour and severe pecking as abnormal behaviour.
Gentle pecking: carefull pecks, not resulting in feathers being pulled out
and usually without interaction from the recipient bird. It is a social and
explorative behaviour.
Severe/injurious pecking: forceful pecks, sometimes with feathers being
pulled out and with the recipient bird moving away. This is clearly an
aggressive behaviour.
There are stressful circumstances which may result in aggression. If some
of the birds start pecking aggressively it is usual to hear squawks of pain
from the pecked birds. This needs early identification, as it is abnormal;
it is an indication that there is a serious stress affecting the flock, and
prompt remedial action is essential. Besides, loss of feather cover leads to
increased heat loss and consequently to higher feed consumption.
Possible causes are as follows:
• Parasitic infection:
-- Red mite.
-- Worms, ascarid, capillaria infestation.
• Enteritis and diarrhea
• Ventilation
-- Inadequate ventilation, leading to higher levels of humidity and
smell (ammonia)
-- Drafts.
• Non respect of density and equipments specification
-- Insufficient floor space
-- Stress of overcrowding
-- Limited access to drinkers and feeders (insufficient number/ poor

distribution).
-- Inability to access nests, resulting in floor laying – leading to
pecking of exposed vents.
• Shortage of water or feed:
-- Drinkers / feeders empty.
-- Water or feed unpalatable
-- Too low pressure / leakage
-- Shortage
• Feeder and water equipement not earthed properly
• Poor beak trimming
• Feed not suitable:
-- Sodium deficiency
-- Amino acids deficiency
-- Lack of insoluble fibre
-- Sudden change of grist presentation
-- Too high energy level, due to a reduction in consumption time
-- Faulty manufacture - for instance, incorrect salt inclusion.
• Intensity of light too bright:
-- Light source generally too powerful.
-- Direct light from fluorescent bulbs (especially) or tubes; depending
on the type.
-- Entry of direct sunlight into the poultry house.
-- Flickering bulbs
-- Sudden increases in light duration
• Nests brightly illuminated – bird’s vents targeted during egg laying.
As pecking is difficult to control once it has started, the objective is to be
ahead of the problem in order to prevent the outbreak, but if it does occur
(bearing in mind that it is indicative of abnormal behaviour) the objective
should be to identify the problem promptly, and remedy the cause as
quickly as possible.
In case of pecking outbreak, you need to react fast :
• Decrease light intensity*
• Paint bulbs or light covers in red
• Add salt into the water (0.5-1kg/1000l)
• Add extra vitamins / minerals / amino-acids in water
• Add a fibre source within the house ( see fibre to layer)
• Add enrichment within the house (pecking blocks, fibre, plastic
bottles, plastic toys, cd, beet…).
*Caution : floor eggs could appear and feed intake could be decreased

Crowding
Floor-reared birds sometimes have a tendency to crowd together. This
natural behaviour can be triggered by different situations:
• Panic reaction: when birds are frightened, they try to avoid danger
• Attraction: when they are attracted by something, as they are
curious and want to find feed and discover their environment.
• Sleeping behaviour: it enables them to reduce the loss of body
heat during the night, maintain social link and protection against
dangers.
Advices to minimise the risk of smothering:
• Minimise the number of corners (e.g. Feeder) .
• Ensure an even light distribution within the house. Install light
traps/deflectors.
• Construct partitions with wire mesh ; birds crowding against a
mesh partition are still able to breathe
• Use wire mesh covered triangles in order to eliminate corners.
• Install electric wires along the walls, corners and partitions
• If crowding occurs during the evening, for example close to sunset,
check that sunlight does not enter the house through the pop
holes.
• It is necessary to visit the birds at the end of the day or when lights
go off to check birds behaviour.
• Install music in the houses so the birds react less to noises.
• Make a feed distribution one hour before lights go off. It will
evenly distribute birds through out the building.
• Ensure that available perch space is adequate
• Adapt the ventilation to obtain a uniform environment in the
house and to avoid draughts
• Give scratching material (e.g. Grain/grit) in the afternoon to keep
birds occupied
Broodiness
Broodiness can appear in certain flocks in case of stress or when they
are generally underweight. Nutrients deficiency, heat stress and any
factors related to poor growth can lead to broodiness. Floor-laying leads
to broodiness; preventing floor laying and frequent egg collection limits
the amount of broodiness.
Broodiness can be identified by characteristic behaviour patterns: staying
in the nest, fluffed feathers, clucking and aggression. Therefore we advise
closing nest at the end of the afternoon. Nests should not be closed until
4 hours before lights off to avoid loss of late laid eggs.

We advise:
• isolation of broodies from the moment they appear (in the evening):
• place them in a spacious pen, on a concrete or slatted floor without
a nest
• The best system is to have 2 broody pens
• Treatment can be made more effective by dipping the broodies in
cold water for 20 to 30 seconds and administering aspirin (a 125 mg
tablet) before transfer to the broody pen.
• The birds must have feed and water permanently.
• At the end of 4 days, those which respond (widening of pelvic
bones) can be placed back with the flock
Table 12: Broodiness and lay link duration, B Sauveur
Time broody Pause in lay

(days) (days)
1 7
2 9
3 12
4 18
Fibre for layer

Birds have a specific requirement for fibre. Deficiency in fibre can lead to
feather pecking. A poor feathering observed in a flock without feathers
remaining on floor could be a sign of a lack of fibre. A good supply of
fibre improves feathering, decreases mortality, improves gut health and
digestion.
Fibre provided to layer must be insoluble fibre and as much as possible
with a coarse presentation.
Fibre could be provided through the feed by oilseed meal (sunflower /
rapeseed), alfalfa (or lucerne), and oats. Cereal byproducts could provide
a good amount of fibre in the feed, but their presentation is usually to fine
to have ‘structure effect’ on the digestive tract.
Fibre could be provided directly in the building. We advised to use coarse
fibre as straw, alfalfa (lucerne), wood shavings, rice/oat husk, sillage, etc...
These materials must be available in the building through round feeder
or directly as ball on the scratching area. Birds must have a free and ad
libitum access to fibre sources. We advise to not spread directly fibre on
the floor. To prevent floor eggs, fibre supply must be introduced after the
peak of production when the birds are well trained to use the nest.

Feed for birds in alternative production
Energy
Considering nutrients requirement, the main difference between cage
and alternative production feed is energy requirement. To cover their
higher energy requirement, birds are eating more. According to the
housing system used, temperature and bird feathering, it is observed feed
consumption could be increased by 3 to 20%.
In alternative production, it is essential for point of lay pullet to reach
quickly their mature body weight. Energy intake is usually the limiting
factor for production and growth when lay is starting. It is strongly advised
to use a higher energy diet from 18 to 30/35 weeks of age. Energy levels
of 2750 to 2850 Kcal/kg are adapted for start of lay diet.
After 35 weeks of age, energy concentration must be decreased to prevent
fattening, improve feathering and livability (see ‘Fiber for laying hen’
section). According to country and raw material availability, a compromise
between feed intake/FCR, bird behaviour and bird bodyweight must be
found. Classical energy feed range advised after 35 weeks of age, are
from 2600 to 2750Kcal/kg.
For all the other nutrients, birds requirement in alternative production are
very close to these used for cage.
Protein and amino acids requirements
The daily amino acids and protein requirement values could be estimated
from the last review we did on amino acids requirement:
Table 13: Recommendations for amino acids expressed in total or

digestible and ideal proteins established for a production of 59.5 egg
mass per day
Ideal protein based on European table

Daily Requirements
2002
Limiting ami- based on European table
Requirements in mg per g based on
no acids 2002
European table 2002
Dig. AA Total AA Dig. AA Total AA
LYS 100 13.34 15.0 795 895
MET 53 7.1 7.56 420 450
MET + CYS 82 10.9 12.1 650 720
TRY 22.5 3.00 3.50 178 208
ILE 91 12.2 13.35 725 795
VAL 97 13.0 14.35 775 855
THR 70 9.4 11.0 560 655
These daily amino acids requirement must be adjusted according to the

feed consumption

% of amino
Daily amino acids
feed consumption acids in the
requirement in mg/ / observed in g / 10 = feed
day
Formulation of layer’s diets can be carried out by introducing

ISOLEUCINE and VALINE as nutritional constraints replacing protein as
a constraint. If this is not possible, we give hereafter some indications
for a minimum of protein for feed containing or not Meat and Bone
Meal (MBM).
From a practical point of view, we estimate that it is necessary to increase
the concentration of amino acids by about 6 % during the 18-28 weeks
period in relation to the feed consumption observed after 28 weeks.
Total or digestible amino acids levels are established for a production of
59.5 g egg mass per day.

Table 14: Amino acid concentration for an eggmass of 59.5g
according to feed consumption
Average feed intake 105 110 115 120 125

observed before
28 wks in g / day
(18.2- (17.7- (17.2- (16.7- (16.2-
Protein w/o MBM %
18.7) 18.2) 17.6) 17.2) 16.7)
(19.5- (18.9- (18.2- (17.9- (17.4-
Protein with MBM %
20.0) 19.4) 18.8) 18.4) 17.9)
Total amino acids %:
Lysine 0,90 0,86 0,82 0,79 0,76
Methionine 0,45 0,43 0,42 0,40 0,38
Met + Cys 0,73 0,69 0,66 0,64 0,61
Tryoptophan 0,210 0,201 0,192 0,184 0,177
Threonine 0,66 0,63 0,60 0,58 0,56
Isoleucine 0,80 0,77 0,73 0,70 0,67
Valine 0,86 0,82 0,79 0,75 0,72
Digestible amino acids % :
Lysine 0,80 0,77 0,73 0,70 0,67
Methionine 0,43 0,41 0,39 0,37 0,36
Met + Cys 0,66 0,63 0,60 0,57 0,55
Tryoptophan 0,180 0,172 0,165 0,158 0,151
Threonine 0,57 0,54 0,52 0,49 0,47
Isoleucine 0,73 0,70 0,67 0,64 0,62
Valine 0,78 0,75 0,71 0,68 0,66
FROM 28 WEEKS TO THE END OF LAY
(17.4- (16.9- (16.4- (15.9- (15.4-
Prot w/o MBM %
17.9) 17.4) 16.9) 16.4) 15.9)
(18.7- (18.1- (17.6- (17.1- (16.6-
Prot with MBM %
19.2) 18.6) 18.1) 17.6) 17.1)
Total amino acids % :
Lysine 0,85 0,81 0,78 0,74 0,71
Methionine 0,43 0,41 0,39 0,38 0,36
Met + Cys 0,69 0,66 0,63 0,60 0,58
Tryoptophan 0,198 0,189 0,181 0,174 0,167
Threonine 0,62 0,59 0,56 0,54 0,52
Isoleucine 0,76 0,72 0,69 0,66 0,64
Valine 0,81 0,78 0,74 0,71 0,68
Digestible amino acids % :
Lysine 0,76 0,72 0,69 0,66 0,64
Methionine 0,40 0,38 0,37 0,35 0,34
Met + Cys 0,62 0,59 0,57 0,55 0,52
Tryoptophan 0,170 0,162 0,155 0,149 0,143
Threonine 0,53 0,51 0,49 0,47 0,45
Isoleucine 0,69 0,66 0,63 0,61 0,58
Valine 0,74 0,70 0,67 0,65 0,62
Mineral nutrition
Table 15: daily mineral recommendations
From 17 to 28 From 28 to 50 From after 50

DAILY REQUIREMENT
WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS
Available phosphorus (1) mg 400 380 340
Available phosphorus (2) mg 440 420 380
Total Calcium g 3.9 – 4.1 4.1 – 4.3 4.3 – 4.6
White birds
Coarse Calcium (2 to 4mm) g 2.0 2.1 2.2
Brown birds
Coarse Calcium (2 to 4mm) g 2.6 2.7 2.9
Sodium minimum mg 180 180 180
Chlorine mini-maxi mg 170 - 260 170 - 260 170 - 260
Oil Mini-maxi (3) % 2-3 1-2 0.5 – 1.5
A minimum of coarse fibre or lignin is required
Fibre to prevent feather pecking and improve the
feed digestibility
(1): When coarse limestone is supplied as particles of 2 to 4 mm, it is possible to use these
values.
(2): We advise using these values when the calcium is supplied in powder form.
(3): Vegetable oil rich in unsaturated fatty acid improve egg weight, according to the requirement
of the market and the appetence a level of 2 to 3% is required. To avoid egg size becoming too
large at the end of lay, we advise reducing the quantity of vegetable oil being used
All these daily mineral recommendations must be divided by the feed

consumption observed to get the ideal percentage in the feed.
Daily requirement feed consumption % in the

/ / 10 =
in mg/day observed in g feed

Feeding management
The feeding management in production should follow several simple rules:
• Hens are grain eaters and have a preference for bigger feed particles.
We want them to eat all the components of the formulated feed
including the fine with higher concentration of amino acids,
minerals and vitamins.
• Birds have to finish their ration every day so that the feeders rest
empty for a while.
• Do not disturb the birds with feed distribution during their
oviposition time (first 5-6 hours of the day) if floor eggs are
observed
• 60% of feed must be distributed the afternoon to promote the
calcium storage before the night, ensuring a good eggshell quality
• To avoid feed particles selection, a minimum of feed distribution
has to be done (to be adjusted according to feeding system)
• The last feed distribution 1-2 hours before lights off also encourages
the birds to get to the house from range and to the system (slatted
area and perches) and to sleep there.
60% of the feed in the afternoon
6 to 7h00
Night time Night time

Empty feeders every day 1/1.5h
14 to 16 h 00 of light at plateau
Pasture and range management

Good pasture management and range enhancement improves welfare of
the birds.
Range enhancement
The most critical part of the range is the immediate access of the range
(first 5/10 meters). It is advised to place large stones or slats immediately
adjacent to the popholes or the winter garden. Trees and shelter provision
on the range allows birds to utilize the range better and protect them
against climatic conditions.
Pasture management:
The ‘paddock’ grazing system, where the pasture is divided into 3 or 4
paddocks (or more) and grazed alternately for periods of 3 to 4 weeks, is
most useful from several standpoints:

• The plants have a recovery period and it is possible to re-seed worn
areas
• When paddocks are not stocked they may be cut, hay even may be
taken. It is possible to chain harrow the pasture, breaking up any
mat of dead
• Owing to the break periods, the ground does not become ‘fowl
sick’. In particular the development of parasitic worms is kept under
control.
It may be necessary to plough areas of ground, allowing exposure to
frost and rain, during the winter period, in order to repair soil structure.
Reseeding would then be during the early spring. But reseeding can be
carried out during early autumn; this is generally preferable to spring
planting for grass strength. Reseeding will normally be using hard wearing
ryegrass species – these are the most durable.
Stones,
PEN 1 PEN 2 slats or
EGG weldmesh
ROOM
Stones,
PEN 1 PEN 2 slats or
EGG weldmesh
ROOM
Access zone 1
Access zone 2
Fence separating paddock

Access zone 1
Fence separating access zones Access zone 2
Fence separating paddock
Fence separating access zones
Decontamination of the range

In case of heavy contamination of the range, 500g/m² quicklime powder
could be spread in this area.
Other actions like using chain harrow could be applied to allow sunlight
(ultraviolet) to treat the infected soil.

Terminal hygiene
As soon as the stock has been depopulated, work should commence.
The sooner the programme is completed, the greater the reduction in
potential pathogens prior to restocking.
There are two basic tasks to be carried out:
1. Cleaning – the purpose is to remove organic matter and to make all
surfaces visually clean.
2. Disinfection – the act of sanitizing the ‘clean’ surfaces.
There are a number of suppliers of chemicals, and generally different
products are needed for these two tasks, detergents are used for cleaning,
and disinfectants for sanitising. Some detergents (detergent sanitisers) do
have some disinfecting properties, but in the poultry house a suitably
formulated disinfectant should still be used to follow a detergent
(sanitiser). Chemical products must be handled carefully. Please refer to
country regulation on waste disposal.
Terminal hygiene program

Stage 1 – removal
1. Livestock.
2. Deadstock – any carcasses.
3. Feedstuffs – this can be minimised by careful planning.
4. Moveable equipment – to a hard surface area with suitable
drainage.
5. Droppings and litter – to as far as possible from the farm.
6. Whilst the house is warm it is recommended to treat for red-mite/
insects.
7. Bait extensively for vermin.
Stage 2 – preparatory
1. Drinking system – drain and refill with detergent solution.
2. Soaking – all surfaces and equipment with detergent solution.
3. Hand cleaning – any non waterproof items.
Stage 3 – washing
Pressure wash all surfaces with detergent solution. This should not be
restricted to internal surfaces – concrete access areas, air inlets etc.,
Should also be washed.
Stage 4 – re-assembly
Re-instate cleaned moveable equipment into the poultry house when dry.

Stage 5 – disinfection
Spray all previously washed surfaces of building and equipment with
disinfectant solution.
Water lines must be cleaned first with an alkaline based detergent and
after, an acid based detergent and then flushed out thoroughly.
Stage 6 – disinfestation
Spray all surfaces (especially nests and slats) with appropriate chemicals
for insect and mite control.
Stage 7 – fumigation
Close the building before atmospheric fogging with formalin or a suitable
disinfectant.
Stage 8 – sanitary break period
The building closed, ideally for no less than 2 weeks. If maintenance work
is to be carried out, normal biosecurity precautions should be observed,
and stages 5, 6 and 7 must be repeated before the new stock arrive.
Stage 9 – preparation for arrival of new stock
1. Check function of all equipment.
2. Supply drinking system with fresh water.
3. Feeders should remain empty.
4. Building should be heated prior to arrival of growing pullets, if
house temperature is less than 15°c.
Minimum measurements and record keeping

Record keeping is a management tools used to check the flock’s
performance compared to standard. It also allows to observe any
irregularities to enable you to react quickly.
Table 16: minimum measurements and record keeping

Minimal Optimal
Feed cons. weekly daily (weekly records)
Arrival
Arrival
transfer to 30 weeks of age:
Bird weight 28 Weeks of age
1 on 2 weeks
> 28 : 1 Every 2 months
>30 : 1 Per month
Mortality weekly daily
weekly < 28 weeks of
Water cons. daily
age
Laying rate weekly daily
Egg weight weekly daily

Special health considerations
Biosecurity and hygiene
A good health status is very important for two reasons:
Healthy animals are efficient producers. Disease costs energy.
Secondly, we produce high quality food, which must be safe for human
consumption, free from pathogens and other contaminations.
Biosecurity is key to the prevention of disease in cooperation with
custom-made vaccination programmes and disease eradication/ control
programmes.
Vaccinations
Poultry can be vaccinated to make the birds themselves less susceptible
to poultry pathogens.
Parent stock poultry can be vaccinated to make their offspring less
susceptible for disease (providing them with maternal immunity via the
yolk).
Poultry can be vaccinated to make them less susceptible for contamination
with human pathogens, i.e. salmonella species.
Vaccination programs should be tailor made, taking into account the
following questions:
• What is the local disease situation; which diseases are present in
the area?
• What is the location of the farm, what’s the distance to neighboring
farms and what type of birds are housed on the neighboring farms?
• Which diseases are present on the farm itself (endemic diseases)?
• Does it hold parent stock or final product?
• Is it a multi age -or a single age farm?
• Take into account the principle of priming and boostering.
• Take into account the minimum time distance between two
vaccinations targeting the same organ system.
Monitoring
Monitoring can serve different purposes.
When you vaccinate, it is important to monitor the vaccine take. Was the
vaccine administered at the right time, in the right way?

You can monitor the endemic diseases on a farm. Which pathogens are
present and what is their behaviour/ dynamics?
You can use regularly taken serum samples for diagnostic reasons. Can
observed clinical signs be linked to a rise in antibody titre for a certain
pathogen?
You can monitor the specific pathogen free status of a farm.
Frequency of sampling and amount of samples vary with the pathogen
you are monitoring. What is the estimated/ expected prevalence of this
pathogen in the flock? What is the risk of infection? How crucial is it to
find an infection as soon as possible?
Table 17: Water quality parameters
Parameter Poultry
Good quality Do not use
PH 5 – 8,5 <4 and >9
Ammonium mg/l <2,0 >10
Nitrite mg/l <0,1 >1,0
Nitrate mg/l <100 >200
Chloride mg/l <250 >2000
Sodium mg/l <800 >1500
Sulfate mg/l <150 >250
Iron mg/l <0,5 >2,5
Mangane mg/l <1,0 >2,0
Hardness in German
<20 >25
degrees
Oxidizable organic matter
<50 >200
mg/l
H2S non detectable non detectable
Coliform bacteria’s cfu/ml <100 >100
Total germ count cfu/ml <100.000 >100.000

Warranty disclaimer
This production management guide for layers has been prepared by
Institut de Sélection Animale B.V. and its affiliates (“ISA”) with the
greatest possible care and dedication to inform and assist ISA’s customers
on the various manners of production to improve their production results
while using ISA products.
However, specific circumstances at the farm of the customer may impact
the usability and reliability of the statements and information mentioned
in this production management guide.
No implied or explicit guarantees are given by ISA as to the accuracy and
completeness of the provided information in this production management
guide. Applying the information as stated in this production management
guide in the customers’ production environment remains a decision of the
customer, to be taken at its sole discretion.
ISA will not be liable for any losses or damages whatsoever, whether in
contract, tort or otherwise arising from reliance on information contained
in this production management guide.

Conversion table
1 mtr. =3.282 feet 1 foot =0.305 mtr.

1 sq. mtr. =10.76 sq. feet 1 sq. foot =0.093 sq. mtr.
1 cub. mtr. =35.316 cub. feet 1 cub. foot =0.028317 cub. m.
1 cm. =0.394 inches 1 inch =2.54 cm.
1 sq. cm. =0.155 sq. inch 1 sq. inch =6.45 sq.cm.
1 kg. =2.205 lbs. 1 lb. =0.454 kg.
1 g. =0.035 ozs. 1 oz. =28.35 g.
1 ltr. =0.22 gallons 1 gallon =4.54 ltr.
1 bird per square meter =10.76 square feet per bird

1 cubic meter/kilogram/hour =16.016 cubic feet/lb./hour

1 cubic foot/lb./hour =0.0624 cubic meter/kilogram/hour
F° =9/5 °C+32 °C =5/9 (°F-32)

45 °C =113 °F 22 °C =72 °F 10 °C =50 °F
40 °C =104 °F 20 °C =68 °F 8 °C =46 °F
35 °C =95 °F 18 °C =64 °F 6 °C =43 °F
30 °C =86 °F 16 °C =61 °F 4 °C =39 °F
27 °C =81 °F 14 °C =57 °F 2 °C =36 °F
24 °C =75 °F 12 °C =54 °F 0 °C =32 °F
1 Joule per second = 1 Watt = Volt x Ampere

1 KJ =1000J Ex. large =63.8-70.9
1 MJ =1000KJ Large =56.7-63.8
1 MJ =239 Kcal Medium =49.6-56.7
1 Kcal =4.2 KJ Small =42.5-49.6
1 KWh =3.6MJ - 860 Kcal
1 BTU =1055 J

Notes

Institut de Sélection Animale BV
Villa ‘de Körver’,
Spoorstraat 69, 5831 CK Boxmeer
P.O. Box 114, 5830 AC Boxmeer
The Netherlands-EU
T +31 485 319 111
F +31 485 319 112
www.isapoultry.com

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Dekalb White

Institut de Sélection Animale BV

1 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Our mission is to contribute to profitable and sustainable egg production by

2 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Breeding for 500 first quality Eggs !

3 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

4 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Special health considerations 50

5 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

minimum maximum minimum maximum minimum maximum

2 8-14 12 14 126 154 118 122

3 15-21 20 22 266 308 185 195

4 22-28 29 31 469 525 258 272

5 29-35 36 38 721 791 336 354

6 36-42 40 42 1001 1085 419 441

7 43-49 43 45 1302 1400 502 528

8 50-56 45 47 1617 1729 585 615

9 57-63 47 49 1946 2072 668 702

10 64-70 49 51 2289 2429 746 784

11 71-77 51 53 2646 2800 824 866

12 78-84 53 55 3017 3185 902 948

13 85-91 55 57 3402 3584 975 1025

14 92-98 57 59 3801 3997 1048 1102

15 99-105 60 62 4221 4431 1112 1169

16 106-112 64 66 4669 4893 1165 1225

17 113-119 70 72 5159 5397 1204 1266

18 120-126 77 79 5698 5950 1229 1292

6 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

7 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

8 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Laying period 18-90 weeks

Age at 50% production 142 days

Average egg weight 63.1 g

Egg number hen housed 411

Egg mass hen housed 25.9 kg

Average feed intake 115 g/day

Feed conversion 2.24 kg/kg

Body weight 1720 g

Shell strength 4100 g

9 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

PER HEN DAY

10 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

18 0.6 99.9 1260

11 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

PER HEN DAY

53 88.7 64.5 57.2 120 2.10

12 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

53 212 12.8 28.6 2.24 96.9 1675

13 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

14 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

15 - Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Figure 1: Bodyweight development

___________________________________________________ Medullary bone

Litter consists of wood shavings or chopped straw of good quality. Litter

16 -Dekalb White - Alternative Production Systems

Table 1: standards for temperature and humidity

Age(Days) Brooding Brooding Room Relative

Special health considerations 50