HN MG ParentStock SuperNick en 04.22 Print-X3

SUPER
NICK
Parent Stock r profit!
The key to you
Layer Breeder
NEW
Management
Guide
r profit!
The key to you
The geneticists and research staff at H&N have worked for many years to
produce a layer with an excellent performance. This was achieved by a
balanced selection procedure, taking many traits into account, such as
egg production rate, livability, feed efficiency and internal and external
egg quality. These traits are the major factors that determine the prof-
itability for an egg producer.
The goal now is to enable H&N Parent Stock flocks to express their full
genetic potential by providing the feed, management and environ-
ment they need to obtain optimum performance. This manual out-
lines management practices that experience has proven to be im-
portant and will help producers with recommendations to achieve
the best results. Good poultry management is the key to success
with H&N breeders.
Good bird management sometimes requires a little extra effort, but
this hard work will certainly be repaid. It is not complicated; it simply
requires paying attention to the details on the farm and the behavior
of the birds, common sense and proper decision-making throughout
the lifetime of the flock. The H&N service team worked hard to create
this manual as a very detailed guideline, however the success of the
breeder flocks still depends on you and your stockmanship skills.
2
EGG PRODUCTION
HATCHABILTY TO 75 WEEKS
Total hatch, peak Total eggs per Hen-Housed
90 % 328
Total hatch, average Hatching eggs per Hen-Housed
83 % 298
Hatch of saleable pullets, peak Age at 50 % production
44 %
SUMMARY OF 145 – 155 days
Hatch of saleable pullets, average

SUPER NICK
41 %
PERFORMANCE
Saleable pullets per Hen-Housed
STANDARDS
21 – 75 weeks ·····························122
LIVEABILITY FEED CONSUMPTION

Males & Females
Growing cycle
BODY WEIGHT
Growing cycle
0 – 20 weeks ················· 96 – 98 % Age Female Male
(weeks) (g) (g) 0 – 20 weeks ···············7.3 – 7.5 kg
Production cycle 20 1360 1720 Production cycle
21 – 75 weeks ··············· 88 – 92 % 40 1650 2240
21 – 75 weeks ·············· 42 – 45 kg
75 1700 2310
3
CONTENT
6 HOUSING SYSTEMS 28 Feed intake
6 Rearing house systems for layer breeder 29 Feathering
7 Production house systems for layer breeder 30 Perches
8 Floor house with automatic equipment

31 REARING PERIOD (9 – 15 WEEKS)
8 Family cages for layer breeder
31 Body weight
10 Stockmanship skills
32 Feed intake training
11 HOUSE PREPARATION AND 32 Sexing errors

ARRIVAL OF CHICKS
33 TRANSFER (15 – 18 WEEKS)
11 Cleaning and disinfection procedure
33 Preparing the breeding flock
12 Stocking density
to move to the laying house
13 Floor rearing house preparation
33 Stocking density in the laying house
14 Cage rearing preparation (cage rearing systems)
34 Transport preparation
15 Pre-heating the rearing house
35 Housing in the laying house
16 Arrival of the chicks
37 ONSET OF PRODUCTION
18 BROODING (1– 21 DAYS) (18 – 22 WEEKS)
18 Brooding lighting program 37 Period after transfer
20 What do chicks need during the first week? 38 Light and light programs
Temperature
39 Management until the production peak
Water
Feed 40 Nest management
Light 41 Males management
Humidity
44 Onset of lay
Ventilation
21 How do you know that everything is running 45 PRODUCTION PERIOD
smoothly?
(22 – 75 WEEKS)
Crop fill measurement
Cloacal temperature 45 Production stage
Behavior 45 Production monitoring
Body weight
46 Troubleshooting
7-day mortality
47 Feather covering
24 GROWING (3 – 9 WEEKS) 47 Aggression
24 Light program 48 Feeding layers during production

Design your light program in five steps
48 Midnight lighting
27 Pullet development
49 Laying process
4
CONTENT
36 HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 70 BIRD ASSESSMENT

Egg weight 70 Pullet phase
Egg selection Body weight and uniformity
Egg disinfection Mortality
Nest management Shank length or keel length
Egg collection
71 Production phase
Egg storage
Male evaluation
Transportation
Hatchery Body weight and uniformity
Mortality
52 Hairlines cracked eggs
Efficiency parameters
52 Examples of unsettable eggs Egg production
53 NUTRITION 73 HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY

53 Rearing Nutrition 70 Flock health at parent stock farms:
Feed description and management a critical point for success
Formulation tips
74 Biosecurity program
Nutrient requirements
74 Biosecurity types
56 Onset of lay nutrition
Conceptual biosecurity
Feed description and management
Structural biosecurity
Nutrient requirements
Operational biosecurity
Formulation tips
75 Biosecurity program in seven steps
57 Laying nutrition
Feed description and management 79 Vaccination programs
Nutrient requirements 80 Administering vaccines in practice
Formulation tips 81 Monitoring program
63 Feed structure 82 Breeding scheme
63 Feed quality 83 Comprehensive breeding goals
64 HOUSE ENVIRONMENT 84 PERFORMANCE GOALS

64 Hen thermo-regulation 84 Performance of the H&N Super Nick PS
65 Temperature to 75 weeks of age
66 Hot climate
67 Water quality
68 Air quality
68 Ventilation systems for layer breeder
69 Light
5
HOUSING SYSTEMS
· Review
housing system suitable for Parent stock.
· How
to house one-day-old chicks.
Several housing systems are available for ment for other types of birds (as broiler important as mating and other social behav-
layers parent stock rearing & production. It breeder or commercial layer) but not those iors are key for getting the full reproductive
is possible to achieve a good productivity in of layer parent stock flocks. This is not an op- potential from the birds
all of them but each one has its advantages timal situation. Finally, Biosecurity should be one of the
and disadvantage. It should be considered No matter what the housing system is, a key main driver for housing parent stock flocks
that layer parent stock need from adapted point for success is to respect the stocking as it is not only important to produce chicks
equipment. A common finding is to observe density. This as relevant as in commercial lay- but healthy chicks.
flock kept in houses that fulfill the require- er’s production system, but it is even more
REARING HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYER BREEDER
FLOOR CAGE AVIARY

HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING
·
Flocks coming from this rearing ·
Flocks coming from this rearing ·
Flocks coming from this rearing
system can be transferred into system can be transferred into system can be transferred into
floor, family cage or individual family cage or individual cage in block type aviaries also to floor,
cage in production. production. family cages or individual cage in
production.
Most of PS flock are reared in this type Some special consideration about the
of facilities. Basic equipment includes equipment should be taken: Some considerations:
drinkers, feeders, heaters, perches and Males cages: It should be enough
When housing males with intact

first-age equipment. height to allow its fully development. combs, there must be enough space
Some special consideration about the If all the cages meet this character- between feed chain and perches on
equipment should be taken: istic, then males and females can be top of feeders to give them adequate
Drinkers: If you are going to move the housed together. If not, house males in space to eat.
flock to a production house equipped males-adapted cage. Enough space between perches on

with nipples drinkers, then rearing Feeders should be adapted to fully
top of feeders and roof of cage to pre-
house should be also equipped with combed males. Otherwise, males must vent comb's injuries.
nipples drinkers be dubbed at hatchery. Best to make compartments with

Perches: Birds should have access to equally number of breeders.
perches by 3 weeks of age. Provide The aisle between blocks must be

15 cm perch space per bird. It will > 1.8 m wide.
encourage bird to learn to jump and Feeders should be adapted to fully

move in different tiers. It should not be combed males. Otherwise, males must
placed over the drinker line. be dubbed at hatchery.
Feeders should be adapted to fully
combed males.
Compartments: with equally number
of breeders.
6
Housing House Prep. / Brooding Growing Rearing Transfer Onset of Production Production
Systems Arrival of Chicks 1 – 21 days 3 – 9 weeks 9 – 15 weeks 15 – 18 weeks 18 – 22 weeks 22 – 75 weeks
PRODUCTION HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYER BREEDER
FLOOR SYSTEM AVIARY SYSTEM* FAMILY CAGE

SYSTEM
·
Most used housing system all ·
Fast growing type of cage-free
around for layer parent stock. systems for commercial layers, but ·
Very convenient system if labor or
Birds are housed in barn and have ac-
also for PS with very good results. constructed square meter cost are
cess to nest for laying. Layer parent stock housed in this sys-
high.
Only one feeding system is needed for,
tem must have been reared in an aviary Birds are housed in cage by groups of

both, males and females. rearing system. males & females.
Normally manure is stored during all
Only one feeding system is needed for
Feeder are used equally for males

the flock and removed after flock de- males and females. and females. Males grid areas prevent
Height of different levels need to be

population. comb injuries during males feeding.
enough high for mating.
Slatted area is present in most of layout.
Eggs are laid in the wire and collect-

Most manure can be collected by ma-

It should be equipped with perches.
nure belt during production cycle. ed in egg belt. Some model includes
Matting occurs naturally.
Mating occurs naturally.
nests.
Good option is divide the house in
Birds need to be reared in aviary block
Manure can be collected during the

compartments with equally number of system or floor with winchable ele- production cycle by the manure belt.
breeders. ments system. Recommended more than 90 birds per

When housing males with intact combs,
cage.
there must be enough space between Matting occur naturally.

feed chain and perches on top of feed- It is highly recommended to included

INDIVIDUAL CAGE ers to give them adequate space to eat. perches inside the cages.
Enough space between perches on top

of feeders and roof of cage to prevent
comb’s injuries.
Best to make compartments with

equally number of breeders.
The aisle between blocks must be

> 1.8 m wide.
*For more information about Aviary System please ask your technical service representative.
Floor Aviary Family Cage Individual

·
Normally not used in layer parent System System System Cage
stock but in selection farms. Still it Initial equipment investment + +/– – –
is an option when labor cost is low
and facilities are affordable. Bird per house square meter +/– + + +
Males are housed in male-adapted
Fertility +++ +++ ++ ++*
individual cages, females in female-
adapted cage. Dirty eggs +/– +/– ++ ++
Manure can be collected by a belt in
Males use ++ ++ + +++
most of models.
Automatic feeding in most of models
Labor cost + + ++ ++
No natural mating. Artificial insemina-

Manure control +/– + + +
tion (AI) is required
Animal welfare friendly ++ ++ + – –
*If AI correctly performed
7
HOUSING SYSTEMS
FLOOR HOUSE WITH AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT
PERCHES NEST SLAT
Perches are a key equipment to maintain It should meet some characteristics: A slatted area is commonly used in floor
good litter conditions and control floor Be dark, quiet, warm, and free of air flow. system houses. The main aim of this area
eggs. Also, it helps to enhance the behav- Nest temperature should be in the hens is to increase the manure storage capaci-
ior expression and to reduce social stress. comfort zone. ty and to keep the nest clean. Some point
Round or rectangular design is preferred It should be possible to close it during should be considered for avoid eggs on
for perches. In any case, it should support the night. the floor and slats:
bottom of foot and allow the bird to close Nest floor should provide comfort for Slatted area should cover at least 60 % of
the claw on it. nesting, have a soften effect on the egg the total room. A 100 % slatted area is a
during the lay and allow egg to roll easily good option whilte 30 % slatted area is
to egg belt wrong layout for layers.
DRINKERS Easy to clean, inspect and disinfect dur-

ing the production period.
Feed and water lines should be installed
in good height on the slatted area (avoid
having them on the scratch zone). It
should not block movement of females
to nest.
FEEDERS
Two main options are used:

Nipples drinkers: Most used system in
layers. Some consideration should be tak-
en:
Water pressure regulators are highly rec-
ommended.
Most used nipples have water flow up Only one system for males and females Chain feeder: Easy-to-use and repair. For
70 cc/minute in rearing and up to 130 should be installed. Same type in rearing a smoother feed distribution, fast chain
cc/minute in production. However, it’s and production. Feed balance and daily (> 18m / min) are preferred. No male grill is
fundamental to follow the manufacturer hoppers are not needed as birds should needed.
recommendations because every brand be fed ad libitum. Two main options are Pan feeder: Easy transition. No male’s
is managed differently. mostly used: grilles should be used. Feeding window
System should be prepared for be flushed should allow both males and females to
Bell drinkers: Also, a good option. It is pre- have access to the feed.
ferred if the water intake is supposed to be
very high (Ex. hot weathers areas).
8
FAMILIY CAGES FOR LAYER BREEDER
CAGE FLOOR PERCHES
Plastic slat
The cage should be big enough to house There are two types of materials: wire or plas- The cages must have perches to improve
at least 90 birds with a stocking density of tic. The floor should be suitable to avoid leg the bird’s behavior (roosting). Should be
at least 650 cm² / bird. This will help to keep and foot problems (especially in males). Excel- rounded, and the birds must be able to
a good fertility throughout the production lent for mating and to prevent broken eggs. easily keep balance and capable to close
cycle. The size of the floor mesh must be around the claws on it.
2.54 x 2.54 cm and capable to resist the
weight of females and males all together.
FEEDERS DRINKERS NESTS
Must follow the feeder space recommen-

Nipples drinkers: Best system for cages. There are different types of family cages:
dations, which is one of the key compo- Some consideration should be taken: without nest
nent to have a good flock uniformity and The nipple drinkers should have a
with curtained area.
body weight and is critical in family cages. drip-catcher cup to prevent water on the with a real nest (group nest)
The feeder space should not be blocked manure belt. The nests shouldn’t be blocking the feeders.
by the nest or any other structure. Water pressure regulators are highly rec-
Keep an eye on overcrowd of eggs in the
In case of fully combed males, the cage
ommended. nests.
must have a feeder space with special Most used nipples have water a flow up
Important to follow the nesting space rec-
grill for them. to 70 cc/ minute in rearing and up to 130 ommendations.
Chain feeder: Easy-to-use & repair. For
cc/minute in production. However, it’s
a smoother feed distribution, fast chain fundamental to follow the manufacturer
(>18m/ min) are preferred. recommendations because every brand
Be aware of feed trough that go inside
is managed differently.
the cages. Some models have a grill that System should be prepared to be flushed.

could make it hard for the males to eat.
9
HOUSING SYSTEMS
STOCKMANSHIP SKILLS
There is a key component on the success of Along with the skills is very important to cle. We recommend a list of tools that every
a poultry operation, which is the human el- have the tools to help us get the more ac- poultry person should have:
ement. The stockmanship skill are critical to curate information to take the best decisions Infrared thermometer for environmen-
get the best from the genetic and transform and make corrections. Therefore, a tool box tal temperature
it into excel performance and profit. The is a necessity. Infrared thermometer for vent temper-
skills are: sight (look at bird’s behavior), smell It is very important to have the right tools to ature
(air quality), taste (water and feed), hearing asses and evaluate the environmental and Scale to weigh day old chicks
(birds sound), and feel (environmental tem- bird’s conditions at arrival, for the first seven Scale to weigh pullets
perature, crop fill, etc). days and during the whole production cy- Lux meter to measure light intensity
YOUR TOOLBOX
10
HOUSE PREPARATION AND ARRIVAL OF CHICKS
· How
to prepare the house before the one-day-old chicks arrive.
· How
to house one-day-old chicks.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PROCEDURE
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Preparation Dry Cleaning Wet Cleaning
It is essential to remove all This removes all dust and dry This removes all remaining
equipment or waste (dead birds, organic material from the house organic material and grease.
: :
feed, eggs, manure, etc.) left in using compressed air, brooms Thoroughly clean using deter-
the house before cleaning. or shovels. gent and hot water.
Any removable material/equip- Apply foam detergent and leave
ment should be detached. it to work for the specified time.
STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6

Disinfection Fumigation Sampling
Temperature Chemical
Substance
Organic Contact
Material Time
This kills all remaining patho- Sample after cleaning and disin-
Fumigate after liquid disinfec-

gens that survived the previous fection, check if the microbiologi-
tion has been completed
steps. For good performance: cal results are ok. Corresponding
and the equipment has been
Use only reliable and effective sampling and laboratory analysis
installed again.
disinfectants should be performed: at least
Follow the label instructions.

Apply the appropriate dose eight samples per house should
Use appropiate PPE (personal

Respect contact time and tem- be taken, distributed randomly
protective equipment).
: :
perature as shown in table 1. If results are
Take extra care to clean litter unacceptable, take corrective
area in floor/aviary systems to measures.
prevent coccidiosis/worms.
In new litter, apply a product to
kill mold.
11
Cleaning and disinfection procedures are Table 1: Clean and disinfection microbiological results
key to preventing pathogens from passing
from one flock to the next. They also pre- Place of sampling Salmonella spp. Enterobacteria in 16 sq cm
vent pathogens from challenging birds in Unacceptable Good Unacceptable
their early life. The goal of this procedure is
Wall-floor junction
to minimize all microorganisms in the house
Drinkers
to offer chicks the best opportunity to per- Feeders
form well. Manure bell Presence <5 > 10
Eggs belt
Fans
IMPORTANT
1. Do not proceed to the next step until the previous step has been completed.
2. Clean the area outside the house, storage and service areas, water lines and ventilation system.
3. Provide staff with adequate protection and clothing: masks, gloves, etc.
4. Maintain the cleaning equipment regularly.
STOCKING DENSITY
An adequate stocking density is a condition Furthermore, a high stocking density com- climate or poor feed quality,) and sufficient
for success in rearing chicks. A high stocking bined with reduced feeder space will limit access to water.
density impacts negatively on daily growth, feed consumption, which might already
flock uniformity and chick development. be low under certain conditions (e.g. hot
Table 2: Stocking density in rearing farms
Age Floor space1 2 3 Feeder space 2 3 4 Drinker Space 2 3
Cage Floor Cage Floor Cage Floor
4 cm/bird 1.4 trough cm/bird

1.25 trough cm/bird
0 – 3 weeks 200 cm²/bird > 21 birds/m² 2.5 cm/bird 60 birds/pan 16 birds/nipple
(ø 40 cm) 16 birds/nipple
100 birds/fountain
8 cm/bird 2.5 trough cm/bird

2.5 trough cm/bird
3 – 16 weeks 400 cm²/bird > 16 birds/m² 5 cm/bird 30 birds/pan 8 birds/nipple
(ø 40 cm) 8 birds/nipple
75 birds/fountain
¹ Floor space: include all living space: litter area and extra levels (slats or tiers).
² Spaces can be different in each country due to regulations from government, animal welfare organizations and retailers.
³ All these values are the minimal recommendation. Provide more space in hot climate areas.
4
Pan feeders: 2 cm / bird 0–3 weeks and 4 cm / bird 3–16 weeks (diameter = 3.14 x circumference)
12
FLOOR REARING HOUSE PREPARATION

There are mainly two types of floor
brooding: whole house brooding or
spot brooding. The one best for your
system will depend on the equipment:
heaters, drinkers and feeders.
Whole house brooding Spot brooding
Feeding system Drinking system Ventilation

Supplemental feeder trays should be provid- Chicks must have unlimited access to clean, Guarantee enough fresh air, but no drafts. In
ed within the brooder ring for a few days (7 good quality, fresh water (20 – 25 °C). Dur- conventional pancake brooders, use chick
to 10) days), until all chicks are eating from ing the first days, cups or nipples should be guards (i.e. new cardboard) to prevent drafts.
the regular feeding system. Ensure adequate checked and triggered several times per day Start with a diameter of approx. 2 m in cool
feeder space is provided. to stimulate the chicks to drink. Supply addi- weather and approx. 4 m in hot weather.
Cover at least 50 % of the brooding area tional drinkers which can be easily accessed Enlarge the ring every couple of days and
with paper and scatter feed over the paper. until the chicks are drinking from the regu- remove by six or seven days of age.
Use extra feeders (paper trays) in a ratio of lar water system. Use extra bell drinkers at a
80 to 100 chicks per extra feeder. ratio of 100 / extra drinker (4 liters capacity). Light intensity
Provide both, optimal light intensity (40 to
60 lux) and uniform distribution (no shady
areas). More details in the lighting chapter.
Distribute litter and paper

Only use new and clean litter. Insoluble grit ker line
should be fed if the chicks are on a type Main drin
of litter (e.g. shavings) that will be eaten by
the chicks.
Keep litter level low to prevent bad air Paper covering
100 % of the floor and Auxiliary
quality (ammonia) in later period of rearing. Drinker
feed scattered all over it
Auxiliary
Feeder
Example of a correct set-up for placement
13
CAGE REARING PREPARATION (CAGE REARING SYSTEMS)
Distribution
Birds are housed at a higher stocking den- Nipple or cup drinker
sity during the first weeks. To ensure uni-
form pullet growth, it is important that the
birds are moved into the empty cages at Feed
the appropriate time and with the correct
cage density.
Fibre trays
for cocci vaccine
100 % paper over wire floor recycling for 0–28 days
Paper Drinking system Feeding system

Cage wires should be covered with paper 360-activated nipples in the brooding Abundant feed should be provided in the
during the first week of life. Avoid covering cages are preferred. If unavailable, provide feeders and additionally on the papers
the area directly under the drinking sys- cup drinkers during the first week (30 to 40 inside the cages before the chicks are
tem, but cover the surrounding area. chicks per drinker) Reduce the water pres- housed to stimulate feed intake.
When drinkers have a drip cup, you can sure on the nipples to make triggering the
put paper underneath them (see image). nipples easier and attract the chicks by the
Keep the paper until 18 to 21 days of age. If drop formation. Take extra care when in- Light intensity
Coccidia vaccine was applied, ask your vet- frared beak treatment was applied at Provide both, optimal light intensity (40 to
erinarian or H&N technical team for advice. the hatchery! 60 lux) and uniform distribution (no shady
areas). More details in the lighting chapter.
360°-Nipples (low pressure) Feed on paper & optimal light intensity
14
PRE-HEATING THE REARING HOUSE

Pre-heat the house before the chicks arrive: Do not only heat the air, but also litter, soil When you don’t preheat the house to an
24 hours in warm weather and 48 hours in and equipment. Chicks gain and lose tem- optimal level you could experiment chick
cold weather. perature easily through conduction. mortality and bad development impacting
on immune and digestive systems.
Temperature recommendation Humidity recommendation
Soil/Concrete: 28 °C Litter: 30 °C Air: 34 °C 60 to 70 %
Air Floor / Concrete Litter

34 – 36 °C / 93.2 – 96.8 °F ≥ 28 °C / ≥ 82.4 °F ≥ 32 °C / ≥ 89.6 °F
CHECK LIST BEFORE CHICKS ARRIVE

1. E nsure a uniform temperature inside the house. Check the temperature in different areas (use an infrared
thermometer). Check that temperature and humidity sensors are working properly.
2. Check the time clock settings and light dimmer settings.
3. Check automatic water and feed systems for correct settings and uniform distribution.
4. Flush water lines before arrival.
5. Trigger nipples and cups to ensure proper working condition and to stimulate the chicks to drink.
6. Coordinate time of arrival with the hatchery and confirm the number and condition of the delivered chicks.
15
ARRIVAL OF THE CHICKS
Airport
Chicks arrive to the destination airport after hot or cold, windy, under the rain or in direct
a long journey. Thus, the sooner they are lib- sunlight.
erated for the border authorities, the better If crates are clearly damage or if you observe
will arrive to the farm. Keep in mind that a dead birds when the flock is delivered to
copy of all the chick’s documentation is al- you, an official claim should be completed
ways sent in the back of the white box in- before departing from the airport. You will
cluded in the delivery find the official form in the back of the white
In the meantime, chick crates / pallets never box. H&N logistic team can support you in
should be stored in conditions that are too that case. White Chick Box: Cargo Damage
Transport to the farm

To transport the flock in environment con-
trolled truck should avoid unnecessary risk
during the journey. In any case, place stacks
giving them space between chick crates for
air flow. Truck must be clean and disinfected
correctly before of this service. Keep moni-
toring temperature (24 to 26 °C) , relative hu-
midity and chick’s behavior.
Truck must be cleaned and disinfected Bevor arrival: Check the conditions upon
arrival
Unloading the chicks

Place the birds gently but quickly into the
house and provide immediate access to wa-
ter and feed. Crates should be taken into the
farm and distributed as soon as possible.
With floor brooding, place the chicks directly
over the paper and feed. With cage and row
aviary brooding, place the right number of
chicks in each cage. Males and females are
preferred to be housed together from day 1.
Quick unload from the truck of all chick’s boxes Check chicks condition upon arrival
It is important to check the mortality, body
weight, internal temperature from the just ar-
rived chicks. These data should be recorded
into the FSP program. If you have any doubt
about how to get correctly these data, get in
contact with you H&N technical service staff.
It is important to check during arrival the de-
livery note to confirm if the bird’s numbers,
the vaccine applied at the hatchery or the
special treatment are those that were de-
manded. Corrective measures are easy to take
Fast distribution and unload of chick boxes Always weigh chicks at arrival
during the first day but misunderstanding er-
in the pens
ror can be catastrophic afterwards.
16
Observe chick’s behavior right after placement
tive,
ic k s s h o uld be ac
Ch
around,
moving g.
d drinkin
eating an
KEY POINTS
· A
good and clear communication with H&N logistic team is a key component.
They will answer and solve any doubts.
· Ensure
the house has been cleaned and disinfected correctly before chicks arrive.
· Preheat
the house to the correct temperature: Always test at chick level brooding period.
· Observe
stocking density recommendations and adapt drinking and feeding systems to the
brooding period.
· House
the chicks quickly so they can access water and feed.
· Take
the time to inspect the chicks for body temperature and quality.
17
BROODING (1 – 21 DAYS)
· How to maximize male and female liveability during the first week of life.
· How to promote growth and development of key organs during the first three weeks of life.
· How to perform effective beak trimming without a detrimental effect on chick welfare.
BROODING LIGHTING PROGRAM
INTERMITTENT NON-INTERMITTENT
LIGHTING PROGRAM LIGHTING PROGRAM
(H&N Recommendation)
· All houses
· Dark houses only (< 3 lux) In open houses is not easy to implement the intermittent light-
This program can be used for up to 7-10 days after arrival. Then ing program. If this cannot be applied, 22-24 hours of light dur-
switch back to the regular step-down lighting program. Using ing the first 2–3 days is common practice. Providing this dark
this lighting program has the following advantages: period to allow the chicks to rest is highly recommended.
Chick behavior is synchronized; they rest or sleep at the same
time. In a dark house the light level should be lower than 3 lux when
Weak chicks will be stimulated by stronger ones to move as the light-proof system is set. In other words, it must be com-
well as to eat and drink. pletely dark.
The behavior of the flock is more uniform and evaluating the
flock is much easier.
Chick mortality will decrease.
2h
4h 2h
4h
2h 22 h Darkness
Light
2h Darkness
4h
Light
4h
2h
Intermittent lighting program Non-intermittent lighting program
24 24
22 22
20 20
18 18
16 16
14 14
Hours of light
Hours of light
12 12
10 10
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Days of life Days of life
18
WHAT DO CHICKS NEED DURING THE FIRST WEEK?

·
Remember that chicks born ectothermic can’t control their body temperature
therefore they need special care (specially temperature).
TEMPERATURE
The temperature should be between 34– After two or three days, decrease the tem- Place the males together with

36 °C for the first few days (see table). perature by 0.5 °C every day. Be aware females in case of Brown Nick and white
Correct temperature: Chicks will be
that the best indicator is chick behav- breeders when males are dubbed.
well distributed and active. ior and cloacal temperature. Check the In case of non-dubbed white males, keep

Low temperature: Chicks will group to-
flock every time you change your settings. them separate for the first 6–7 weeks or
gether and sound stressed. If the house temperature is not uniform, until you recognize the secondary sexual
High temperature: Chicks will group in
take corrective measures by changing characteristics, and after culling all sexing
the coldest places, are inactive and pant. heaters and ventilation parameters. errors.
When housing the chicks, follow these rec- If males are from a young PS flock (less

Temperature recommendations: ommendations: than 27 weeks) keep them separate for
Cage air temperature: 34–35 °C
Place the smallest chicks in the hottest the first 5 weeks in the warmer place of
Paper and/or litter temperature: > 32 °C
areas or cages. the house (when necessary, add females
Concrete/ground: > 28 °C
Place the youngest chicks in the hottest to stimulate activity).
areas or cages (if the flock is arriving over Cages: is necessary to place only comb

Pasted vents may indicate a too high or too several days). treated males.
low temperature. During the first 10 days avoid placing Leave the extra males separate in pen or

chicks in very hot spots (near the heaters) cages.
The temperature management in cage or in very cold spots. In countries where dubbing is not al-

brooding is more critical than floor be- If most of the chicks are from a young flock lowed, an option is to wing-band the
cause chicks can’t look for warmer or cool- (less than 27 weeks), increase the objec- white males.
er spots. tive temperate 1 to 2 ˚C (1,8 to 3,6 ˚F).
Table 3: Temperature recommendation
Type of brooding Temperature at chicks arrival Temperature decrease
Cage/Row aviary system 34 – 35 °C / 93 – 95 °F Reduce 3 °C/5 °F each week until

Floor 35 – 36 °C / 95 – 97 °F supplementary heat is no longer needed.
Correct temperature distribution Low temperature distribution Hot temperature distribution
Automatic feeder Automatic feeder Automatic feeder
19
WHAT DO CHICKS NEED DURING THE FIRST WEEK?

WATER
Set the height of the drinkers so the chicks 360-activated nipples are preferable in system to create a hanging drop at chick
can drink easily. rearing houses. If not available, and es- eye level. Follow manufacturer recommen-
pecially with infrared beak treated chicks, dations for flow rate.
we recommend using cups or other extra
drinking system at a ratio of 80 to 100 birds Trigger the nipples or cups during the first
per extra drinker. Especially important hav- 3–4 days to encourage chicks to drink.
ing extra drinkers when brooding on floor. Important to keep all the time the water
Reduce the water pressure in the drinking temperature between 20 to 25˚C (68–77˚F).
Always check
the water
temperature.
In this case is
too hot!
360-activated nipples drinkers Auxiliary drinkers
FEED VENTILATION
Good quality feed should be available for per and renewed during the first 3–5 days. Supply enough volume of fresh air to
chicks immediately after placement. Place abundant feed in the feeders to at- remove dust and undesirable gases. En-
Feed should be scattered on the cage pa- tract the chicks. sure adequate air movement even on
cold days.
Strong movements of air disturb the
chicks, they will avoid using drafty are-
as. This can negatively impact on chick
distribution and activity.
Adequate ventilation is especially im-
portant in hot weather.
Feed on paper Feed on trays
Draft incorrect
LIGHT HUMIDITY
The light intensity should be between 40– Humidity should be between 60 to 70 %.
60 lux during the first week. This should be With lower than 40 % humidity, chicks may
measured at drinker level. dehydrate, experiment stress or damage
Light should be spread uniformly through- their respiratory tract. Effects of higher than
out the entire cage or floor. It is important 80 % humidity could be wet litter, increase Automatic feeder
to avoid shady and dark areas in the brood- ammonia and poor air quality.
ing cage or floor area. Draft
Adjust temperature according to relative
humidity. For instance, the temperatures in
this section are set for a humidity between
60–70 %. Above 80 % the comfortable tem-
perature reduces by 1 °C (1.8 °F) and below
40 % increases by 1 °C (1.8 °F).
Good light Intensity > 40 lux Grouped chicks
20
HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT EVERYTHING IS RUNNING SMOOTHLY?

CROP FILL MEASUREMENT BEHAVIOR
Crop fill measurement is a good tool to 3: The crop should be full, soft and round- PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CHICKS!!!
check if the chicks are eating in the first ed in started chicks Chicks cannot talk but they send you
two days of life. 4. Check the result according to the time many signals:
after placement Check their distribution

1:
When is partial brooding, take 100 If the result is below target, check the Check their activity

chicks randomly. Sample chicks distrib- brooding conditions and take corrective Check the water and feed intake

uted throughout the house for reliable measures. Check what kind of sound they are

readings. In case of spot brooding take Correct crop filling making
Incorrect crop filling
40 per circle. Cage and aviary Row sys- Check if they look happy!!!

tems brooding take a sample from the
whole house (25 from the front, 50 from
the middle and 25 from the back). BODY WEIGHT
2: Gently feel the crop
The body weight at the end of the first
week must double the body weight at
: :
% of chicks with feed in the crop placement and uniformity must be > 80
%. In case, these goals are not achieved,
6 HOURS 12 HOURS 24 HOURS a review of managements (drinking or
AFTER PLACEMENT AFTER PLACEMENT AFTER PLACEMENT
feeding management, temperature,
75 % 85 % 100 % etc) and nutrition must be performed.
CLOACAL TEMPERATURE 7-DAY MORTALITY

Chick temperature is between 40–41 °C 1: Make sure you collect samples of chicks The 7-day mortality must be below 3 %.
(104–106 °F) after the moment of full from different parts of the house. Sam- If it is above this %, a complete review of
homeothermy. During the first week of ples chicks distributed throughout the managements must be done. It is impor-
life chicks are unable to control their body house for reliable readings. Circle or tant to have an excellent feed-back with
temperature and it varies according to spot brooding take temperature of 4–5 the logistic and technical H&N team:
the ambient temperature. The cloacal chicks per circle. In floor brooding a good and bad things. Always perform
temperature can be used to adjust house sample of 20 birds and cage brooding necropsies of the mortality at arrival and
temperatures optimally. 50 (15 from the front, 20 from the mid- in the first 7 days after placement.
Use modern ear thermometers. dle and 15 from the back of the house).
2: Check their cloacal temperature.
3:
Collect the information, calculate the
average and adjust the house temper- A good brooding period
atures accordingly to achieve optimal is key for developing
chick temperatures. Adjust the environ-
the gut, immune system
mental set point or temperature: + or
– (0,5˚C) (1˚F) per 0,3˚C (0.5˚F) above the and the skeleton.
upper limit or below the lower limit of This period is therefore
optimal vent temperature. crucial to improve flock
liveability during the first
40.0 °C 41.0 °C Important!
weeks, and to obtain
104.0 °F 106.0 °F A chick’s body temperature does not
correlate with the current temperature
good quality and
but with the temperature of the last productive pullets.
few hours.
21
BEAK TREATMENT
Beak treatment is one of the most important retard future beak growth. Improper beak
cannibalism/pecking prevention measures treatment procedures may result in perma- Please remember
in poultry management, especially in open nent damage to overall flock performance. that country-specific
houses with high light intensity. While var- Only perform beak treatment in females, regulations
ious methods of beak treatment may be don't do it in males. If you have questions should be observed.
used: the objective is to treat the beak in about whether or not beak treat males
a uniform manner that will permanently please contact the technical service team.
Infrared beak treatment (IRBT) of day-old chicks
The beaks of day-old chicks can already be The beak remains intact until 10–21 days and Pay attention to:
treated at the hatchery using infrared tech- then the treated portion separates. Because Drinking water: It is vital to encourage

nology. This method can provide more uni- of this process, chicks will need extra care the water intake in the first days. Preferably
form beak treatment provided it is performed during the brooding period. use 360-activated nipples as they are easy
by a machine and not by different crews. for chicks to use. Additional cup drinkers
are also preferable. If bi-directional nipples
are the only option, providing additional
cup drinkers is obligatory.
Light: Ensure the light level in the drinker

area is 40–60 lux for 3 to 5 days
Feed: Scatter feed on paper until day 7.

Take extreme care when birds faced long

journeys (more than 45 hours).
1 day old* 14 days old* 21 days old*
*Pictures courtesy of Novatech®

If you would like to have more information
about this treatment please contact your
regional Novatech® representative.
56 days old* 56 days old without beak treatment*
22
7–10 day beak treatment

The conventional method of beak treatment Adapted equipment: Hot blade ma-

is to treat the beaks with a hot blade. chines are available on the market. For
correct beak treatment, the blade temper-
Beak treatment should ideally be performed ature should be approximately 650 °C. The
in the first 7–10 days. It is a delicate and pre- blade color may be used as an indicator.
cise manual procedure. Ensure these condi- The use of a template with guide hole is
tions are fulfilled before starting the process: recommended to make treatment easier
Healthy birds: If birds are sick or in poor and more uniform.
condition, treatment should be delayed Use a spreadsheet to review the quality

until the flock has recovered. Beak treat- of the beak treatment: beak length (too
ment in an unhealthy flock can severely short / normal / too long), presence or not
damage its viability. of blood, behavior of chicks after treat-
Trained crew: Due to the delicate and pre- ment, etc.
cise nature of this procedure, proper crew In case of bleeding after treatment, a good

training is of the utmost importance. Only measure is decrease the house temper-
permit well-trained crews to perform this ature by 2 °C during the the procedure. It
procedure. Never hurry up the crew espe- is also important evaluate that the beak is
cially if they are inexpert. in contact with the hot blade the optimal
time (2 seconds).
< 650 °C 650 °C✔ > 650 °C
And the days after beak treatment . . .
Special care should be provided to the chicks in the days following beak treatment:
Monitor water intake. It should be reduced

Increase the house temperature until the
Add Vitamin K to the diet or drinking water

for 2 or 3 days but then the previous intake chicks seem comfortable. a few days before and after beak treatment.
should be recovered. Reducing the water Increase the feed level in the feeders.

pressure in the nipple drinker lines could
be useful and use of auxiliary cup or bell
type waterer.
KEY POINTS
· Focus on water, feed, light intensity, air temperature and humidity during the first week.
· NEVER
provide more space (feeder, drinker and stocking density) later than 3 weeks.
The earlier the better.
· Check
chick behavior to enable better settings of the brooding conditions.
· Implement
an intermittent light program if possible.
· Perform
beak treatment properly and apply special management care immediately after
treatment.
· Measure
and follow the cloacal temperature along with behavior to adjust temperature set point.
23
GROWING (3 – 9 WEEKS)
· How
to set the correct light program in rearing according to your geographical situation,
house type and production objectives.
· How
to promote correct pullet growth during this period.
· How
to use the chicks feathering and natural molting pattern to monitor chick development.
· How
to use system and perches in floor/aviary rearing to promote bird welfare, liveability,
body development and prevent floor eggs in the future.
LIGHT PROGRAM
BASIC PRINCIPLES
The hours of light at the end of rearing should equal the hours of light at the production house before the start of light stimulation.

The light intensity should be similar to what pullets will find in the production house.

DESIGN YOUR LIGHT PROGRAM IN FIVE STEPS
STEP 1
WHAT IS THE DESTINATION OF THE PULLETS?
·
How many hours of light do you have in your country? Hours between Sunrise and Sunset in the
Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Southern
Northern
date
date
0° 10° 20° 30° 40° 50°
70
5-Jan 12:07 11:34 10:59 10:17 9:27 8:14 5-Jul
60
50 20-Jan 12:07 11:38 11:05 10:31 9:47 8:45 20-Jul
40 5-Feb 12:07 11:44 11:19 10:52 10:19 9:32 5-Aug
30
20 20-Feb 12:06 11:50 11:35 11:16 10:55 10:23 20-Aug
10
0 5-Mar 12:06 11:58 11:49 11:38 11:28 11:11 5-Sep
10
20-Mar 12:06 12:07 12:06 12:06 12:07 12:09 20-Sep
20
30 5-Apr 12:06 12:14 12:25 12:35 12:49 13:08 5-Oct
40
50 20-Apr 12:06 12:24 12:41 13:02 13:27 14:03 20-Oct
5-May 12:07 12:31 12:56 13:26 14:02 14:54 5-Nov
20-May 12:07 12:37 13:08 13:45 14:32 15:37 20-Nov

·
Examples 5-Jun 12:07 12:41 13:17 14:00 14:53 16:09 5-Dec
20-Jun 12:07 12:42 13:20 14:05 15:01 16:22 20-Dec

Country Hemisphere Hatch date Start of Light hours
5-Jul 12:07 12:41 13:19 14:01 14:55 16:14 5-Jan
lay date at start lay
20-Jul 12:07 12:37 13:11 13:49 14:38 15:46 20-Jan
Mexico 20° North 5th February June 12 h 29 min. 5-Aug 12:07 12:32 12:59 13:29 14:09 15:02 5-Feb
Peru 10° South 5th February June 11 h 35 min. 20-Aug 12:06 12:25 12:44 13:06 13:35 14:14 20-Feb
5-Sep 12:06 12:17 12:26 12:40 12:55 13:16 5-Mar

Senegal 20° North 5th July November 11 h 53 min.
20-Sep 12:06 12:08 12:10 12:13 12:16 12:22 20-Mar
Indonesia 10° South 5th July November 12 h 31 min.
5-Oct 12:07 12:01 11:53 11:46 11:37 11:26 5-Apr
20-Oct 12:07 11:52 11:36 11:20 10:59 10:31 20-Apr
5-Nov 12:07 11:44 11:20 10:55 10:21 9:36 5-May
20-Nov 12:07 11:38 11:07 10:34 9:51 8:51 20-May
5-Dec 12:07 11: 35 10:59 10:19 9:29 8:18 5-Jun
20-Dec 12:07 11:33 10:55 10:13 9:20 8:05 20-Jun
24
STEP 2
WHERE WILL THE BIRDS BE TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM?
·
This determines the number of hours at the end of the program.
Rearing house Production house What to do
End hours = or >

Open house* to natural daylight at end of rearing
Open
Laying house hours =
Closed house** end rearing house hours
End hours = or >

Open house* to natural daylight at end of rearing
Closed
Laying house hours =
Closed house** end rearing house hours
* Open house: any construction where you have > 3 lux. ** Close house: any construction where you have < 3 lux.
STEP 3
NUMBER OF HOURS IN THE REARING HOUSE
·
Depending on limitations in step 1 and 2, determines the optimum end hours for your type of house: open or dark.
Shorter: ending at 10 – 11 hours / day Longer: ending at 12 – 14 hours / day
Closed houses and when natural daylight allows
Mostly open houses

Electricity savings
More time for feed intake

Concentrate feed intake
Higher energy costs

Feed intake challenge

·
Remember: The hours of light at the end of rearing should equal the hours of light at the production house
before the start of light stimulation.
STEP 4
SPEED OF LIGHT REDUCTION
·
We recommend a moderate speed of reduction.
Moderate reduction until target:
The moderate reduction is the best method to get the better

Gives more time for feed intake

egg size for incubation (58 to 60 grams) as quickly as possible. It The weekly reduction will depend on achieving the weekly

is critical to keep the size under control as the flock ages. body weights and uniformities.
Have the less number of hours of light at 8 weeks for white PS

and at 9 weeks of age for Brown Nick.
25
STEP 5
LIGHT INTENSITY AT THE DESTINATION
· Light intensity should be adapted across the different rearing periods.
During the first week, a higher intensity is needed to activate the On floor/aviary, measure at bird level head, between light bulbs,
birds. After week 5, the light intensity should be decreased to calm at drinker and feeder level. Use the lower value to adjust to follow
the birds and prevent pecking and cannibalism. This is also recom- the recommendations.
mended in open rearing houses.
Light intensity should be measured at feeders and drinkers level.
In cages, light intensity should be measured at feeder and drinker
level on bottom, middle and top tiers cages, mid-way between Stimulate males and females at the same time and when body
lights. Map the light intensity in the house. Use the bottom one to weight is in both at standard (18 weeks of age) and uniformity is
adjust light intensity to follow recommendations. more than 85 %
Example of lighting program for dark houses
22
20
18
16
Hours of light
14 40 – 60 lux
12 20 – 30 lux
10 – 15 lux
10
5 – 10 lux
8
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
Age in weeks
26
PULLET DEVELOPMENT
Pullets show extreme body growth during bone frame will stay as it is. The birds can achieve it, delay the change one or two
this period. This is especially true if we con- reach the standard weight but the body weeks. Also, could delay the change in case
sider the percentage of growth compared content and size will differ and hens can be- of stress events, like vaccinations
with the previous body weight. come over fattened.
This also applies to male development; a
Even more importantly, at this stage the birds correct body weight gain and uniformity is
will develop most of their organs, skeletal sys- strongly related with good fertility. Always
It is very important
tem and muscles which are essential for their keep the body weight at standard and uni- to achieve the
health and performance. Therefore, correct formity above 85 % standard body weight
growth during this period is key to having during the
healthy and productive adult birds. Change diets if body weight is on the target
first 12 weeks of age.
at the corresponding age: 0–5, 6–10 and 11
If growth is delayed in this period, further to 17 weeks (see the nutrition chapter). With
compensatory growth is impossible: the a uniformity above 80 %. In case you didn’t
:RAPID SEXUAL
:
GROWTH DEVELOPMENT
Body weight development (%)
Organes (Gut, immune system, . . . )
Muscles
Reproductive system
Skeleton
Intramedullar bone
Fat
4 8 12 16 20 24
Age in weeks
27
FEED INTAKE
Considering the importance of growth in should distributed along all the cages as
this period, the daily consumption of the soon as possible.
Please have an extra
birds is below what it should be. It is very im- Provide a “midnight snack” if the standard
portant to promote good feed consumption weight described in the section 8 is not
good look when you
to maintain correct development: reached or under hot climate.Follow the provide a midnight snack
Temperature at week 3 should be 22–23 ˚C. feeder and water space recommendations in floor/aviary systems
This can be slowly reduced over the next When possible, the feed intake training can concerning behavior
few weeks to around 19 ˚C at 9 weeks of start at 5–6 weeks of age. More details in
chicks/pullets.
age. page 32 of rearing period chapter.
Maintain a low stocking density. In cage Providing good quality feed is also key to
and aviary row rearing systems birds good bird development.
Daily feed intake pattern
100
90
92
80 85
81
70 77
73
Daily Feed Intake (g/bird)
60 67 69
64
61
50 58
55
52
40 48
43
39
30
33
20 28
22
10 16
0
10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Age in weeks
· Daily intake can vary depending on feed composition and environmental temperature.
28
FEATHERING
Correct feathering is essential to enable a weeks when the stiff tail feathers are grown. It is important to periodically evaluate the
bird to regulate its temperature properly It is important that molting occurs in the feather conditions both during rearing and
and is indicative of good development. A indicated periods, otherwise it may signal production periods. Loss of feather during
series of natural molting will occur during delayed physiological development of the production could indicate a stressor, impact-
the rearing period: one complete molting birds: nutritional, management, disease or ing on the flock.
(between 1 to 6 weeks) and three partials any other problem.
at 7 to 9 weeks, 12 to 16 weeks and 20–22
Feathering and molting
Week 5 10 15 20 25
Complete Partial Partial Partial
One of the tools to evaluate the status of the Here is a list of stressors that can impact on Some birds reduce body weight and pro-
flock is by the primary feathers condition the flock inducing partial “molting” therefore duction but never cease producing eggs;
which can be done with certain frequency impacting on the primary feathers develop- you could see excessive feathers on the floor
(for example, every other week). This can ment: or manure belt.
helps us to either evaluate the status of decrease of daylight
feathering during rearing and production. loss of body weight
Keep in mind that the number of molted disease
feathers could give us an indication of the excessive cold or hot
extent and magnitude of the stressor. irregular feeding
insufficient feed
management (overcrowding, water depri-
vation or low flow
insufficient feed or water space
ventilation issue), etc.
29
The axial and primary feathers on a wing Four feather molt, One feather molt (First one);
of a chicken not in molt induced by an important stressor partial molting induced by a stressor.
Pictures from University of Kentucky: Evaluating Egg-Laying Hens
PERCHES
Perching improve nesting behavior, animal Use the same type of perches in rearing

welfare, improve livability, bone/muscle and production.
structure and reduce floor eggs. They need Preferably, place perches on the feeder

to be placed as soon as 3 weeks of age. line.
Seal cracks, fissures and open ends of pipes

Characteristics: to reduce areas where mites can hide.
Perches must have oval or round shape.
Positive effect on male/female behavior
3.2 cm
Perches should have 8 to 12 cm of available
(aggressive males) for sure important in
space per bird (12 cm is best). The value de- white breeders.
pends on the bird density (higher value for
high stocking density).
At least 2,5 cm width or wider.

Is recommended to place the perches as

early as 3 weeks of age.
Perches helps to reduce piling behavior.

40 cm
Perches improve bird welfare.

Perches increase the floor space in the house.

In case houses with 1/3 of floor with slats,

always place the perches on the slats. 45°
KEY POINTS
· Implement
the lighting program according to your house conditions.
· Never
allow day length to increase during the rearing period.
· Achieve
the required body weight (males and females) during the first 12 weeks of age
with uniformity of at least 85 %.
· Provide
enough feeder space as soon as possible.
· Follow
the feathering and natural molting to check a correct physiological development.
· Males
and females should be rearing together (cage and floor).
· Place
perches at 3 weeks of age (floor rearing).
· Discard
of sexing errors at 6 to 7 weeks of age.
30
REARING PERIOD (9 – 15 WEEKS)
· How
to ensure weight gain and development during the last weeks of the rearing period.
· Weekly
male body weight during the first 8 to 10 weeks is especially important for the develop-
ment of the reproductive system and the future sperm production. Body weight must follow the
standard, avoid any loose of body weight during this period.
· How
to train the intake capacity to be ready for the production peak.
· How
to prepare hens for the production period.
BODY WEIGHT Table 4: Body weight in rearing – Super Nick
Weight gain slows during this period. That is

especially true for the weekly percentage in- Age Body weight Body weight
Diet
crease of body weight. However, the growth (weeks) Female Male
rate must be always maintained throughout
this period. 1 65 70
2 125 133
STARTER
Most of the skeleton and muscular systems
have already been formed by now. 3 187 200
4 253 273
On the other hand, fat disposal improves
during this period. A correct fat level in the 5 325 356
body is necessary to achieve the production
peak. Overfat females will face many issues 6 403 451
in production (prolapse and pecking late in 7 484 557
GROWER
production) while overfat males could have
fertility problems. Avoid over-fattening. 8 565 668
9 645 775
The feed intake is higher than in previous
weeks. The birds may be given a more dilut- 10 724 880
ed feed.
11 801 979
If birds are within the weight standard or 12 876 1074

slightly above:
13
DEVELOPER
Train feed intake capacity for the produc- 949 1167

tion peak challenge 14 1019 1256
Promote weight CV
15 1085 1341
If birds are under the standard weight
16 1147 1424
Some compensatory weight can be gained
by maintaining grower feed for several 17 1207 1503
weeks. However, this is very limited and
the production period should be delayed. 18 1261 1579
ON-SET
19 1311 1652
*For weighing protocol see page 70.
20 1358 1721
31
REARING PERIOD (9 – 15 WEEKS)
FEED INTAKE TRAINING

During the last week of the rearing period, 3. Move feed for the next day. Once a week, body weights (females and males) are at or
the nutritional requirement is not very high. you can withhold feed in the afternoon above standard and uniformity is above 85 %.
However, it will change dramatically in the (20–30 % daily ration) and feed it the next
first weeks of production. To help the hens morning instead. Check for uniform distribu-
deal with this challenge it is beneficial to tion and do not reduce the two-day ration.
train them to increase their feed intake dur- Attn: this is only possible if the breeders are
ing the end of the rearing period. kept at the right stocking density and there
To do this, try: is enough feeder space.
1. Diluted feed: From 10 to 15 weeks, it can The feeding program should be similar to
be useful to switch to a feed (2700 Kcal, 15 the one the pullets will have in production.
% BP, 4.5% fiber) that promotes feed intake. You can start this program as soon as 5–6
2. Feed distribution program: Allow hens weeks of age (growing period) when breed-
to empty the feeders completely during ers are spread over all cages, or have access Gizzard with (left) or without (right)
the day. to all the living space in floor/aviary systems, feed intake training
Feed distribution in rearing from 10 to 16 weeks
DARK LIGHT DARK

Amount of feed in the trays
50–60 %
of the amount
of feed
(Ad Libitum)
Low feed level
in the trough
Day (24 hours)
SEXING ERRORS
Even with good hatchery practice, some identified. By 7 weeks or earlier, this should When white males are not comb treated, only
males will be confused with females and will be very evident and this task can be easily mix with females when all the sexing errors
be delivered and vice versa: some females will performed. Non-productive hens can also be were culled (around 7 weeks of age).
be delivered as males. such. It is best to sep- separated from the flock at the same time.
arate them from the hens as soon as they are
KEY POINTS
· Ensure body weight gain and correct development by maintaining feed consumption.
· Train hens to develop a good feed intake capacity by working with diluted feed and adapted
feeding times.
· Remove non-productive birds from the flock.
· Remove sexing errors at around 6 to 7 weeks of age.
32
TRANSFER (15 – 18 WEEKS)
· How to prepare a flock for transfer to the laying house.
· How to transfer a flock correctly to the laying house.
· How to house a flock correctly in the laying house.
PREPARING THE BREEDING FLOCK TO MOVE TO THE LAYING HOUSE

We recommend transferring the birds be-
tween 16 and 18 weeks and once the vac- PRODUCTION HOUSE All reparation finished
cination program has been completed (at House clean and disinfected
least one week after last killed vaccine). The Feed in the silos
birds should have time to become familiar Correct temperature
with the new environment before they start Sampling of C&D process performed and
to lay. satisfactory laboratory results received.
If the feed and water systems used in the Pre-heat the house in cold weather.
rearing and the laying house are similar it will FLOCK Pullets on body weight
help the birds make a smooth transition. The Vaccine program administered
same light program as in the rearing house Approved Sanitary certificate
should be applied. Good communication Flock information sent to production house
and coordination between the rearing and (lighting program, feeding times, type of feed,
the laying house is necessary to synchronize body weight, …)
flock management.
It is good management practice to visit
TRANSPORT Transport truck ready
the pullets several times during the rear-
Catching crew ready
ing period.
Housing crew ready
Complete the vaccination program before
Weather condition checked
transfer.
Personnel involved must had have two nights
When possible do not administer vaccines
without had been in contact with birds.
during the transport of catching processes.
STOCKING DENSITY IN THE LAYING HOUSE

The bird should have enough space, espe- Table 5: Stocking density at production house
cially in hot climates. Important is not only
cm² of cage floor/bird, but also the height of Equipment Requirements*
the cage and how many cm of feeder and Stocking Density
how many drinkers are available per bird Colony cages 650–750 cm2/hen (13 to 15 birds / m2)
(a minimal recommendation is given in Floor: only litter or 1/3 litter + 2/3 slat 1.600 to 1.250 cm2/bird (6 to 8 birds / m2)
Table 1). Floor: 100 % slat 1.000 cm2 / bird (10 birds / m2)
Aviary Systems 13 to 15 birds / m2
Keep in mind that overstocking has a Drinkers

strong impact on mortality, body weight Round drinkers 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birds
and uniformity, feathering status, fer- Linear drinkers at least 2.5 cm / bird
Nipple drinkers 1 nipple for 8–10 birds
tility and, finally, in hatchable eggs and
chicks per hen housed. Feeders
Round feeder 1 feeder (Ø 40 cm) for 25 birds
Chain feeder 10 – 15 cm / bird
Nest
Familiy type nest boxes 100 hens / m2
Familiy nest in family cages 50 cm2 / hen (42 to 65 cm2)
Single nest (26 x 30 cm) 4 to 6 hens per nest
*These recommendations should be adjusted to meet local regulations.
33
TRANSPORT PREPARATION
TRANSFER TO THE LAYING HOUSE
REARING FARM PRODUCTION FARM

Information Flow
Catching Transport Reception

Low light intensity
Skilled Driver
Clean and disinfected

Trained staff
Clean and disinfected transport
Equipment properly working

Careful bird handling
Optimum stocking density
Water and feed available

Gently but quickly
Meeting current local regulations
24 h light first day

Preparation Select any defective or unthrifty birds,

Transport should be planned well in ad- and also birds that get into poor condition
vanced and all staff involved should be in- (males/females)
formed. The crew must had been without Remove all the remaining sexing errors at

contact to any other birds at least 2 days pri- this time. Sexing errors that remain in the
or to the job (best to transport breeder after flock will impair the genetic potential of
a weekend). Withhold feed for a few hours resulting commercial stock. In addition,
before loading but continue to provide fresh sexing and color sexing accuracy of com-
water. Transport equipment should be in mercial chicks will be adversely affected.
good condition and thoroughly cleaned and Transport
disinfected. The staff in charge of handling
Transport time should be as short as pos-
and moving the birds should follow the bi-
sible, avoiding unnecessary stops. Avoid
osecurity regulations, wear clean clothing
moving the birds during the part of the day
and footwear that have not been exposed
with more extreme temperatures, or when
to poultry. Choose the best time of the day
climate conditions could have a negative
for transportation (especially in hot climates).
effect on the birds.
Loading
In all cases:
Load quickly but with care and maintain an
Do not catch hens by one wing or one

adequate stocking density in the transport
leg or the neck.
trolleys. Continue ventilating the house dur-
Do not overstock transport trolleys.

ing the procedure. The staff should be well
Do not leave hens in trolleys in sun-

trained and should handle the birds accord-
light or unventilated areas.
ing to animal welfare regulations, catching
Do not load trolleys in closed and un-
When to move the birds?
and holding the birds by both shanks. En-
ventilated trailers.
sure enough ventilation for the birds be-
tween loading and unloading. During midday
Hens will lose some weight during the trans-
Important:
port depending on the duration and the

Load females and male breeders separate
temperature. This loss will be quickly recov-
from each other (see male’s management During the night or early morning
ered if the housing conditions are correct.
chapter for more details).
34
HOUSING IN THE LAYING HOUSE

Applying an “all-in all-out” system is rec- Feeders should be filled when the pullets ar- explore the house. Avoid “light-shock (big
ommended to break disease cycles and rive so it is easy for them to locate the feed. step in light intensity between rearing and
improve the health status. The laying house Also encourage the birds to eat by running production) preventing stress and overstim-
should have been thoroughly cleaned and the feeding lines more frequently. If pullets ulation.
disinfected in advance. The transfer should are reluctant to eat after a couple of days, Ensure a good light distribution to prevent
be done as smoothly and quickly as possible monitor feed and water consumption. Im- dark spots that can impact on bird’s behav-
to allow the birds to be well prepared for the portant is don’t run feeders during the daily ior and to prevent as well, floor/system eggs
start of laying. The temperature in the laying peak of production, to prevent hens moving at the start of production.
house should be between 18 and 24 °C. Cool out of the nests.
water and feed must be available when the Pay attention to the male’s adaption to the Weight
pullets arrive at the house. new feeders and drinkers. Fully combed Weight lost during transport should be re-
males may have problems to eat if the feed- covered in the first days in the house. The
Water ers are not adapted for them (grill). birds should continue gaining body weight
In cage-free houses advise to use open wa- and maintain a good flock weight uniformity
ter cups or 360 nipple drinkers. The drinkers Light to achieve a good start to production.
should be at the right height and work ade- In family cage houses a 24-hour light can Keep weighing males and females weekly.
quately. Encourage the birds to drink – low be set during the first day, so the birds can Sometimes the females are gaining weight
water pressure in the drinker lines on the first become familiar with the new environment. according to standard, but males have prob-
days. During the first days check frequently After that, set the rearing house light pro- lems. This could happen when they weren’t
that the birds are drinking. Adapting to a gram if possible. dub treated and have issues with the feed-
new drinker system could be difficult (espe- In floor systems, use the same lighting pro- er’s grill.
cially if pullets have been reared with a dif- gram that was set in rearing. (Cage-Free) and
ferent type of drinker). If water consumption make the dimming period at the end of the Behavior
does not increase in the days after housing, day manual for the first days, to train the Observe the behavior of the birds carefully
or it fails to reach normal levels, corrective breeders to find their way into the system. In and take actions if needed.
measures should be taken at once. this type of system is important, for the first
7 to 10 days after transfer, putting the birds
Feed to bed to prevent piling.
Try to follow the same feeding program as Light intensity can be a little higher during
used at the end of rearing. the first week (20 lux) to encourage hens to
KEEP IN MIND
· In
floor houses and aviaries,
always check that the
number of males per
partition is the adequate.
· In
family cages, after
completing the unloading
always check the number of
males and females per cage.
· No
vaccinations during
transfer when possible.
35
MALES NESTS LITTER
Bad distribution: Males are too dominant Well maintained nests New and clean litter
and aggressive towards females are critical for a good start.
• too high male/female ratio
• too much difference in body weight
• males sexually matured earlier than The breeders should not be allowed to have Be sure that litter material is there in time the
females access to the nest boxes too early. breeders start using the litter area in barn/
Advise to open the nest boxes 1–2 weeks aviary houses.
Make a plan for a good distribution of the before the onset of lay. Different materials may be used:
breeders in each cage, or in barn/aviary in Note that in aviary systems with one-line Wood shavings
every compartment and place the right nest boxes, the birds need more time to find Cellulose pellets
numbers of males to keep the normal male/ them! Coarse wood shavings
female ratio. Open the nest boxes 3–4 hours before start Regardless of the litter material used, it
Accommodate (separate) the extra males of day/lighting program, and close about 1 should be hygienic!
in a pen/cages as soon as possible. This is hour before end of lighting program. A litter level depth of 1–2 cm is sufficient.
to avoid possible aggressive behavior from Litter material should preferably be distribut-
males to females! ed after the house is pre-heated.
During housing is the last time to make a This prevents the formation of condensed
good selection of males and discards the water between the floor and litter.
ones with poor quality. Keep the level of litter low and dry during
When you have experienced male’s aggres- whole production period!
sion in the past a recommendation in barn/
aviary systems is to start with 3–4 % males.
After 5–7 days, you can slowly bring in the ad-
ditional males step by step during the night.
Bring in 2 % males every week until you reach
the right numbers of males. Do this during KEY POINTS
the night to avoid stress in the flock. · Transfer
the birds at least two weeks before the onset of lay
Having perches in the prduction house, help
(no later than 18 weeks).
to reduce the social stress and the aggression
on females. · Only
transfer flocks that are healthy and in good condition.
Always is better to divide the house in com- · Plan
transport in advance and organize it well to ensure
partments and place equally number of optimal comfort for the birds and biosecurity.
breeders per section. When well managed,
this help to improve male:female behavior · Avoid
transferring flocks during high temperatures.
better feed distribution and less dirty eggs. Transport by night if necessary.
· Monitor
the body weight before and for the weeks after
transfer to guarantee that
the flock is developing correctly.
· Closely
monitor water and feed consumption during the
weeks after arrival at the laying house.
36
ONSET OF PRODUCTION (18 – 22 WEEKS)
· How to manage the flock during the first weeks in the laying house.
· How to correctly apply light stimulation in line with flock status and production objectives.
· How to manage the flock to achieve a good production peak.
PERIOD AFTER TRANSFER
During the first days after housing, it is im- Some useful recommendations:
portant to stimulate sufficient feed intake. Provide attractive feed with a good struc- Avoid excessive stimulation when transfer-
The hens should increase their feed intake as ture that avoids fine particles. ring birds to open houses.
fast as possible and continue gaining weight Provide good quality, fresh water. Crop filling score: The goal is to have 100
(see figure 1). Run the feeding lines frequently during the % at 24 hours after transfer (check 100 fe-
day. males and 100 males). If is not 100 %, a com-
Feed on an empty feeder. plete review of all managements must be
Ensure there is enough light at the feeder performed.
Light intensity should be higher in the lay-
ing house than in the rearing house.
2500 120
Transfer
100
2000
Body weight in grams
Weekly gain in grams
80
1500
60
1000
40
500
20
0 0
1 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 30
Age in weeks
Male
Female
37
LIGHT AND LIGHT PROGRAMS

There are two main factors that stimulate body weight. However, the duration of the Stable photoperiods with a duration of less
the onset of laying in the flock: photoperiod can stimulate or delay the on- than 14 hours will delay the onset of lay.
· Body weight set of lay as follow:
· Photoperiod Stable or increasing photoperiods with a Decreasing photoperiods should never
duration exceeding 14 hours will stimulate be used in production period.
In the absence of other stimuli, hens will be- the onset of lay.
gin to lay when they reach an appropriate
CHOOSE
 TAKE THE
 USE

THE RIGHT NATURAL DAY LENGTH CORRECT
STIMULATION AGE INTO ACCOUNT LIGHT STIMULATION
· How to choose the · How to deal with · How to apply light
right stimulation age natural day length stimulation in a flock
Normally a flock should be kept with The light program in open houses Once the light stimulation age is de-
a stable photoperiod until light stim- should take the natural day length at the fined, light stimulation starts with an
ulation starts. If hens are in the weight stimulation age into account. Determine initial photoperiod increase. Take the fol-
range, a standard recommendation for the light program during rearing as ex- lowing into account:
standard production is 18 or 19 weeks of plained in section X. Stimulation should Increase the day length at least one
life. However, this may vary according to: differ depending on the day length. hour after sunset, or after switching off
Flock body weight status: If the birds’ Increasing day length period: risk of the lights, and keep an eye on the start
body weight is far below the standard flock being stimulated by natural light of production in the morning, and
it is preferable to delay light stimula- before they reach the correct body the risk that eggs ae being laid before
tion for at least one week. Equally, if the weight. To avoid this, the artificial day lighting program starts (floor/system
uniformity is very low (less than 80 %) length should always be longer than eggs).
and/or the CV is very high (> than 10) the natural day length until the flock Light intensity in the laying house
and the weight of part of the flock is far is ready to be stimulated. This should should be slightly higher than in the
behind the standard, later light stimu- be considered in the rearing light pro- rearing house
lation is preferable. gram. Light distribution should avoid dark
The objective is to achieve as fast as Decreasing day length period: flocks and shady areas
possible an egg size of at least 50 to 52 exposed to decreasing day length can Keep light sources clear
grams, which is suitable for incubation. show delayed onset of lay. To avoid Subsequently, the photoperiod must be
The goal is to reduce the number of un- this, create an artificial day length increased weekly. Light increases should
settable eggs at the beginning of the longer than the natural day length be at least half an hour, although a high-
production. from week 10. er increase is possible if the laying per-
centage increases rapidly. The more light
To achieve this goal, use the app:
Never stimulate before H&N lighting program
hours the hens have, the more time they
will use to consume feed. It is therefore
18 weeks of age.
important to achieve at least 14 hours of
It is preferable to stimulate light to allow the flock to reach a proper
Brown Nick at feed intake.
19 weeks of age.
38
MANAGEMENT UNTIL THE PRODUCTION PEAK
FEED WATER VENTILATION

The birds need a good Cool water of good quality AND
quality feed, with the should always be available with
structure and nutrient density necessary the required water flow. Continuously
TEMPERATURE
to suit their feed intake as well as pro- monitor the water quality. Water con- Proper ventilation should be
vide their egg production, growing and sumption is normally 1.5–2 times higher used to guarantee good air quality in
maintenance requirements. Nutrient re- than feed consumption. It is highly rec- the house, and ensure a low concentra-
quirements in this phase increase rapid- ommended to monitor the water con- tion of gases and dust. At the same time,
ly so the feed intake of the birds should sumption for early detection of possible the temperature in the house should be
increase simultaneously. If not, the birds’ problems. Regular cleaning and flushing optimally maintained between 18–25 °C
nutrient requirement will not be met and of the water lines as well as the supply (64.4–77.0 ˚F) with a relative humidity of
they will be forced to mobilize their re- tank is essential. Water consumption will 50–60 %. Birds do not tolerate tempera-
serves. This may lead to soft bones and clearly increase at 10–14 days prior to the tures above 30 °C (86.0 ˚F) well, especially
potentially harm the bird for the rest of onset of lay. During this period, the ova- if high temperatures are combined with
the laying cycle. Switching to a layer diet ry and reproductive organs will develop, high humidity. During heat stress, ensure
with more than 2.5 % calcium stimulates and water will be stored in the follicles of that sufficient air circulates around the
the birds to lay eggs. This feed phase the ovary birds. The use of additional fans as well
aims to cover the requirements to obtain In aviary systems, keep an eye on levels as evaporative coolers should be consid-
the maximum egg mass. where only water or feed is available. Pul- ered to reduce the house temperature.
lets who don’t move from one to another In aviary and floor production, ventilation
Check if feeders are also accessible for level will emaciate and/or dehydrate. You and temperature is even more important
males, they are bigger than females and could pick up some pullets and look if to start with a good house temperature
have big combs that could be an obsta- there is water/feed in the crop. before transferring the pullets. The stock-
cle in some feeder lines. ing density is less than cage systems, and
we need good temperature and ventila-
tion to stimulate pullets to find water and
feed on the different levels in the system
(important in aviaries). Mortalities smoth-
ering and floor/system eggs can be en-
hanced by poor ventilation.
Flushing system (water regulator)

Mash Feed
SPACE
The birds should have enough
space, especially in hot climates. Impor-
tant aspects are not only cm² of cage
floor/bird, but the height of the cage,
which is especially important for males to
allow a normal mating, how many cm of
feeder, and how many drinkers are avail- Good air quality:
able per bird. The temperature should be you can see the back of the house
Crumble Feed
between 18–24 °C.
39
NEST MANAGEMENT
Key points of using nest boxes in Cage-free systems:
Right position of the nest boxes with drink-
to prevent high density in these front and Close the nest in very small steps, and
ing lines in front of them back nests. keep an eye on total number of eggs, and
Use clean, automatic closing nest boxes
In case, of early production eggs you can
number of floor/system eggs. When these
with comfortable floor/mat. also use very low light intensity lights in- numbers stay same level, you can make
Nest boxes in the best right intensity of
side the nests. This light can start 1–2 hours the next step.
light (enough to find the nest, and inside before the start of lighting program to give For a correct nest management, always
dark enough to keep birds quiet). the birds that produce early to find the way keep in mind the difference in the lay-
Enough nest space (refer to page 33)
to the nest boxes. These 1–2 hours are not ing behavior between white and brown
Breeders should not be allowed to have
included in the daylength. strains:
access to the nests too early. Open the Always try to use more than standard nest
a) Browns tends to start the production
nest boxes 1–2 weeks before the onset space in cage-free systems to catch all the earlier than whites, so the egg collection
of lay. Open them 3–4 hours before start birds/eggs during the laying process. Es- must start earlier.
of day-lighting program and close 1 hour pecially at the onset of production of very b) In white flocks, at peak production hour
before the end of the lighting program uniform PS flocks. a higher % of females are laying, plus
(NEVER leave them open overnight) After the production peak and > 30 weeks,
the hens stay longer inside the nest
In an aviary system with on tier/level of
we can start gradually closing the nest than browns, therefore nest space is
nest boxes the birds need some more time boxes a bit earlier every 1–2 weeks. In the more critical for the white breeders than
to find the nests than a traditional floor afternoon, the birds don’t need access to Brown Nick breeders.
house with slats or combi system where the nest boxes. This is especially important
you have nest boxes on every level. if you start to see a lot of dirty nests (bed-
System with on-line nest boxes can be
ding or mat) and eggs due to nest material.
equipped with incorporate barriers. Best In the afternoon, the birds don’t need ac-
way to use them every 2 meters at 6 me- cess to the nest boxes (after the produc-
ters from every compartment wall. This tion period – 10 hours after lights on.
Type of nest Requirements*
Familiy type nest boxes 100 hens / m2
Familiy nest in family cages 50 cm2 / hen (42 to 65 cm2)
Single nest (26 x 30 cm) 4 to 6 hens per nest
*These recommendations should be adjusted to meet local regulations.
Manual nest: dirty and not enough nesting material: Type of nest in family cage
ALWAYS keep a clean and comfortable nest!
40
The management in the rearing period is birds. Therefore, the importance of opti- If we don’t provide perches or stimulate the
critical to success in the training for nest mizing the rearing periods, particularly for pullets to jump on platforms in the rearing
use: birds going into cage free housing systems house, the chances to have a non-desirable
Use of perches, water tables, etc.
is extremely important. Environments with % of floor eggs could be high.
Lighting management.
simple rearing systems are not cognitively
stimulating or spatially complex enough to
The first 8 to 10 weeks post-hatch are criti- adapt pullets to navigate in aviary or even on
cal to imprint the desirable behavior in our floor system.
Optimal set-up: with drinker lines close to the nest but not Wrong management of Manual nests: nests without platform.
blocking the access to them, and a feeder line with the right This structure is necessary to enhance the hens to explore and
height preventing laying eggs underneath it. use the nests. Always keep enough and clean bed material.
MALES MANAGEMENT
Rearing Check weekly male’s body weight (always at If their dominancy develops too early, the
Males and females should be reared togeth- standard) and uniformity (> 85 %). There are males are getting active before a sufficient
er from the first day if they are going to be two critical periods when the body weight number of females is sexually mature, and
under natural mating conditions in produc- gain is extremely important and must meet as a result the males start chasing females,
tion. Males from white breeders without the standard, the first is between 2 and 10 over-mating occurs, males start fighting
comb treatment need to be separate until 7 weeks of age, when the reproductive organs each other, females are getting damaged
to 8 weeks of age to select the sexing errors. are developing and then, after light stimula- and scared and as a final result, fertility is too
Do not dub brown males unless you have tion where is a fast growth of the testis. low.
problems with feeders/grills in rearing or
production. At 10 weeks of age and then before transfer If their dominancy develops too late, the
Don’t beak treat males (if you think you (light stimulation) from rearing to the laying males will not become dominant over the fe-
should beak treat them, ask H&N Technical house a selection of the males should be males and will be scared to mate with them.
service for advice). When is possible, males made to only keep males in good conditions. The males can be physically well developed
should be comb treated to avoid problems Males with low body condition, leg problems, but will not mate because they think they
with feeder lines grills. This is a must when skeletal defects or bad feather cover will be are not able to do so and as a result, again
they will be housed in cages. sorted out. Furthermore sharp, hooked, short fertility is too low.
Males should be healthy and develop ac- or uneven beaks should be selected since
cording to the standards as a predisposition they can damage the females at mating. Production
for good mating behavior and good sperm All time, the stage of development should Males in natural mating should develop
quality. To achieve this, is important to follow match to the development of the females dominance over the females otherwise they
the recommended stocking density, feeder based on comb, wattle and feather as indi- will not mate. Therefore, is important to keep
and drinker spaces. cators: an eye on the condition of the males during
41
the laying period and check weekly the Males with pale vents and underweighted
body weight development of the flock until should be sorted out.
week 30 and then biweekly. In family cages, is critical to keep an eye on
Monitor carefully and permanently the sex- the males quality and behavior, because
ual behavior of the flock and a good and the decline in fertility could be faster than
even distribution of the males (especially im- in floor systems. Every 2 weeks do fertility
portant in the afternoon, during the mating checks ad when necessary apply intra-spik-
period). An effort should be done to keep a ing or spiking. Always keep a group of extra
good feather cover, otherwise females with males in a pen (better if they are younger
naked backs will avoid males. than the flock; more details in the male’s
Depending on environmental condition the management Technical Tips.
mating ratio ranges between 8 and 10 males Red vent of an active male
per 100 females. In controlled environment, Production Male / Female
usually 8–9 % are optimal. In open or slatted System Ratio
floors and hot climate 9–10 % are recom- Floor / Aviary System 8 to 9 %
mended. Not always more is better, more Controlled Environment
males than needed causes disturbance in
Ful slat or Hot Climate 9 to 10 %
the flock resulting in reduced fertility.
It is a good practice to start at 20 weeks with Family Cages 10 %
9–10 % males in natural mating and 7 % in Artificial Insemination 6%
artificial insemination and proceed to select
males with poor condition during produc-
tion to achieve 8–9 % and 6 % respectively
Fertility
of good quality males at 25–28 weeks of age
and during production (for male/female ra- If fertility problems appear in a flock check: Pale vent of an inactive male
tio in family cages please ask H&N Technical Bad physical conditions of the males and
Service). females (overweight or underweight).
Vent colour is a good indicator of the male’s Disease.
mating behavior, in an active male should be Nutritional deficiencies.
strong red and not pale and the variability of Sexual behavior of males and females.
vent colour between males should be small.
For furth
er inform
read the ation,
technica
Good
of Male’s l bulletin
Body Condition manage
ment
Good
Feathering
Active, Vigilant
& Dominant
No
Skeletal Defects
Red Comb &
Vent Colour
Healthy Good Legs
42
NATURAL MATING VS ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
NATURAL MATING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Males and females reared Males and females can be

together from the first day reared separately
Parallel sexual development

In production 6 % males
in males & females
Keep only well developed and Pure sperm / female 0.03 ml

dominant males (can be diluted 1:2 or 1:3)
In production 8–9 % males Sperm from one male

(10 % in cages) inseminate 12–15 females
Even distribution of males Developer feed for males (low

in the flock Protein and low Ca)
Monitor sexual behavior Insemination every 5–7 d

of the flock to obtain the best fertility
43
ONSET OF LAY
Monitoring production data is essential for timely intention in response to any issues that occur in the weeks between the first
eggs and the production peak. Production data should be monitored daily or at least weekly.
% LAY BODY WEIGHT FEED

This should increase daily. During the Increases could be a little AND WATER
first week, the increase may be small, erratic as not all the hens develop their re- As mentioned, consumption should
but a bigger increase should be seen productive system at the same time. Howev- increase every day. Water is the easiest
every day. In the middle part of onset er, body weight should never decrease, and parameter to monitor daily and is a crit-
of lay, the increase should be stronger, a clear growth trend should be observed. ical management measure.
at least 2% per day and ideally close
to 3%. Finally, in the last week, the in-
crease should be close to 1% until the
production peak is reached. The rate of
increase cannot be monitored correct- Female body weight and % lay until week 30
ly if the eggs are collected at different
1650 100
times!
1600 90
80
1550
70
1500
60
Laying rate (% )
Body weight (g)
1450
50
1400
40
1350
30
1300 20
1250 10
1200 0
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Age in weeks
KEY POINTS
· Monitor
how well the flock has adapted to the laying house by measuring water consumption
daily and body weight weekly.
· Evaluate
crop filling score 24 hours after transfer.
· Control
the onset of lay and egg weight by correctly applying light stimulation.
· Never
decrease day length in the production period.
· Closely
monitor the increase in egg production, body weight (males and females),
feed and water consumption during the weeks preceding the production peak.
If the flock is not performing correctly, take corrective measures as soon as possible.
· Keep
an eye on male’s behavior especially during the last 4 hours of the lighting program.
44
PRODUCTION PERIOD (22 – 75 WEEKS)
· How to manage the flock to maintain optimal production levels during the production period.
· How to maintain the flock in good condition regarding body weight and feather covering.
· How to correctly manage the produced hatching eggs.
PRODUCTION STAGE
160 100
After reaching a good production peak,
90
H&N breeders should enter a production 140
plateau. Their genetic potential allows 80
120
them to maintain a high production level, 70
Lay (%) / Chicks HH / Hatch (%)
optimal egg size and good eggshell quali-

100 60
ty for some weeks but to achieve this, pay
close attention to certain aspects: 80 50
Feed quality 40
60
Daily intake
30
Absence of diseases
40
Body weight 20
20
10
0 0
20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 266 68 70 72
Age in weeks
Lay % real Lay % Std. Chicks/HH real Chicks/HH Std. Hatch % real Hatch % Std.
PRODUCTION MONITORING
Detailed laying cycle records are necessary conversion. All results should be presented This enables timely intervention in response
to evaluate performance and profitability. in graphs. to any irregularities and generates historical
Daily figures for hen-day production (total Use of graphs will improve analyses of flock data for more in-depth analysis of produc-
eggs and settable eggs), egg weight, feed performance trends. Growth records, accu- tion performance.
and water consumption and mortality are rate cage and / or pen counts are also very
necessary. This information will allow you to important. The spreadsheet should include H&N International provides you with good
calculate very important data including dai- the weekly hatchery results linked with the spreadsheets to enter your production data.
ly egg mass, cumulative egg mass and feed weekly farm results (weekly).
Egg Hatching Hatch- Saleable

Flock Rate of Lay Rate of Lay
Number Eggs ability Chicks
Act. number of males
Standard Liveability
Std. Hatching Eggs
Act. M. Liveability
Act. fem. Liveability
% Hatching Eggs
Act. hen number
Saleable Chicks
Standard
Standard
Standard
Standard
Standard
Standard
per H.H.
per H.H.
per H.H.
per H.H.
per H.D.
Age
(%)
45
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible cause
Lay drop Low feed intake, low water intake, stress factors, feed quality, decreasing light program, pathology
Low feed consumption Temperature, water supply, feed quality, inadequate feeder space, incorrect feed supply, pathology
Low egg weight Temperature, low feed consumption, low body weight at light stimulation,
incorrect feed formulation
Mortality Flock uniformity, light intensity, stress factors, pathology
Low body weight Incorrect feed formulation, low feed intake, high stocking density
High body weight Incorrect feed formulation, overfeeding.
Floor eggs / System eggs Incorrect training during rearing (use perches), not enough nest space, wrong nest structure,
easy access to the nest, not optimal nest management (open and close), draft inside the nests,
dark spots on the house, aggressive males at the beginning of production, feeding during
production peak, wrong lighting program, wrong feeders management, feeder to close to the nest,
low water flow, feeder and bell drinkers height (prevent hens laying under them).
When slats are too high (> 45 cm), place ramps to facilitate the access from the litter area.
Cracked eggs Ca/P ratio, Ca particle size, temperature, water quality, pathology, incorrect egg collection
management, incorrect feed formulation, incorrect grading machine maintenance. Incorrect nest
management and/or nest space. Compartmentalization in the production house helps to reduce
the number of cracked and dirty eggs by ensuring an adequate use of the nest space.
Stained eggs Water quality, pathology, incorrect egg collection management, incorrect feed formulation,
incorrect grading machine maintenance, high stocking density, pest/diseases
Too many males –> Check and adjust the male: female ratio; Place male and female together since
Males aggression
day 1 or no later than 3–4 weeks of age (exception males with full comb). Keep the body weight
at start of production
close to the standard. In rearing, if the body weight is too way ahead of standard they will be
sexually active earlier than females and could be aggressive towards them. If males weren’t rearing
together with females and/or body weight is more than 15 % ahead of standard and/or more than
45 % heavier than females is good to transfer them, starting with a low number and gradually add
more males until you get the right ratio. When aggression start in rearing you can have a ratio of
4 % and slowly add more males. Also, compartmentalization and placing perches help to reduce
male aggression.
Infertility Males problem: too many, not enough, bad quality males, too old or too young; incorrect
feed formulation (vitamins and minerals); high stocking density (especially in colony cages),
females with bad plumage, overweight males and/or females.
46
FEATHER COVERING
Feather coverage is a key indicator of the Poor feathering can also be caused by stress Monitoring feather condition can help sig-
hen’s body condition. If hens lose their feath- or pecking. Excessive feather loss can be due nal potential problems caused by aggres-
ers, a drop-in fertility could happen because to various factors including: sion, nutritional deficiencies or other prob-
females would feel uncomfortable during lems.
mating. Also, their thermal insulation capac- Poor nutrition
ity will remain seriously impaired impacting Pecking or social aggression
directly on feed intake and maintenance en- High stocking density
ergy needs. It therefore means an increase in Harsh housing conditions
the production feed costs. High male's percentage (> 10 %)
FEATHERING CONDITION SCORING

Neck
Back
Tail
Breast
4-POINTS FEATHER SCORE Vent/Cloaca

1. Complete plumage
2. Ruﬄed, no naked spot Wing
3. Naked spot up to 5 cm
4. Naked spot greater than 5 cm
AGGRESSION
Occasionally, aggression and cannibalism can be applied to help prevent aggression Correct beak trimming – if permitted in
can occur in the flock. This can affect hen and cannibalism: your country
welfare and their production performance. Control light intensity Stress avoidance (noises, light intensity var-
Behavior-related issues can have multiple Correct rations, especially amino acids, so- iation, etc.)
causes, but certain management practices dium and fiber content Enrich the hens environment
Adjust male: female ratio
47
FEEDING LAYERS DURING PRODUCTION

Layers do not consume equal amounts of feed amount of feed given on that day. Ensure this Important that the birds go to sleep and wake
during the whole of the day. 70 % of feed con- afternoon feed is effectively distributed to the up with a good level of feed.
sumption occurs in the early hours of the morn- hens and throughout all the feeder lines.
ing and the last four hours in the afternoon.
They also have a predilection for calcium during
the last hours of light.
To mirror this behavior better, feed times should

be adapted with the aim to leave feeders with
a very low feed level around eight hours after
switching on the lights. On the other hand, six
hours before switching the lights off it can be
interesting to concentrate 50 to 60 % of the Normal level Low level
Feed distribution in production
DARK LIGHT DARK

Amount of feed in the trays
50–60 %
of the amount
of feed
(Ad Libitum)
Low feed level
in the trough
Day (24 hours)
MIDNIGHT LIGHTING
Midnight Snack This management technique is used to in- to 20 minutes before the lights off to help
crease feed intake and allow calcium avail- breeders to look for the right place to sleep.
ability in the hours when the eggshell is
3h formed, and its absorption is increased. It Midnight lighting can be used with different
consists of lighting in the dark period to objectives:
2h allow hens to feed and refill the crop. The Increase in feed consumption. It can be
following guidelines should be followed for used in rearing and/or production. It is es-
correct application: pecially useful in hot climates where birds
3h Switch on the lighting for at least one hour are unable to feed properly in day time.
16 h and up to two hours. These hours aren’t in

addition to the normal period of light.
Improvement of eggshell quality. The avail-
ability of extra calcium in the intestine al-
Midnight period must be at least three lows better calcification and reduces bone
hours after switching off the lighting and decalcification.
at least three hours before the lights switch
on. Keep an eye on behavior of the
Darkness Light Feeders must be filled before the lights flock during when using midnight
switch on and always have water available. feeding. Extremely important
Midnight snack For floor / aviary systems is important to in Floor/Aviary production.
bring dimming period down around 15
48
LAYING PROCESS
Egg process
Egg formation is a complex process that Lay is a critical moment for hens. If possible, may occur. Therefore, avoid disturbing hens
occurs in the oviduct of the hen. The whole they prefer a protected and dark area. The during maximum laying hours to reduce this
process takes around 24 hours, but forming cloaca could be reversed during the lay pro- kind of defect. This means not disturbing
the eggshell takes most of the time (18–21 cess which can encourage cannibalism. them by removing dead birds, feed distribu-
hours). If hens retain eggs due to stress, shell defects tion, inspecting flock.
Laying window
The laying window is defined as the time in Lay distribution during the day
hours since the lay of the first egg to the last
one. Its range varies between breeds of hens.
35
Brown Egg Layers White Egg Layers
50 % of the lay takes place around 14 hours
30
after switching off lighting or after the sun-
set. It is useful to know when most of the
25
eggs have been laid. This information can
also be used to advance or delay the time of 20
Eggs (%)
sunset, although periods of 16 hours of light

are used routinely. 15
There are differences between the laying 10

window of Brown and white breeders. Brown
Nick starts laying earlier than whites while 5
SN/NC concentrate the production in a nar-
rower window. Consider this when planning 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
the hatching egg gathering and nest space. Hours after turning on the light
49
Mating behavior
The completed mating in chickens is the cul- Frequency of Matings

mination of a sequence of behaviors which
is completed when the cloacae of male and 6
female come into contact and the rooster's 28 weeks 38 weeks 58 weeks
ejaculate is released directly into the hen's
5
vagina via her cloaca. In the typical breed-
er house with large population of birds the
Number of matings / male

4
entire sequence of behavior does not always
occur and most of the time we can only see
the last part when the end of the mating be- 3
havior.
2
The frequency of mating follows a diurnal
pattern with mating frequency reaching
1
peaks early and mostly late in the day when
more than 50 % takes place within 4 hours
0
before lights going out at the breeder house. 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
The first 3 to 4 weeks after transfer/light Hour of observation
stimulation must visit the farm 3 to 4 hours (Adapted from Duncanet et al., 1990)
before bedtime and see where are males
and females? How are they (grouped, mixed)
and sit down for 15 minutes to evaluate how
is the mating behavior, do you see lots of
mating or are the hens hiding?
As the male ages the frequency of mating

decline, impacting on the flock fertility.
KEY POINTS
· Ensure
a gain in body weight and correct development to maintain egg production.
· Correct
management of feed distribution and feeding times
· Monitor
body weight and feather covering in both, males and females.
· Monitor
production outputs to enable corrective measures as soon as possible.
· Keep
an eye on male behavior during the whole period. Especially important during both, the
after transfer and production onset. Keep selecting weak and poor females and males.
· Evaluate
the mating behavior in the first 3–4 weeks after light stimulation.
· Floor,
system and dirty eggs are NOT hatching eggs.
50
HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT
· The
fertile egg contains a living embryo which has all the genetic potential of H&N International.
In order to enable embryo express this potential during incubation and later in life as pullet and
laying hen, good hatching egg quality is essential.
EGG WEIGHT NEST MANAGEMENT EGG COLLECTION

Egg should weigh a minimum of 50 g
Good nest: enhances nesting behavior,
Collect the egg as frequent as possible.

and from a flock of 22 weeks of age or keeps the eggs clean, and prevents dam- Preventing eggs pilling up in nests and
older to be incubated. In case of chicks age on egg shell. belts.
delivered over long distance a minimum Keep the nests clean. In manual nest al-
In manual nest, at least 4 times per day

of 52 g is recommended. ways have clean, deep enough (2.5 cm / 1 under normal temperature (18–25 °C).
inch), and good quality bed material. In summer/hot climate more frequently.
For best hatchability and chick quality,
It is extremely important to keep a daily
Keep in mind that the goal is gather more
the Ideal egg weight is between 58 to nest control. In manual nests, change the than 90 % of the eggs in the first 7 hours
61g. Control the egg size to achieve this bed material and/or sanitize nest on time after lights on.
goal: lighting program, nutrition and pul- (every two weeks in automatic nests: dai- In automatic nest, do not wait more than

let body weight. ly and before start collecting egg must 3 hours since the start of the lighting pe-
check the status of all nests (for example, riod and do it continuously for the first 4
if they are any missing covers or are all hours to avoid hairlines cracks.
EGG SELECTION 100 % open). Check for non-productive Egg collection is better in either disin-

females hiding inside the nests. fected plastic or setter trays. Always use
Only incubate CLEAN eggs. Floor and
Close the nest 2–3 hours before lights-off
trolleys that allow good air circulation
system eggs are not hatching eggs. and open them back again before lights among the eggs. Place the eggs in the
This selection must be done at the farm, on. Never leave the nests open over- trays with the air cell up (rounded end
therefore NEVER A DIRTY EGG SHOULD night.. up).
ENTER THE HATCHERY. Never leave eggs overnight in the nests

Only incubate egg with normal shape
or belts.
and good shell quality (discard eggs with
hairlines cracks).
Quality control of the egg selection must

EGG STORAGE
be in place to evaluate the procedures:
routinely check 60 to 90 eggs and calcu-
late % of dirty,up-side downs, hailrines, After disinfection, quikly store the hatch-
Days Temperature Relative
etc. Record the result. ing eggs under optimal condition (within in storage Humidity
5 hours from laid). 0–3 days 18–21 °C / 75–85 %
Variation in temperature and condensa-
64.4–69.8 °F
EGG DISINFECTION tion must be avoided all time.
4–7 days 15–17 °C / 75–85 %
Important is have a good air circulation to
59–62.6 °F
Disinfect as soon as you collect the eggs,
create an even environment.
while they are still warm (within 2 hours Control temperature and humidity all the
8–10 days 13–15 °C 80–85 %
55.4–59.0 °F
from laid). time. Use min/max termometer and dig-
Only use product labeled for hatching
ital termometer/higrometer. The use of More than 12–14 °C / 80–85 %
eggs application. data loggers is recommended. 10 days 53.6–57.2 °F
Always follow the directions: doses, ex-
If eggs stay for more than 3 days at the

position time and method of application. farm storage room, is necesary to control When is not possible to have rooms with
When is a high incidence of early deads
(75 to 85 % RH). different temperatures a rule of thumb is
(< 24 hours) is good to check the fumiga- Do not place controllers or sensors in di-
to keep the eggs between 15 to 17 °C (59
tion method. rect airstream of the AC equipment. to 62.6 °F) and a relative humidity of 75 to
85 %.
51
HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT
TRANSPORTATION HATCHERY
The transportation of hatching eggs from

Place the eggs in setter trays soon after

CONDENSATION
farm to hatchery is critical: avoid temper- arrival to have good air circulation and
Condensation on the egg shell
ature fluctuations, bumps, and prevent cooling effect.
impairs the natural mechanisms
condensation. The storage room must have good air

of defense and provide an ideal
Monitor the temperature during trans-
movement.
environment for bacteria growth.
portation. Best option is placing temper- When eggs are stored for longer than 10
ature data logger(s) inside the truck box. days, SPIDES is recommended.
Clean and disinfect the truck box prior
Check the cleanliness of the equipment

use. having contact with the hatching eggs.
Only use the truck to transport hatching
For example, setter trays, suction heads
eggs and nothing else. of egg lifters, etc.
HAIRLINES CRACKED EGGS EXAMPLES OF UNSETTABLE EGGS

Hairlines cracked eggs have low hatchabili-
ty and poor chick quality. In case of a high
incidence (> 2 %) a complete analysis of the
hatching egg flow must be performed, iden-
tifying the impact points. Calculating the %
of hair lines before and after impact points
will identify equipment factor that could be
damaging the egg shell. Example of impact
points: nest, egg belt, egg lifter, conveyor,
packing machine, etc.
Not enough nesting material = impact point
o r m a t i o n please
inf
For more e a n d read our
web s i t
visit H&N a g e ment Gu
ide
M a n
Hatchery w n l o a d section
in the do
located
52
NUTRITION
REARING NUTRITION
·How
to develop the skeleton and muscle of the pullet at each phase.
·How
to develop the feed intake capacity for the start of lay.
FEED DESCRIPTION AND MANAGEMENT
Week 5 10 15
Starter feed Grower feed Developer feed

High density diet with highly digestible
Medium density diet with more variety
Low density diet with raw materials high

raw materials. of raw materials. in fibre.
Investment that sets up the basis of skel-
This supports skeletal and muscular
Feed with significant levels of fibre or a

etal and muscular growth of the pullet. growth. higher particle size to develop the feed
Feed should always be available.
intake for the start of lay.
Changing diets If the body weight isn't achieved by 5 or

If the birds are over the target body

Delay a change to the diet if the target
11 weeks of age, there is a need to review weight, the change to the next diet can
body weight is not reached. the nutrition, density and management in be done a week earlier.
the previous weeks.
FORMULATION TIPS
Starter A minimum of added fat will reduce the
A minimum of added fat will reduce the

Crumble feed presentation will improve
dustiness of the mash feed (1 – 2 % based dustiness of the mash feed (1 – 2 % based
growth and make it easier to reach the on cost impact). on cost impact).
standard body weight. Developer Others
It could be interesting to invest in highly di-
Crude fibre level needs to be as high as pos-
Calcium particle size in pullet feed should
gestible raw materials if they are available. sible based on the available raw materials be fine (average 1 mm).
Soy oil or coconut oil are better sources of
(> 3 %, up to 5.5 %). See possible raw mate- Enzymes: use and effect in the diet should be
energy than palm oil: at least during the rials to supply the necessary fibre (table 9). based on the available substrate in the diet.
first three weeks of age. These values can be applied, or even ex- Antioxidants: protect against oxidation of
A minimum of 0.30 % of salt will help to in-
ceeded, as long as they are of good quality. the oils in the feed mill and the oxidation
crease feed intake. If the available raw materials don't allow
of fats and others in the diet.
Grower you to follow the recommendations be- Organic minerals: provide additional ben-
Transition to mash feed if the starter was
low. Your Nutritionist should make a pro- efits to the existing inorganics and may
crumble feed. portionally higher specification and the reduce the inclusion levels of the minerals.
A minimum of 0.28 % of salt will help to
feed mill needs to make a higher particle
have enough feed intake. size feed to compensate the lack of fibre.
NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS
Fibre in the diet Fibre can be classified like:
Energy
The feed intake development is one of
The total dietary fibre (TDF) is a sum of wa- The energy requirement in feed is given

the key factors for developing a pullet ter soluble fibre (WSF), neutral detergent fi- as a range because of the several systems
ready to lay. The feed intake capacity is re- bre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) crude available for energy evaluation.
lated to the gut size, the addition of fibre fibre (CF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Amino acids
in the diet expands the size of the gut and The addition of certain level of fibres since
They follow the recommended Ideal Pro-

improves the feed intake capacity. early ages will support the feed intake ca- tein Ratio (table 7)
The fibre concept is getting complex in
pacity (see table 10).
Vitamins and minerals
poultry. There is new knowledge showing There are several raw materials that can

See table 8

how different types have a different effect. supply the necessary fibre in the diets to
develop the feed intake capacity (table 9)
53
NUTRITION
Table 6: Nutrient recommendations for rearing period
Nutrient Starter Grower Developer
0 – 5 weeks 6 – 10 weeks 11 – 17 weeks
M Energy Kcal/kg 2825 – 2950 2725 – 2850 2600 – 2750

MJ/kg 11.83 – 12.35 11.41 – 11.93 10.89 – 11.51
Crude protein % 20 – 19 18 – 17 15.5 – 14.5
Lysine % 1.18 0.97 0.62
Dig. Lysine % 1.00 0.83 0.52
Methionine % 0.52 0.44 0.29
Dig. Methionine % 0.44 0.37 0.25
Met. + Cysteine % 0.88 0.78 0.52
Dig. Met + Cys % 0.75 0.66 0.44
Threonine % 0.78 0.68 0.43
Dig. Threonine % 0.66 0.57 0.37
Tryptophane % 0.23 0.20 0.15
Dig. Tryptophane % 0.19 0.17 0.13
Isoleucine % 0.81 0.74 0.47
Dig. Isoleucine % 0.69 0.63 0.40
Valine % 0.92 0.76 0.49
Dig. Valine % 0.78 0.64 0.42
Argenine % 1.24 1.02 0.65
Dig. Argenine % 1.05 0.87 0.55
Calcium % 1.05 1.00 0.90
Total Phosphorus* % 0.70 0.60 0.58
Available Phosphorus* % 0.45 0.41 0.37
Dig. Phosphorus* % 0.41 0.38 0.32
Sodium minimum % 0.18 0.17 0.16
Potassium minimum % 0.50 0.50 0.5
Potassium maximum % 1.20 1.10 1.10
Chloride minimum % 0.18 0.17 0.16
Salt minimum % 0.30 0.28 0.26
Choline total mg/kg 1260 1240 1200
* without phytase
54
Hatching Egg Rearing Onset Laying Feed Feed
Management Nutrtion Nutrition Nutrition Structure Quality
Table 7: Ideal Protein Ratio in rearing Table 9: Inclusion level of raw materials rich in fibre
Starter Grower Developer Raw material Range (%)
Lysine 100 % 100 % 100 % Rice bran 5 – 15
Methionine 44 % 45 % 47 % DDGs 5 – 20
Met. + Cys. 75 % 80 % 85 % Wheat bran 10 – 20
Threonine 66 % 70 % 70 % Wheat pollard 10 – 25
Tryptophane 19 % 21 % 24 % Bakery by-products 5 – 10
Ile 69 % 76 % 76 % Barley sprouts 5–8
Valine 78 % 78 % 80 % Copra meal 5 – 10
Arginine 105 % 105 % 106 % Palm kernel meal 2–8
Sunflower meal 5 – 15
Lupins 5 – 10
Table 8: Vitamin and trace mineral recommendation
in rearing per kg of feed Oat hulls 2–4
Rearing
Vitamin A* IU 10000
Table 10: Crude fibre levels in rearing
Vitamin D3 IU 2000
Vitamin E IU 20 – 30 0–5 6 – 10 11 – 17
weeks weeks weeks
Vitamin K3 mg 3**
Vitamin B1 mg 1 Minimum 3% 3.5 % 4%
Vitamin B2 mg 6
Maximum 4% 5% 6.5 %
Vitamin B6 mg 3
Vitamin B12 mcg 15
Pantothenic acid mg 8
Nicotinic acid mg 30
Folic acid mg 1.0
Biotin mcg 50
Cholin mg 300
Coccidiostat as required
Manganese*** mg 60
Zinc*** mg 50
Iron mg 25
Copper*** mg 10
Iodine mg 0.5
Selenium*** mg 0.3
* Higher level might be possible according to local state and national regulations.
** double in case of heat treated feed
*** levels of organic trace minerals
55
NUTRITION
ONSET OF LAY NUTRITION
·
How to develop feed intake as the bird is growing and laying its first egg
FEED DESCRIPTION NUTRIENT FORMULATION

AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS TIPS
A transition feed that supports the final
The ideal protein profile is the same as
The addition of fats will give the formu-

development of the pullet and the nu- in the layer rations. lation room for the requested calcium
trient need for the start of lay. The vitamins and minerals are the same
and fibre.
This feed is recommended to use until
as in the layer rations. A minimum of salt, 0.28 %, will help in

you reach 70 % of laying rate and have Crude fibre: keeping high levels as in
the feed intake stimulation.
an increasing feed intake curve. the developer feed supports the feed 60 % of the calcium carbonate should

This feed could be given since week 17
intake development. be in coarse particle size.
as replacement of the pre-lay. Try to have a level minimum of 3.5 % or

higher.
Table 11: Nutrient recommendations for the Onset period
Nutrient
Energy 265 – 275 kcal/hen/day
1.109 – 1.151 MJ/hen/day
Crude protein 16.0 g/hen/day
mg / hen / day 95 100 105

Lysine 847 % 0.892 0.847 0.807
Dig. Lysine 720 % 0.758 0.720 0.686
Methionine 424 % 0.446 0.424 0.403
Dig. Methionine 360 % 0.379 0.360 0.343
Met. + Cysteine 762 % 0.802 0.762 0.726
Dig. Met + Cys 648 % 0.682 0.648 0.617
Threonine 593 % 0.624 0.593 0.565
Dig. Threonine 504 % 0.531 0.504 0.480
Tryptophane 186 % 0.196 0.186 0.177
Dig. Tryptophane 158 % 0.167 0.158 0.151
Isoleucine 678 % 0.713 0.678 0.645
Dig. Isoleucine 576 % 0.606 0.576 0.549
Valine 741 % 0.780 0.741 0.706
Dig. Valine 630 % 0.663 0.630 0.600
Argenine 881 % 0.927 0.881 0.839
Dig. Argenine 749 % 0.788 0.749 0.713
Sodium 180 % 0.189 0.180 0.171
Potassium 500 % 0.526 0.500 0.476
Chloride 180 % 0.189 0.180 0.171
Calcium 3600 % 3.790 3.600 3.270
Phosphorus 600 % 0.630 0.600 0.570
Avail. Phosphorus 420 % 0.440 0.420 0.400
Dig. Phosphorus 360 % 0.380 0.360 0.340
56
NUTRITION
LAYING NUTRITION
·How to feed hens for achieving as many as saleable eggs as possible during the laying period.
FEED DESCRIPTION AND MANAGEMENT

Type of feed • Body weight changes: body weight • Feed intake changes: housing tem-
The feed should fulfill the maintenance, affects energy needs, around +/-4 kcal perature will impact the feed intake. Hot
growth and production needs. The feed every 50 grams of body weigh change; temperature reduces the feed intake
should be adjusted when: • Calcium and phosphorus require- and vice versa.
• Egg mass changes: DO NOT change ment changes: the phosphorus re-
amino acids if the % lay drops unless the quirement decreases and the calcium
egg mass (% lay x size egg) is dropping requirement increases as the bird gets
too; older;
Chart 1: Flow diagram based on raw materials variability through the feed management on farm
Feed intake
as planned
Variability of raw materials/

Production same* Miscalculation of the needs
+ 3–5 % feed Feed intake
delivery increases
Production improves Under feeding
Production the same Over feeding

Feed intake
decreases
Production decreases Health issue
* In absence of spilled feed
Chart 2: Daily feed intake pattern
Feed management on farm Morning (40 % feed intake) Afternoon (60 % feed intake)
Due to the variability of the raw ma- 25
terials the nutrient composition of

the feed varies, to avoid this chal-
20
Feed intake (% daily intake)
lenge we recommend to follow the

Chart 1 decision tree.
15
Feed recommendation
40 % in the morning and 60 % in the
afternoon (chart 2). 10
Layer hens should clear all feed left

in the feeder during the noon peri-
5
od.
The time at which the feeder is emp-
ty depends on the lighting program. 0
6–8 8–10 10–12 12–14 14–16 16–18 18–20 20–22
Daylight hours (am / pm)
adapted from Keshavarz, 1998
57
NUTRITION
NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS
Recommendations below are based on
There are different models to approach
will need further adjustments by the nu-
egg mass production. the energy evaluation, literature refer- tritionist based on the digestibility of the
After the Onset feed it is recommended
ences (INRA, FEDNA, NRC . . .) usually in diets of each customer. The formulation
to use the 55–57 egg mass recommen- MEn and calculations based on formulas, can be done using total or digestible AA.
dation until the target egg weight is whereby the different elements of the Do not use both values at the same time.
achieved. The other recommendations raw materials are taken into account. Due Working with digestible AA is highly rec-

can be applied to control the egg size on to the variability of the values given by ommended when low digestible raw ma-
target or when the egg mass production different systems, the recommendation terials are used in the diet (see table 19 for
drops as the layer hen gets older. of energy is defined as a range. the Ideal Protein Ratio recommendation).
Energy Energy recommendation is calculated for a
Minerals and vitamins
The energy recommendation of this
specific body weight of the bird and might The vitamin and mineral requirement is

guide doesn't take into account the effect need adjustments (see foot notes of table 12). shown in table 16.
of the temperature in the needs of the Amino acids Ca/P
layer hen. It needs additional adjustments Most of the amino acid intake will be used
Ca and P requirement is shown in table 20.
by the nutritionist. for egg mass production. The egg mass, • Adapt the data in table 15 to suit the
Most of the energy intake will be used
% lay x egg size, drives the amino acid feed intake target.
for maintenance. The body weight of the needs (chart 4) • Example: Av P requirement after peak 380
bird drives the energy requirement (see The total amino acid recommendation is
mg: if feed intake is 115 grams, the mini-
chart 3). based on a feed with 85 % digestibility. It mum amount in feed should be 0.33 %.
Chart 3: Daily requirements of energy of the bird Chart 4: Daily requirements of digestible Methionine
400 500
Maintenance Growth Egg mass
Maintenance Growth Egg mass
450
400
300
350
kcal / day / bird
300
mg/ day / bird
200 250
200
150
100
100
50
0 0
19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52 55 58 61 64 67 70 73 76 79 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52 55 58 61 64 67 70 73 76 79
Age in weeks Age in weeks
FORMULATION TIPS
Crude Protein Ca/P balance Others
Using the minimum amount of crude
Levels of Ca and P must be adapted as the
Enzymes: use and effect in the diet should

protein is recommended if there is limited layer hen gets older. be based on the available raw materials in
information about the raw materials. An excess or deficiency of P can cause
the diet.
eggshell issues in the short or long term. Antioxidants: protect against oxidation of

Fat Coarse limestone is necessary for egg-
the oils in the feed mill and the oxidation
Added fat will reduce the dustiness of
shell quality. It can be replaced in part by of fats and others in the diet.
mash feed (1 – 2 % based on cost impact). oyster shells. Organic minerals: provide additional ben-

Table 23 indicates the limestone particle
efits to the existing inorganics and may
ratio in layers. reduce the inclusion levels of the miner-
Table 22 indicates how much grit should
als.
be added directly to the feeding system.
58
Table 12: Nutrient requirement for a daily egg mass target of 55 – 57 g/hen for Super Nick PS
Energy* 291 – 306 kcal/hen/day

1.218 – 1.294 MJ/hen/day
Crude Protein 16.8 g/hen/day
mg / hen / day 105 110 115
Lysine 941 % 0.896 0.856 0.818
Dig. Lysine 800 % 0.762 0.727 0.696
Methionine 471 % 0.448 0.428 0.409
Dig. Methionine 400 % 0.381 0.364 0.348
Met. + Cysteine 866 % 0.825 0.787 0.753
Dig. Met. + Cys. 736 % 0.701 0.669 0.640
Threonine 659 % 0.627 0.599 0.573
Dig. Threonine 560 % 0.533 0.509 0.487
Tryptophane 226 % 0.215 0.205 0.196
Dig. Tryptophane 192 % 0.183 0.175 0.167
Argenine 980 % 0.934 0.891 0.853
Dig. Argenine 833 % 0.794 0.758 0.725
Valine 824 % 0.784 0.749 0.716
Dig. Valine 700 % 0.667 0.636 0.609
Isoleucine 753 % 0.717 0.684 0.655
Dig. Isoleucine 640 % 0.610 0.582 0.557
Sodium 170 % 0.162 0.155 0.148
Potassium 500 % 0.476 0.455 0.435
Chloride minimum 170 % 0.162 0.155 0.148
Chloride maximum 310 % 0.295 0.282 0.270
Linoleic acid 155 % 1.476 1.409 1.348

* The energy needs are calculated for a body weight of 1660 g. Every 50 g of change will have an impact of +/- 4 kcal / bird / day
59
NUTRITION
Table 13: Nutrient requirement for a daily egg mass target of 52 – 54 g/hen for Super Nick PS

1.193 – 1.256 MJ/hen/day
mg / hen / day 105 110 115
Lysine 900 % 0.857 0.818 0.783
Dig. Lysine 765 % 0.729 0.695 0.665
Methionine 450 % 0.429 0.409 0.391
Dig. Methionine 383 % 0.364 0.348 0.333
Met. + Cysteine 828 % 0.789 0.753 0.720
Dig. Met. + Cys. 704 % 0.670 0.640 0.612
Threonine 630 % 0.600 0.573 0.548
Dig. Threonine 536 % 0.510 0.487 0.466
Tryptophane 216 % 0.206 0.196 0.188
Dig. Tryptophane 184 % 0.175 0.167 0.160
Argenine 938 % 0.893 0.852 0.815
Dig. Argenine 797 % 0.759 0.724 0.693
Valine 788 % 0.750 0.716 0.685
Dig. Valine 669 % 0.638 0.609 0.582
Isoleucine 720 % 0.686 0.655 0.626
Dig. Isoleucine 612 % 0.583 0.556 0.532
Sodium 160 % 0.152 0.145 0.139
Potassium 500 % 0.476 0.455 0.435
Linoleic acid 155 % 1.476 1.409 1.348

60
Table 14: Nutrient requirement for a daily egg mass target of < 51 g/hen for Super Nick PS

1.168 – 1.231 MJ/hen/day
mg / hen / day 105 110 115
Lysine 860 % 0.819 0.782 0.748
Dig. Lysine 731 % 0.696 0.664 0.635
Methionine 430 % 0.409 0.391 0.374
Dig. Methionine 365 % 0.348 0.332 0.318
Met. + Cysteine 791 % 0.753 0.719 0.688
Dig. Met. + Cys. 672 % 0.640 0.611 0.585
Threonine 602 % 0.573 0.547 0.523
Dig. Threonine 512 % 0.487 0.465 0.445
Tryptophane 206 % 0.197 0.188 0.179
Dig. Tryptophane 175 % 0.167 0.159 0.153
Argenine 896 % 0.853 0.814 0.779
Dig. Argenine 761 % 0.725 0.692 0.662
Valine 752 % 0.716 0.684 0.654
Dig. Valine 639 % 0.609 0.581 0.556
Isoleucine 688 % 0.655 0.625 0.598
Dig. Isoleucine 585 % 0.557 0.531 0.508
Sodium 160 % 0.152 0.145 0.139
Potassium 500 % 0.476 0.455 0.435
Linoleic acid 155 % 1.476 1.409 1.348

61
NUTRITION
Table 15: Ca and P needs during laying period
Before peak Peak to 45 weeks 45 – 70 weeks > 70 weeks

Ca
3.80 4.00 4.30 4.50
(g/bird/day)
Phosphorus*
600 540 480 430
(mg/bird/day)
Av. Phosphorus
420 380 340 300
(mg/bird/day)
Dig. Phosphorus
360 325 290 255
(mg/bird/day)
Levels can be changed based on the use and the levels of phytase
Table 16: V
itamin and trace mineral Tabel 17: A
ddition of Coarse calcium Table 19: I deal protein ratio
recommendation in Lay at farm in the afternoon in layer hens
per kg of feed
Week Grams Lay
Lay
Lysine 100 %
Vitamin A* IU 10000 18 – 25 1.0
Methionine 50 %
Vitamin D3 IU 2500 26 – 45 2.0
Met. + Cys. 92 %
Vitamin E IU 75 – 100
46 – 70 3.5 Threonine 70 %
Vitamin K3 mg 3**
> 70 4.0 Tryptophan 24 %
Vitamin B1 mg 1
Ile 80 %
*Review the formulation to balance it in
Vitamin B2 mg 10 Calcium Valine 88 %
Vitamin B6 mg 6
Arginine 104%
Vitamin B12 mcg 30
Tabel 18: P
article size distribution
Pantothenic acid mg 20 recommendation in layer
feed
Nicotinic acid mg 50
Week Fine* Coarse**
Folic acid mg 2
Vitamin C mg 150 18 – 25 35 % 65 %
Biotin mcg 200 26 – 45 30 % 70 %

Cholin mg 400
46 – 70 25 % 75 %
Coccidiostat –
> 70 15 % 85 %
Manganese*** mg 70
Zinc*** mg 60 *Fine Limestone: average 1 mm

**Coarse Limestone:
Iron mg 35 85 % of the particles > 3.5 mm and
less than 5 % < 5 mm
Copper*** mg 10
Iodine mg 0.5
Selenium*** mg 0.3
* Higher level might be possible according to local state and national regulations.
** double in case of heat treated feed
*** levels of organic trace minerals
62
FEED STRUCTURE
Mash feed is the most commonly used feed Crumble and pellet forms can be used as Key points of the uniformity in mash diets
throughout the world. Layer hens tend to long as the structure holds in the feeding Grinding of the raw materials

eat the larger particles avoiding the fine system of the birds and it doesn't become a Particle size of the protein sources

particle s which is where most of the key nu- fine particle mash. Addition of liquids like oil that reduces the

trients are. Therefore, it is vital for successful dustiness of feed
nutrition to have a uniform particle struc- Reduction of fine particle raw materials

ture. It is even more important in non-beak A good feed structure is even more impor-

treated birds. tant with non beak treated birds.
See table 20 and 21 for feed particle size in

Table 20: Pullet feed particle size Table 21: Layer feed particle size pullet and layer feeds.
Pullets Media % Layer Media %

> 2 mm 28.2 > 2 mm 26.2
> 1.4 < 2 mm 24.5 > 1.4 < 2 mm 30.3
> 1 < 1.4 mm 12.8 > 1 < 1.4 mm 14.4
> 0.71 < 1 mm 9.9 > 0.71 < 1 mm 9.0
> 0.5 < 0.71 mm 8.8 > 0.5 < 0.71 mm 7.1
< 0.5 mm 15.6 < 0.5 mm 12.6
FEED QUALITY
Nutrients Mycotoxins
diet. Extremely important is the prevention
Good information is needed to formulate a of SALMONELLA; stronger control measures Follow the guidelines available in your coun-
realistic diet. A combination of available liter- than laying hens. try and literature to prevent negative effects
ature, wet chemistry methods and/or NIR is on layer hen health and production. Adapt
necessary to generate an updated matrix of Oxidation the use of mycotoxin binders to suit the level
the raw materials we use. Oils in the feed mill and fat in the diet are the of risk in the diet and the contamination load
commonest components of oxidation. The in the raw materials.
Microbiology quality control plan of raw materials should
There are no specific guidelines in place, include analysis of the oxidation status of Antinutritional factor
however the lower the contamination, the oils, evaluating at least two parameters of Good understanding of the ANF will allow
better the performance parameters. Ensure the available methods. higher or lower inclusion levels of the raw
adequate control measures are in place to materials.
prevent microbiological risk factors in the
KEY POINTS
· Adjust
the feed to the needs of the birds based on the body weight and egg mass produced.
· Calcium
and phosphorus requirements change as the layer hen gets older.
· Excess
and deficiencies have a negative effect in egg shell quality.
· Feed
structure should be attractive for the layer hens, so they eat a complete diet.
· Thorough
information of nutrient and microbiological quality is key for a good performance.
63
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
·
How to control the effect of temperature on the birds.
·
How to provide good quality water to the birds.
·
How to control the effect of the light on the birds.
HEN THERMO-REGULATION
Convection
Heat loss occurs due to the movement of
the air which permits the transfer of heat
from the hen’s body to the air. This process Radiation
can be promoted by providing fast air move-
ment around the hen. Convection
Conduction
Evaporation
Heat transfer from surface to surface. Nor-
mally, it is relatively unimportant as the con-
tact surface is small
and the temperature of the litter or of the
cage is not significantly different from the
body temperature.
Radiation
This is the transmission of heat from a warm
object to a cold one. Heat loss is proportion-
al to the temperature difference between
the body surface and the surrounding air.
Evaporation
Birds use evaporation to stabilize their body
temperature by increasing the respiration Conduction
rate through panting, which is very effective.
Effect of the room temperature on the different ways of losing heat
(%) 100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
Loss of heat by radiation, conduction and convection
10
Loss of heat by respiration
0
37.8 °C 26.7 °C 15.6 °C 4.4 °C
98.6 °F 80.1 °F 59.0 °F 39.2 °F
Room temperature Source: Bell and Weaver, 2002
64
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
TEMPERATURE
The ambient temperature has a great influence on egg production.
Layers perform well over a wide range of temperatures. Temperature
fluctuations between 21 °C and 27 °C (69.8 °F and 80.6 °F) have a mini-
mal effect on egg production, egg size and shell quality. Feed conver-
sion improves with higher house temperatures, and maximum efficien-
cy is attained in the 21 – 27 °C (69.8 – 80.6 °F) range. As the temperature
rises, however, the following parameters could be affected:
Feed intake
Egg weight
Egg production
Eggshell quality
Mortality
Temperature always has a height gradient. Careful consideration
should be taken in cage systems. Courtesy of M. Czarick – UGA
A uniform temperature throughout the house is very important. Good
ventilation management and thermal insulation should help to reduce
or eliminate temperature variations, specially between day and night.
The temperature should not be seen as an isolated parameter but al-

ways considered in combination with humidity. In addition, air speed
is also an important element of the perceived ambient temperature.
Tabel 22: Temperature and its effect on the birds
Temperature Effects
°C °F
Roof insulation is the corner stone for a correct house temperature
< 20 °C < 51.8 °F Increased feed conversion and ventilation in hot or cold weather.
Courtesy of M. Czarick – UGA
Ideal temperature for good per-
20–27 °C 51.8–77 °F formance and
feed conversion.
Slightly reduced feed intake.

27–31 °C 77–87.8 °F
Slightly impact on fertility.
Further reduction of feed intake.

Reduced activity and drop in
32–36 °C 89.6–96.8 °F
egg production, egg weight,
shell quality and fertility.
Severe reduction of feed intake.

Increase in cracked eggs.
37–39 °C 98.6–102.2 °F
Mortality of heavier hens or those
in full production.
Severe panting and respiratory Fans or windows don't have the same insulation capacity as the
alkalosis. walls. They can create uncomfortable areas for the birds.
40–42 °C 104–107.6 °F Courtesy of M. Czarick – UGA
Increased mortality due to heat
prostration.
Emergency measures are needed

> 42 °C > 107.6 °F to cool down hens
for survival.
65
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
HOT CLIMATE
Shades in open houses
High temperatures, especially over a long During period of hot temperature, the drink-
period, can cause serious losses to the poul- er lines should be flushed every day and at
try farmer. The effects of heat stress are de- least one time per day at the start of lighting
layed onset of lay, lower performance, de- program, to get fresh water into the system.
creased feed intake, increased mortality and
drop in the fertility. Therefore, to minimize Feeding times
financial losses, every effort should be made Do not feed at the hottest time of the day.
to maintain an ambient temperature in the A good strategy is to withhold feed five to
house that is within the bird’s comfort zone. eight hours prior to the anticipated time of
If this is not possible, corrective measure peak temperature. Feeder chains should be
Fans
should be taken: run frequently to stimulate feed intake. The
feeder should remain empty for about two
Ventilation hours per day in the afternoon, to promote a
The ventilation system should be checked better appetite and ensure that the fine par-
before the hot weather arrives. Fans should ticles are consumed, which usually consist
be cleaned and fan belts should be tight- of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. To in-
ened and replaced if necessary. The inlets crease feed consumption, a midnight snack
must be adequate to supply the air flow can be implemented.
needed, they should be clean and not ob-
struct the flow of the incoming air. Tunnel Feed formulation
Inlets
ventilation and cooling pads are the pre- Since feed intake is reduced during hot
ferred ventilation system. weather periods, the general feeding ap-
proach is to increase the energy content in
Low stocking density the feed to keep daily energy intake at the
The stocking density should be in accord- level necessary for optimum performance
ance with the environmental conditions. If under these conditions.
the housing density is too high, the radiant
heat between the birds will accumulate, Hatching egg collection
the temperature will increase and air will be High temperatures require to collect the
prevented from circulating around the birds eggs more frequently to minimize incuba-
Water reservoir
properly. They should be enough space for tion conditions inside the nests.
the birds to separate in order to pant and
droop and slightly lift their wings away from ·
Check the
the body to maximize responsible heat loss. Hot Climate Management Guide
Cold and good quality water

When birds are heat stressed, they increase
consumption of water in an effort to cool
down. The ratio of water to feed increases
from 2:1 under normal conditions to over 5:1
under hot conditions. Cool water of good
quality should be supplied so that birds can
find relief from the heat. To ensure that all
the birds have access to water, provide the
minimum of water space and adjust it ac-
cording to the climate conditions .
66
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
WATER QUALITY
Physical quality
Water is the most important and critical Tabel 23: Drinking water parameters
nutrient for hens. Any water privation will The content of minerals and other elements
directly impact feed consumption and pro- can greatly impact egg production and hen Element Maximum Limit
duction. If privation exceed 24 hours, egg health. Even if corrective measures can be No. of Bacteria
10 – 50
production will be severely affected. If pri- taken, it is very difficult and expensive to al- per ml
vation exceed 48 hours, high mortality will ter the chemical characteristics of water. A No. of Coli forms
0
occur in the flock. It is therefore essential to good quality water source is a huge advan- per ml
provide a good quality, stable and reliable tage when a new farm is under construction. Organic Substances 1 mg / litre
source of water. Better still, ensure there are The physical and chemical water quality
two water sources. must be monitored and samples taken at Nitrates 0 – 15 mg / litre
least every year.
Ammonia 0 mg / litre
Microbiological quality
Water can act as a disease carrier if it is con- Refusing water Cloudiness /
5U
taminated at the source. Moreover, a poor In some cases, hens can refuse water. This Turbidity
microbiological quality of water can affect situation is the same as water privation: Iron 0.3 mg / litre
gut health and lead to pathologic issues that
affect production. Temperature: hens will decrease their
Manganese 0.1 mg / litre
The microbiological quality at the water water consumption when water is above
Copper 1.0 mg / litre
source should be monitored and samples 24° C, but will refuse it above 32 °C
should be taken at least once per year. This Taste: hens do not have a very developed Zinc 5 mg / litre
is even more important if water comes from sense of taste but will refuse to drink water
surface sources. with a unpleasant taste. Some water addi- Calcium 75 mg /litrel
Even if the water source is of excellent quali- tives or antibiotics can produce this effect.
ty, chlorination or an alternative treatment is Magnesium 50 mg / litre
highly recommended. Treatment of surface ·
Always when you apply a product
Sulphates 200 mg / litre
water is compulsory. through the water lines must check
that the water flow isn’t impaired Chlorides 200 mg / litre
Water consumed / 1000 birds / day PH value 6.8 – 7.5
300
21 °C 32 °C
250
Water chlorination station

200
Liters
150
100
50
0
2 4 4 8 10 12 14 16 18
Age in weeks
67
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
DRINKING WATER PARAMETERS

Mineral Recommended Effects Treatments
level in poultry
Calcium < 75 mg / l There is no maximum limit. However, Same treatment as for water hardness.
> 110 mg / l could cause scale buildup.
Copper < 0.6 mg / l Its origin is probably by corrosion of pipes

and joints.
High levels could change the taste of water,
produce oral or gizzard lesions.
Iron < 0.3 mg / l Metallic taste of water, gastrointestinal Treatments include the addition of
disorders, decreases efficiency of vaccine some oxidant such as chlorine, chlorine
and medications. Blockage of water dioxide or ozone then aerate and filter
pipes, bad smell and/or taste, encourages through an appropriate mechanical
bacterial growth. filtration process.
Magnesium < 125 mg / l >125 mg/l could cause wet manure due to Same treatment as for water hardness.
its laxative effect. Level above 50 mg/l in
conjunction with high levels of sulfate
or chloride could also produce a laxative
effect.
Manganese < 0.05 mg / l Can be deposited in the form of black Similar to iron but can be more difficult
granules in filters and drinkers. to remove due to the slow reaction it
has with chlorine.
Therefore, It needs a long contact time
with chlorine prior to filtration unless
an iron ion exchange resin
is used when pH is 6.8 or higher.
The filtration should be done at a pH
around 8.5. Another option is green
sand filters with a pH greater than 8.0.
Nitrate < 15 mg / l Very high levels reduce the absorption of Reverse osmosis; ion exchange.
(nitrites < 1 mg / l) oxygen (apathetic birds, violaceous combs,
and wattles), low fertility, lower feed intake,
lower weight gain and production.
pH 5–8 Less than 5 can produce metal corrosion. Organic or acid minerals to lower the
Higher than 8 can affect the performance pH. Basic agents to raise pH.
of disinfectants and the taste of water.
Phosphorus 0.1 mg / l
Potassium < 300 mg / l Effects will depend on water alkalinity and
pH.
Chlorides-chlorine < 250 mg / l Laxative effect, wet manure, reduced feed
intake and increased water consumption.
Keep in mind that levels of 14 ppm can
cause problems if sodium is > 50 ppm.
68
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
Mineral Recommended Effects Treatments

level in poultry
Sodium 50 – 300 mg / l Together with high levels of chlorine or Reverse osmosis, lower dietary salt
sulfate can cause diarrhea. In addition, it level blend with non-saline water,
can promote the growth of Enterococci. keep water clean and
Level > 600 mg / l could produce alterations permanently use sanitizers such as
in eggshell quality. hydrogen peroxide or iodine to
There may be problems when lower con- prevent bacterial growth.
centrations (< 50 mg / l) are accompanied
by chlorides ≥ 14 ppm or sulfates > 50 ppm.
Sulfate < 200 mg / l Laxative effect. If high levels of magnesium Aerate water in a storage tank to
and chloride or sulfate are also present prevent air bubbles from entering
(> 50 mg/l), a decrease in performance can water lines.
occur. The presence of rotten egg odor Apply chlorine shots into the well,
can mean that there is a high concentration without stopping the normal
of hydrogen which is a byproduct of disinfection program.
sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Alkalinity < 100 mg / l It is a value associated with bicarbonate, Acidification (pH target < 6,5), anion
sulfates, and calcium carbonate. It can give exchange to reduce the water alkalinity
a bitter taste to water which can reduce and aeration.
water intake and be corrosive to
evaporative panels.
High alkalinity levels make more difficult to
lower the water pH.
Water hardness < 150 mg / l Water hardness can produce scale that Water softeners (do not use if sodium
deposit on the inner surface of pipes. levels are high unless potassium
Main factors are calcium and magnesium. chloride is used instead
Iron and manganese can also contribute of sodium chloride). Polyphosphates
but in lesser extent. sequester the ions involved in hardness
Very high levels can also impact on and keep them in solution.
medications and vaccines. Acidify to a pH < 6,5.
Zinc < 1.50 mg / l Higher levels are toxic. Filtration methods.
Fluor < 2 mg / l High levels can induce soft bones.
Total < 1500 ppm Levels between 4000 to 7000 ppm can Filtration methods.
dissolved solids (< 3 weeks of age) produce diarrhea.
Concentration > 7000 ppm isn’t
< 3000 ppm
recommended for drinking water.
(> 3 weeks of age)
69
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
AIR QUALITY
Good air quality should be guaranteed in Table 24: Air Movement
the house by using proper ventilation, so
Weeks Ambient Temperature
there is a low concentration of gases and of age
dust. At the same time, the temperature in 32 21 10 0 –12 –13
the house should be optimally maintained
1 360 180 130 75 75 75
between 18 – 24 °C with a relative humidity
of 50 – 60 %. 3 540 270 180 136 110 110
The rate of ventilation is determined by the
temperature, however when this parameter 6 1250 630 420 289 210 210
is reached a minimum ventilation level must
be guaranteed. This minimum is normally 12 3000 1500 800 540 400 400
calculated in m2/body weight/hour but the
18 7140 3050 2240 1500 600 600
real aim is the correct management of these
parameters: 19+ 9340–12000 5100–6800 3060–4250 1020–1700 700–1050 700–850
Relative humidity
m3/hour/1000 birds
CO2 > 5000 ppm
CO > 50 ppm
NH3 > 25 ppm
VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR LAYER BREEDER

Transverse Ventilation
1. Most commonly used during brooding or
in cold weather.
2. Cold air is directed to the roof. Air circuit is
very important for avoiding cold draft at
the bird’s level.
3. Normally it is not working in permanence
but it is driven by a timer.
Transition System
1. Used when temperature rise but tunnel
ventilation cannot be used. (Not available,
cold weather, young chicks)
2. Air still is directed to the roof.
3. Main function is to reduce the house tem-
perature.
Tunnel System
1. Used in hot weathers and only in adult
feathered birds.
2. It generates a high-speed flow at bird’s
level. It helps to cool the birds by the wind
chill effect
3. Most important driver for this system is
the air velocity at bird’s level
70
HOUSE ENVIRONMENT
LIGHT
Birds vision differs from that of humans in when creating light programs and the light a strobe light effect on hens and encourage
vision spectra. Hens can see ultraviolet and color choice. feather pecking and cannibalism.
infrared light. This fact should be considered
Hens need proper In addition, hens can see perfectly in a low
light with an adequate light intensity ambiance. Light intensity will
light intensity and the vary during the different production stages
correct photoperiod. but keep in mind that the higher the light
The best source of intensity, the more active the hens will be. It
light for production can be positive (as in the case of brooding)
is a high frequency or negative ( as in the case of cannibalism
(> 200 Hz) bulb emit- during laying). In any case, light intensity var-
ting light within the iation during the day should be avoided as it
warm color spectrum can cause high stress level in the hens. Direct
(2,500–3,500 K). Low sunlight should also be avoided for the same
frequency fluorescent reason.
tubes or energy saving
bulbs (50–100 Hz) have
Wavelength (nm)
LIGHT INTENSITY IN PRODUCTION FLOOR HOUSE
Ideal to have Darker Ideal to have

two independent on the nest area two independent
light lines light lines
(outside and inside) (outside and inside)
Nests
Slats Slats
Litter / Scratch Litter / Scratch
KEY POINTS
· Temperature has a critical impact and must be well managed to achieve good production.
· In warm weather, take corrective measures to reduce the impact of temperature.
· Water is a key nutrient. Ensure that a good quality water supply is accessible to all hens.
· Maintain good air quality and distribution through correct ventilation.
· Remember that light impacts significantly on hen behavior.
71
BIRD ASSESSMENT
·
How to get reliable information to make good decisions.
PULLET PHASE
BODY WEIGHT MORTALITY SHANK LENGTH

AND OR
UNIFORMITY KEEL LENGTH
Weigh Daily Mortality (%) Measure
minimum 100 birds = minimum 50 birds
All birds need to be weighed No. of dead birds today x 100 Select birds (males and females) from
one by one. No. of live birds yesterday different areas and the front, middle
Select birds from different areas in and back part of the house
the front, middle and back part of the All the birds of the selected cage or
house. In case of family cages, select area need to be measured.
cafes from different tiers and also from Weekly Mortality (%)
the front, middle and back part of the =
house. All the birds of the selected
cage need to be weighed and weigh
No. of dead birds in last 7 days x 100 Measure
No. of live birds on day 5 week before transfer
th
the same cages every week.
before the week starts
Weigh weekly
Accumulated How to do shank measurements
Mortality (%)
Formula =
No. of dead birds so far x 100
UNIFORMITY
initial No. of housed birds
=
all weighed birds – A1 – B2
all weighed birds
How to do keel measurements

A1 =
No. of birds >= average BW x 1.1
B2 =
No. of birds <= average BW x 0.9
72
BIRD ASSESSMENT
PRODUCTION PHASE
MALE BODY WEIGHT MORTALITY

EVALUATION AND
UNIFORMITY
Measure minimum Weigh minimum Daily Mortality (%)
of 5 % of the males 100 males and 100 females =
Select birds from different areas All birds need to be weighed No. of dead birds today x 100
and the front, middle and back part one by one. No. of live birds yesterday
of the house. Select birds from different areas and
In case of family cages, select cages the front, middle and back part of the
from different tiers and also house. In case of family cages, select
from the front, middle and back part cafes from different tiers and also from Weekly Mortality (%)
of the house. the front, middle and back part of the =
house. All the birds of the selected
No. of dead birds in last 7 days x 100
cage need to be weighed and weigh
No. of live birds on day
Males selection the same cages every week and very
before the week starts
week, weigh the same cages.
at 10 weeks of age and
a week before transfer
and/or Frequency Accumulated
light stimulation Weigh weekly up to 30 weeks of age Mortality (%)
Weigh every 2 weeks =
up to 40 weeks of age No. of dead birds so far x 100
Check for initial No. of housed birds
Weigh monthly after 40 weeks of age
Excellent feather cover
Good legs
Good body condition Formula
Cull all the submissive males: UNIFORMITY
small, bad plumage, =
lesions on the head, etc. all weighed birds – A1 – B2
all weighed birds
A1 =
No. of birds >= average BW x 1.1
B2 =
No. of birds <= average BW x 0.9
73
BIRD ASSESSMENT
PRODUCTION PHASE
EFFICIENCY EGG
PARAMETERS PRODUCTION
Weekly females Daily Laying Rate (%) Downgrades

produced per hen housed = 1. No. of broken eggs (BE)
= all produced eggs x 100 2. No. of cracked eggs (FE)
No. of female chicks
daily birds in the farm 3. No. of dirty eggs (DE)
produced within 7 days
4. No. of egg with suboptimal size,
No. of hens housed either too big or too small (ES)
after transfer to production house
Accumulated Lay (%)
=
Females produced Sum of all the produced eggs Daily
per hen housed No. of birds housed x Days in production Downgrade (%)
= =
No. of female chicks produced Sum of daily BE, FE, DE x 100
No. of hens housed Daily egg size all the daily eggs
after transfer to production house
=
Total weight of produced eggs
Eggs per hen housed Total No. of produced eggs Accumulated
= Downgrade
No. of eggs produced
No. of hens in the
Weekly egg size =
No. of all BE, FE, DE so far x 100
production house after transfer =
all eggs so far
Average egg size of the last 7 days
Hatchable eggs
per hen housed
=
No. of hatchable eggs
No. of hens housed in
production after transfer
74
HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY
· Understanding the importance of health programs in modern egg production.
· How to implement a biosecurity program.
· How to implement and monitor a vaccination program.
FLOCK HEALTH AT PARENT STOCK FARM: A CRITICAL POINT FOR SUCCESS

In the egg industry, numerous diseases monitor that their status remains so over chick for conferring protection against cer-
are vertically transmitted, this means from time. If the birds are infected by vertical tain diseases. Otherwise the chick will suffer
breeders to their progeny. That is why with- transmitted diseases, antibiotic use or other from these diseases if they are challenged by
out a strict sanitary control at the selection treatments can help to recover the produc- during the first days of life. That is why it is
and reproduction level it is not possible to tivity of the birds, but in no case, will ensure so important to adapt the vaccines program
control these diseases in commercial layer. the non-transmission of these diseases to for assuring that these antibodies are devel-
This will avoid the birds express their maxi- the progeny. That is why these strategies are oped by breeder.
mum genetic potential. wrong and should be not implemented.
The control strategy should always be to In the other hand, layer breeder should
keep the flocks free of these diseases and transmit maternal antibodies to the day-old
CYCLE
OF
INFECTION
POSSIBLE Major vertically transmitted diseases

INFECTION ROUTES Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Mycoplasma sinoviae
Equipment Air
Salmonella spp.
Vehicles Visits
Avian Leukosis virus
Manure Workers
Dead Birds Cats and dogs

Diseases in which
maternal antibodies
Water Rodents play a key role in protection
Feed Wild birds Chicken Anemia Virus
Avian encephalomyelitis
Insects
Gumboro disease
75
BIOSECURITY PROGRAM
A biosecurity program plays a key role in should be implemented in a very practical biosecurity seriously and fail to follow the
maintaining hens in good health and, there- and structured way. An effective biosecurity procedures, the efforts of the others will not
fore, profitable production. Biosecurity can program is well-adapted to the production be rewarded.
be defined as all the procedures put in place structures and well-understood by all the It is essential to apply procedures systemat-
to prevent pathogens infecting hens and actors (staff, production managers, external ically. Sporadic application of a biosecurity
spreading to other poultry farms. suppliers, veterinarians, general manager program will not work.
To be effective, a biosecurity program etc.) at the farm. If certain actors do not take
BIOSECURITY TYPES
Conceptual biosecurity Structural biosecurity Operational biosecurity
· This is the biosecurity related to the · This is the biosecurity related to · This is the biosecurity related to
farm design and its location of the the physical structures used at the how work on the farm should be
farm and its surroundings. farm to prevent the introduction or done to prevent the introduction or
spread of diseases. spread of diseases.
Ideally farms should be situated away from:
other poultry farms (including backyard Important components include: People are the key element to success
farms) Perimeter fences here. Good communication, which im-
other farms (other species) Surrounding buffer zone plies training, is essential to improve op-
Live bird markets Bird-proof elements erational biosecurity.
Hatcheries Entrance doors Clear and written biosecurity protocol
Slaughterhouses Disinfectant system in entrance door should be available for all the staff hav-
If these kind of facilities are near to the Shower or black/white room ing contact with the farms. Normally the
farm, structural and operational biosecu- Booth baths simplest rules work better than the com-
rity should be improved. If possible, new Work clothing and footwear plicated.
farms should be constructed in biose- Feed storehouse or silos
cure locations. Dead bird disposal
  
Isolated location Sink Written biosecurity protocol
  
High-density farm location Surrounding concrete zone Farm meeting room
76
BIOSECURITY PROGRAM – STEP 1
STOP
ISOLATION
· This includes all measures taken to prevent the introduction of pathogens by visitors or material entering the farm.
Some basic rules:
Visit restriction
Only essential visits with a clear purpose are absolutely forbidden entry. If several Work clothing
should be permitted. All visits/visitors should company farms are visited on the same day, Specific work clothing must be available for
be considered as a risk for the flock. the sequence must be from younger flocks staff and visitors.
to older ones. Vehicle disinfection
Visitor register
A logbook should be available for visitors. Shower Vehicles must be disinfected prior to their
All visitors must fill in their name, date of The entrance to the farm must be done entry to the farm. If vehicle access to the
visit, purpose of visit, last visited farm and through a shower room. This should be di- farm is not a necessity, preferably park ve-
vehicle license number. vided into an outside or dirty area, a shower hicles outside the farm.
area and an interior or clean area. It must be Material /equipment disinfection
Visitor policy
a tidy, warm, pleasant area. Shower should All material must be disinfected prior to en-
Visitors coming from another external farm
be compulsory for everyone going in or out try to the farm. This is even more important
on the same day must not be permitted en-
the farm area. if the material comes from another farm.
try. Visitors from sites of a disease out-break
  
Closed gate with biosecurity signs Visitor register Farm clothes and shoes
  
Disinfection tunnel for vehicles Showers On farm washing machine and clothes dryer
77
STOP
PEST CONTROL
· This includes all measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens by vermin (esp. rodents and birds) and insects.
Rodents Active measures: Insects and other

The flock health status will be severely Install bait stations. Establish an insecticide program.
damaged in the event of infestations of rats Have an active Rodent Control Program. Manure management is also very impor-
or mice. tant to prevent flies.
Birds
Passive measures: Mites can be very damaging to the hens
It is very important to exclude other birds
Keep the perimeter around the house overall health status. This is particularly the
from entering hen houses. Bird-proof
free of grass and other organic material. case with Red Mite and Northern Fowl Mite.
houses can be constructed using special
Maintain integrity of walls. See its control in the Technical Tips.
netting. Bird's feces are also very infectious
Keep feed free of rodents.
material. Direct or indirect contact should
Remove any spilled feed.
be completely avoided.
  

Bait station Pavemented area Grass and abandoned stuff
STOP
STAFF TRAINING
· This includes all measures related to training workers to do their jobs properly and observe biosecurity regulations.
Information, meetings and training days understand, respect and collaborate in the not raise poultry at home or come into
should be provided to staff and other peo- biosecurity program. contact with other birds (pigeons, hawks,
ple working on the farm to ensure that they It is also very important to ensure staff do ducks, …).
78
STOP
FEED AND WATER

· This includes all measures taken to avoid the introduction and spread of pathogens by water and feed.
Feed
The quality of raw materials and hygiene
Water
Chlorine or an alternative disinfectant should be

measures at the feed mill are vital to pro- added to drinking water. It has a dual purpose:
duce pathogen-free feed. firstly preventing the introduction of pathogens
Adding disinfectants is also recommended. by water and secondly reducing water recon-
Feed transport and feed storage should tamination while it is in the house pipeline.
be controlled to avoid contamination after See page 67 for more information on water
feed mill delivery. quality. Silos in good conditions
STOP
WASTE DISPOSAL
· This includes all measures to prevent the introduction of pathogens during waste removal.
Waste removal and disposal is critical

because waste material can be heavily
es on a daily basis and stored away from the
poutry houses.

contaminated. Different methods are available to destroy
the dead birds hygienically. If dead birds are
Manure moved from the farm, take extreme care
Manure should be removed and disposed during transport:
of at least 3 km away from the site. Make Never permit transport of dead birds to
sure that no other farms dispose of their enter the farm.
manure within a 3 km radius of your farm. Only permit dead birds to be collected Dead birds container
outside the farm.
Dead birds Never have personal contact with people
Dead birds should be removed from hous- handling dead birds.
79

CLEANING &
DISINFECTION PROTOCOL
·
This includes all measures to prevent pathogens being transferred from one flock to the following.
If a severe infestation of mites or other parasites has occurred, take extra precautionary measures to eliminate or exclude the presence
of pests. See the disinfectant table for more details.
Table 25: Common disinfectants used in farms
Non-enveloped
Fungal spores
Mycoplasma
Enveloped
Coccidia
Bacteria
Bacteria
Gram +
Gram –
Characteristic
virus
virus
Chemical disinfectant
Efficacity reduced by organic material,

Aldehydes ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ + –
soap and hard water. Irritative
Alkalis ++ + + + +– + + Corrosive, irritative
Biguanides ++ ++ ++ +– – – – Ph dependent, inactivated by soaps

Inactivated by sunlight and soap,
Chlorine Compounds ++ ++ + + +– + –
corrosive, irritative
Oxidant agents ++ + + + +– +– – Corrosive
Phenolic Compounds ++ + ++ +– – + +– Irritative

Quaternary Ammonium Inactivated by organic material, soap
+ + + +– – +– –
Compounds and hard water
STOP
PULLET REPLACEMENT
·
This includes all measures to prevent the introduction of vertically transmitted pathogens.
In order to achieve this, the breeder flock phoid leukosis, Mycoplasma gallisepti- Take into account that trucks and other
should remain disease-free. Sampling and cum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Salmonella equipment can be infected with patho-
analysis should be encouraged to check that pullorum, Salmonella gallinarum, Sallmo- gens or infested with parasites. Previous
one-day old chicks are not contaminated. nella enteritidis, Salmonella thyphimurium cleaning and disinfection of all of them is
H&N grandparent stock are free of lym- and other Salmonella species. strongly recommended.
80
VACCINATION PROGRAMS
Specific recommendations for individual Additional vaccinations for coccidiosis, Escheri- include, but are not limited to: previous expo-
farms are not possible, but the sample chia coli, Avian Influenza and the variant strains sure, geographic location, vaccination and ex-
vaccination program (table 26) is intend- of other disease-causing agents may also be posure of neighboring flocks, state regulations
ed as a very general guideline for vacci- needed. These decisions, however, need to and endemic disease-causing factors.
nations which are needed on most farms be made on a farm-by-farm basis after careful Ask for an adapted vaccine program from
worldwide. consideration of the risk factors involved which your local veterinarian
Table 26: Vaccination program
(high challenge, vectored vaccine)
(web wing administration)

Metapneumovirus Avian
Salmonella enteritidis **
Chicken Anemia Virus
Chicken Anemia Virus

Infectious Bronchitis
Lariongotracheitis
Encephalomyelitis
(vectored vaccine)
(vectored vaccine)
Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease
Gumboro disease
Gumboro disease
Laringoracheitis
(high challenge)
Marek’s disease
Escherichia coli
Coccidia*
Fowl Pox
Coryza
EDS 76
Weeks
(CEO)
1 SC
1 IM
1 SP
1 SP
0 1 SC 1 SP 1 SC 1 SP 1SC 1SP 1 DW
2 1 DW
2 SP/ 2 SP/ 1 SP/
DW DW DW
3 2 DW
4 2 SP 3 DW
6 2 DW
2 SP/ 2 SP/ 2 SP/
DW DW DW
7 1 IM 1 IM
1SP/
DW 1 WI/
8 1ED 1WI
DW
9 3 SP
10
3 SP/ 3 SP/ 3 SP/
DW DW DW
11 1 WI 1DW
12 3 DW
13
14 1 IM 1 IM
15 1 IM 1 IM 1 IM 1 IM 1 IM 1 IM 1 IM
16
SC = Subcutaneous Injection SP = Spray
IM = Intramuscular Injection DW = Drinking Water Inactivated vaccines Live vaccines Recombinant vaccines
ED = Eye Drop WI = Wing Inoculation
* Flocks housed in floor system. Keep in mind that vaccine should recirculate in the house. ** It could interfere in the monitoring program.
81
ADMINISTERING VACCINES IN PRACTICE

Administering the vaccines in practice is procedure that is clearly defined by the vac- audit these procedures regularly. Proper vac-
just as important as the vaccine program cine manufacturer. However, mistakes are cination is essential for a good health status!
design. All this involves is simply following a still often made. To avoid errors, check and

Transport
and storage
Only accept vaccine in good
condition.
Preserve the cold chain at all

: Reconstitution
Follow manufacturer’s instruc-

tions carefully when adminis-
tering.
: Administering
Use the appropriate technique

to administer each vaccine.
Vaccinate only healthy chickens.

times. Avoid contact with disinfect-
Do not dilute or “cut” the vaccine.

Never freeze vaccine.
ants during the reconstitution Avoid contact with disinfectant

Never expose to sunlight.
process. when administering vaccine.
Store vaccine correctly and
Use the vaccine immediately
Avoid using medication and

check it regularly. after. antibiotics for three days
preceding and one week after
live bacteria vaccination.
Mass administration Individual administration
Drinking water Spray Eye drop Injection Wing inoculation
Most common vaccina-

Used for respiratory dis-
Used for respiratory dis-
Used for inactivated
Used mostly for

tion technique. ease vaccination. ease vaccination. vaccines and certain live Pox vaccination.
Assure the absence of
Assure the absence of
Use dye in order to as-
vaccines. Assure that needle is

chlorine or other disin- chlorine or other disin- sess the efficiency of Injection can be subcu-
in contact with the vac-
fectant in the drinking fectant in the sprayed instillation. taneous or intramuscu- cine before you inocu-
water. water. Trained and committed
lar depending on the late every individual bird.
A previous water priva-
Droplet size plays a
crew and a well organ- vaccine. Trained and committed

tion can assure that all key role in the vaccine ised program of work is Equipment should be
crew and a well organ-
birds are thirsty. reactions and immune essential. correctly maintained. ised program of work is
Use dye in the drinking
response. Ensure all chick’s are
Trained and committed
essential.
water for monitoring Distribute vaccine homo-
vaccinated. crew along with a well Check vaccine reaction

water consumption. geneously among the organised program of 7 days after adminis-
Assure that water is con-
birds. work is essential. tering it in the case of
sumed within 2 hours. Avoid drafts during the
Pox vaccine. More than
vaccine administration. 90 % of chicks should
be positive.
82
MONITORING PROGRAM
Monitoring programs in breeder is essential problems in case of disease challenge. veterinarian. In case of nonconformities the
to produce high quality day-old chicks. This It is necessary to work in an orderly sys- adequate corrective measures must be tak-
is because it is the only way to test and ver- tematic and organized manner to the full en. Given the weighty and pressing of these,
ify that the breeding lots are free of vertical advantages of this program. First of all, it it is highly recommended to have a contin-
transmission diseases. On the other hand, is necessary to have access to a veterinary gency plan pre-agreed with the owners of
it is necessary to verify that the vaccination laboratory that reliably runs the demanded the bird breeders. In many countries, these
programs have been applied correctly and analyzes. Secondly, laboratory results should monitoring programs must conform to the
the lot will be protected against productive be read and filed on time by a responsible legislation of the country.
Age Samples Technique Analysis
10 x serum ELISA MS, MG, IB, TRT, CAV

10 weeks
ARP SG
30 x serum ELISA MS, MG

16 weeks ARP SG
10 x serum ELISA AI, ND, IB, TRT, CAV, IBD, EDS, AE
30 x serum ELISA MS, MG, IB, TRT, CAV

22 weeks ARP SG
10 x serum ELISA AI, EDS, TRT, IBD, AE, ILT, CAV
30 x serum ELISA MS, MG

Every 4 weeks ARP SG
10 x serum ELISA AI, ND, IB, TRT, IBD
Age Samples Technique Analysis
10 weeks 2 x 150 gr manure ISO Salmonella spp.
Every 4 weeks 2 x 150 gr manure ISO Salmonella spp.
KEY POINTS
· Health
is vital to achieve the birds’ full genetic potential. Act before diseases become a limit-
ing factor for your performance!
· Implement
a real biosecurity program, not a paper biosecurity program.
· Adapt
the vaccine program to your epidemiological situation.
· Administer
vaccines according to the instructions. No vaccine program will work if vaccines
are administered incorrectly.
· Monitor
flock serology to indicate the effectiveness of your vaccination program.
· Monitor
flock serology to check that is free of vertical transmitted diseases.
· When
weekly mortality exceeds 0.1 % / week perform necropsies.
83
BREEDING SCHEME
Pure Lines
A A B B C C D D
SELECTION
Grandparents
A B C D
+ 1 YEAR
Parents
AB CD
+ 2 YEARS
Commercials
+ 3 YEARS
ABCD ABCD
These crosses have been extensively tested Several field tests with pedigreed birds are Breeding goals have become more com-
and proven to have the best combinability carried out under commercial conditions in prehensive including traits such as egg pro-
and hybrid vigour to deliver the optimum re- different locations worldwide. These data duction, reproduction traits, feed efficiency,
sults at the parent as well as the commercial is used to select birds that not only shows a egg quality traits but additionally these have
layer level. It is important that these crosses great performance under optimal conditions been complemented in the last decades
are done as planned and the right bird is in the breeding farm but also under commer- with other traits related with animal welfare,
used in the right position. That’s why is im- cial conditions, and selecting resilient birds animal behavior and suitability of birds to
portant that sexing errors are detected and that can cope with different challenges like cage-free housing systems.
sorted out as fast as possible. variable and poor feed quality, hot climate
and areas with high disease pressure.
84
COMPREHENSIVE BREEDING GOALS –

FOCUS IN WIDE-SPREAD GROUP OF TRAITS
Egg
Behavior Production
&
Adaptability
Feed
Health Eﬃciency
&
Welfare
Egg
Quality
KEY POINTS
· The increased genetic potentials need to be “translated” into reality in commercial
practice. Disease control, farm management and nutrition have to keep pace with
genetic improvement.
85
PERFORMANCE GOALS
Table 27: P
roduction performance of H&N Super Nick parent stock
under good management and moderate environment
Age Liveability Rate of Lay Egg Number Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. of Egg Body
saleable chicks weight weight
week % HD % HH cum. % cum. total saleable per cum. g Female Male
chicks chicks week g g
20 100.0 1358 1721
21 99.9 30.0 2.1 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 45.0 1400 1787
22 99.8 57.0 6.1 30 1.2 65.6 32.0 0.4 0.4 47.5 1438 1850
23 99.7 75.0 11.3 60 4.3 74.1 36.2 1.1 1.5 49.6 1472 1908
24 99.7 84.9 17.2 70 8.4 78.1 38.1 1.6 3.1 51.6 1502 1963
25 99.6 90.5 23.5 80 13.4 80.9 39.5 2.0 5.1 53.4 1529 2012
26 99.5 93.1 30.0 85 18.9 83.0 40.5 2.2 7.3 54.9 1553 2055
27 99.4 94.2 36.6 90 24.8 84.8 41.4 2.4 9.7 56.1 1574 2094
28 99.3 94.7 43.2 93 30.9 86.2 42.1 2.6 12.3 56.9 1592 2127
29 99.2 94.9 49.8 94 37.1 87.3 42.6 2.6 14.9 57.7 1607 2156
30 99.1 95.1 56.4 95 43.4 88.3 43.1 2.7 17.6 58.3 1619 2179
31 99.0 95.1 63.0 96 49.7 89.0 43.4 2.7 20.3 58.7 1628 2198
32 98.9 95.1 69.6 96 56.0 89.4 43.6 2.7 23.0 59.1 1633 2211
33 98.8 95.1 76.2 96 62.3 89.7 43.8 2.8 25.8 59.3 1636 2219
34 98.7 95.1 82.8 96 68.6 89.9 43.9 2.8 28.6 59.5 1638 2224
35 98.6 95.1 89.4 96 74.9 90.0 43.9 2.8 31.4 59.7 1640 2227
36 98.5 95.0 96.0 96 81.2 90.0 43.9 2.8 34.2 59.9 1642 2230
37 98.4 94.9 102.5 96 87.4 89.9 43.9 2.7 36.9 60.0 1644 2233
38 98.3 94.9 109.0 96 93.6 89.7 43.8 2.7 39.6 60.1 1646 2236
39 98.2 94.7 115.5 96 99.8 89.5 43.7 2.7 42.3 60.2 1648 2238
40 98.0 94.6 122.0 96 106.0 89.2 43.5 2.7 45.0 60.3 1650 2241
41 97.9 94.4 128.5 96 112.2 88.9 43.4 2.7 47.7 60.4 1652 2244
42 97.7 94.3 134.9 96 118.3 88.6 43.2 2.6 50.3 60.5 1654 2247
43 97.5 94.1 141.3 96 124.4 88.3 43.1 2.6 52.9 60.5 1656 2250
44 97.4 93.9 147.7 95 130.5 88.0 42.9 2.6 55.5 60.6 1658 2253
45 97.2 93.7 154.1 95 136.6 87.7 42.8 2.6 58.1 60.7 1660 2256
46 97.0 93.4 160.4 95 142.6 87.4 42.7 2.6 60.7 60.7 1662 2259
47 96.8 93.2 166.7 95 148.6 87.0 42.5 2.6 63.3 60.8 1664 2262
48 96.6 92.9 173.0 95 154.6 86.6 42.3 2.5 65.8 60.8 1666 2265
49 96.5 92.6 179.3 95 160.6 86.2 42.1 2.5 68.3 60.9 1668 2268
50 96.3 92.4 185.5 95 166.5 85.8 41.9 2.5 70.8 60.9 1670 2270
86
PERFORMANCE GOALS
Table 27: P
roduction performance of H&N Super Nick parent stock
under good management and moderate environment
Age Liveability Rate of Lay Egg Number Hatching Eggs Hatch % No. of Egg Body
saleable chicks weight weight
week % HD % HH cum. % cum. total saleable per cum. g Female Male
chicks chicks week g g
51 96.1 92.1 191.7 95 172.4 85.4 41.7 2.5 73.3 61.0 1672 2272
52 95.9 91.8 197.9 94 178.2 85.0 41.5 2.4 75.7 61.0 1674 2274
53 95.7 91.4 204.0 94 183.9 84.6 41.3 2.4 78.1 61.1 1676 2276
54 95.5 91.1 210.1 94 189.6 84.2 41.1 2.3 80.4 61.1 1678 2278
55 95.3 90.7 216.2 94 195.3 83.8 40.9 2.3 82.7 61.2 1680 2280
56 95.1 90.4 222.2 94 200.9 83.3 40.7 2.3 85.0 61.2 1682 2282
57 94.9 90.0 228.2 94 206.5 82.8 40.4 2.3 87.3 61.2 1683 2284
58 94.6 89.5 234.1 94 212.0 82.3 40.2 2.2 89.5 61.3 1684 2286
59 94.4 89.1 240.0 93 217.5 81.8 39.9 2.2 91.7 61.3 1685 2288
60 94.2 88.7 245.8 93 222.9 81.3 39.7 2.1 93.8 61.3 1686 2290
61 94.0 88.2 251.6 93 228.3 80.8 39.4 2.1 95.9 61.4 1687 2292
62 93.8 87.7 257.4 93 233.7 80.3 39.2 2.1 98.0 61.4 1688 2294
63 93.5 87.2 263.1 93 239.0 79.7 38.9 2.1 100.1 61.4 1689 2296
64 93.3 86.7 268.8 92 244.2 79.1 38.6 2.0 102.1 61.5 1690 2298
65 93.0 86.1 274.4 92 249.4 78.5 38.3 2.0 104.1 61.5 1691 2300
66 92.8 85.6 280.0 92 254.6 77.9 38.0 2.0 106.1 61.5 1692 2302
67 92.5 85.0 285.5 92 259.7 77.3 37.7 1.9 108.0 61.5 1693 2304
68 92.3 84.4 291.0 91 264.7 76.7 37.4 1.9 109.9 61.5 1694 2306
69 92.0 83.8 296.4 91 269.6 76.1 37.1 1.8 111.7 61.6 1695 2308
70 91.7 83.1 301.7 91 274.4 75.4 36.8 1.8 113.5 61.6 1696 2309
71 91.4 82.5 307.0 90 279.2 74.7 36.5 1.8 115.3 61.6 1697 2310
72 91.2 81.8 312.2 90 283.9 74.0 36.1 1.7 117.0 61.6 1698 2311
73 90.9 81.1 317.4 90 288.6 73.3 35.8 1.7 118.7 61.6 1699 2312
74 90.6 80.4 322.5 90 293.2 72.6 35.4 1.6 120.3 61.6 1700 2313
75 90.3 79.6 327.5 90 297.7 71.9 35.1 1.6 121.9 61.6 1701 2314
87
NOTES
88
NOTES
89
NOTES
90
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to thank following companies for sharing the pictures:
Mike Czarick – University of Georgia
Silvina Emacora – Cabaña Barhy
Carlos Gonzalez – Industria Genética Guatemala
Juan Pablo Villalda – Pronavicola
Luke Stalter – H&N North America
Nicole Paradis – Maritime Hatchery
Cory Cox – Maritime Hatchery
Pierre-David Cyr – Westco
Nova-Tech Engineering LLC
DISCLAIMER
The information, advices and suggestions the time of publication, H&N International or productivity resulting from the use of,
given in this management guide should cannot accept responsibility for any errors, or otherwise respecting, such information
be used for guidance and educational omissions or inaccuracies in such informa- or management suggestions. In no event
purposes only, recognizing that local en- tion or management suggestions. H&N International be liable for any special,
vironmental and disease conditions may indirect or consequential damages or spe-
vary and a guide cannot cover all possible Further, H&N International does not war- cial damages whatsoever arising out of or
circumstances. While every attempt has rant or make any representations or guar- in connection with the use of the informa-
been made to ensure that the informa- antees regarding the use, validity, accura- tion or management suggestions contain-
tion presented is accurate and reliable at cy, or reliability of, or flock performance ing in this management guide.
IMPRINT
Editor
H&N International GmbH
Am Seedeich 9 | 27472 Cuxhaven | Germany
Phone +49 (0)4721 564-0
E-mail: [email protected] | Internet: www.hn-int.com
Photo credits
H&N International GmbH
© H&N International
04/2022
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SUPER

Total hatch, average Hatching eggs per Hen-Housed

Hatch of saleable pullets, peak Age at 50 % production

Hatch of saleable pullets, average

LIVEABILITY FEED CONSUMPTION

6 HOUSING SYSTEMS 28 Feed intake

6 Rearing house systems for layer breeder 29 Feathering

7 Production house systems for layer breeder 30 Perches

8 Floor house with automatic equipment

11 HOUSE PREPARATION AND 32 Sexing errors

24 GROWING (3 – 9 WEEKS) 47 Aggression

24 Light program 48 Feeding layers during production

36 HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 70 BIRD ASSESSMENT

53 NUTRITION 73 HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY

64 HOUSE ENVIRONMENT 84 PERFORMANCE GOALS

REARING HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYER BREEDER

FLOOR CAGE AVIARY

PRODUCTION HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYER BREEDER

FLOOR SYSTEM AVIARY SYSTEM* FAMILY CAGE

Floor Aviary Family Cage Individual

FLOOR HOUSE WITH AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT

PERCHES NEST SLAT

DRINKERS  Easy to clean, inspect and disinfect dur-

Two main options are used:

FAMILIY CAGES FOR LAYER BREEDER

CAGE FLOOR PERCHES

FEEDERS DRINKERS NESTS

Must follow the feeder space recommen-

CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PROCEDURE

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6

Table 2: Stocking density in rearing farms

Age Floor space1 2 3 Feeder space 2 3 4 Drinker Space 2 3

Cage Floor Cage Floor Cage Floor

4 cm/bird 1.4 trough cm/bird

8 cm/bird 2.5 trough cm/bird

FLOOR REARING HOUSE PREPARATION

Whole house brooding Spot brooding

Feeding system Drinking system Ventilation

Distribute litter and paper

Example of a correct set-up for placement

CAGE REARING PREPARATION (CAGE REARING SYSTEMS)

Paper Drinking system Feeding system

360°-Nipples (low pressure) Feed on paper & optimal light intensity

PRE-HEATING THE REARING HOUSE

Air Floor / Concrete Litter

CHECK LIST BEFORE CHICKS ARRIVE

ARRIVAL OF THE CHICKS

Transport to the farm

Unloading the chicks

Observe chick’s behavior right after placement

BROODING LIGHTING PROGRAM

Intermittent lighting program Non-intermittent lighting program

WHAT DO CHICKS NEED DURING THE FIRST WEEK?

Table 3: Temperature recommendation

Type of brooding Temperature at chicks arrival Temperature decrease

Cage/Row aviary system 34 – 35 °C / 93 – 95 °F Reduce 3 °C/5 °F each week until

Correct temperature distribution Low temperature distribution Hot temperature distribution

Automatic feeder Automatic feeder Automatic feeder

WHAT DO CHICKS NEED DURING THE FIRST WEEK?

DRINKERS Easy to clean, inspect and disinfect dur-

Train feed intake capacity for the produc- 949 1167