2. Housing technology, hygiene and herd health of breeding chicken flocks: egg production cycle from 18 weeks of age to end of production Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the gap between 18-22 weeks of age?
It is considered to be the pre-laying period. The birds become sexually mature and are often transferred from the rearing house to the production house
Transfer of the birds to the production farm, how is it done?
The transfer is a major source of stress due to the change of environment, temperature, humidity and equipment.
It is important to complete the transfer before the first appearance of eggs.
Stocking density at the production farm
It helps to keep the flock uniform, to reduce differences in sexual maturation rate and achieve a good physical condition and overall production
In Europe, what is the proper stocking density?
6.5 - 7.7 birds/m2
Water for the birdss
Important to stall enough feeders and drinkers to avoid competition.
The height should be high enough so that they can be easily seen, have easy accessibility and do not restrict the movement of the birds
Can use a nipple or bell drinker
Local legislation of nipples drinker
1 nipple per 10 birds
Local legislation of bell drinker
1 drinker for 100 birds
In temperate climates: 1 per 70 birds
Feed for birds
Important to have a system that distributes the feed rapidly and enables the birds to finish it every day, it is also important the feed space
chain feeders are mostly used
Important to monitor the feed everyday
Aroudn week 26, no males should share feed with females
Proper feed space
10 cm per bird
Feeders not preferred, and why?
Tube and pan, they are not advised due to it not being emptied. Or they are not evenly distributed throughout the whole building
Nests for the birds
The ensts should be comfortable and evenly distributed in the laying house, preferably in the shade and with easy access.
They should be equipped with a perching area at the entrance and a closing system for the noght.
Proper size and amount of nest per birds
1 nest per 5-6 birds
OR
1m2 of collective nest for 120 birds
Lights in the nest
a dim light inside the nests so the birds can find the nest before the normal day starts, it should be turned on 1 hour before daylight
Automatic nests
Should be open at least 2 hours before the lights are on
Closing the nests
Should be done once every day, when alll the eggs have been layed
If we find too many females in one nest, or a male in the nest. Why and what do we do?
Females: This is a sign of disbalance between the male:female ratio
males: Sign that the male is not active
Remove the male and place him in a surplus area
Why is it advised that males and females are fed separately at around 26 weeks?
Because the males tend to overeat, which can lead to overweight - leg problems, decreased fertility and decreased general conditions.
Laying period, beginning.
In the beginning we find smaller eggs, double yolks or even deformed eggs. They are discarded, because they also produce small chicks. The small eggs are often floor eggs, and often contaminated with bacteria.
We often find shell-less eggs, often layed at the end of the day due to flock disturbances.
Weighing of the birds
Automatic for females, manual for males
Manual weighing for male
Use a wing clamp, NEVER hang them from a leg
Moulting of the birds
Once a year is normal, to have good and warm feathers
It is an intense process, and we see weaker birds and the production is decreasing. During production, we prevent the moulting.
There is something called forced moulting
Forced moulting
This is done by shortening the day lenght to maximum 8 hours, providing no feed or water for some days.
Aftet the moult, the hends go into a second production of 30 weeks
Animal welfare, forced moulting
In EU, forced moulting, is not allowed
