How to optimise layer breeder flock performanceThere are a number of things to take into consideration to ensure the success of a layer hatchery.To achieve the best economic results and express the best genetic potential of the breed meanspaying close attention to the following criteria.The first 5 articles are on us. This is article number 4 this month. After those we like you to registerusing an e-mail address so you get instant unlimited access to all our articles. Simple, fast andeasy.GET UNRESTRICTED ACCESS NOWThe fundamental economic principle of a commercial layer hatchery is based on the productivity ofthe breeders and the percentage of use of hatching eggs to produce day-old chicks. As a layerbreeding company, Novogen prioritises these traits in its R&D programme to meet customerexpectations. Nonetheless, to fulfil the genetic potential, close attention must be paid to thefollowing criteria:1. Start-up conditions•Stocking density recommendations•Climate recommendations: Day-old chicks at arrival must be placed in optimum conditionsto start out well; preparation of the rearing house is the first step in achieving the “goodstart”. Temperature, humidity and minimum ventilation control must be set with care.Optimal ventilation in the rearing house is important to obtain the right oxygen level, uniform airand temperature distribution and for the removal of dust and ammonia. Based on those settings, therecommendations for minimum ventilation result in:•0.7 m3 per kg of animal housed, when outside it is colder than 10⁰C.•1.0 m3 per kg of animal housed, when outside it is warmer than 10⁰C.2. Lighting programmeApplication of the lighting programme from the beginning is essential to adapt the chicks to theirnew environmental conditions.Figure 1 – Example of a lighting programme in light-controlled rearing and laying houses.•Step-down programme: During the first weeks, never decrease the day length if the bodyweight is not on target! A slow step-down programme allows for a longer feeding time perday and thus favours early growth.•In dark rearing houses (and when allowed by the local regulations), it is possible to use anintermittent lighting programme during the first two weeks of age. It allows forsynchronisation of the chicks’ behaviour for eating, drinking and resting. After two weeks,switch to a regular step-down lighting programme.•Plateau duration could be from 8 to 12 hours of light according to the pullet growth.•Light stimulation should not start before the flock reaches 5% of lay. It is not related to age!3. FeedingTo develop the animals’ growth and especially their appetite, it is recommended to include a dailyperiod when the feeders are empty, in the middle of the day from four weeks of age. This practicestimulates a fast daily intake of feed during the rearing period, which in turn induces good eatingcapacity at the onset of lay. The number of feed distributions should be reduced as much as possiblein order to prevent the birds from selecting feed particles.Figure 2 – Example of feed distribution in production.Click to enlarge imageOn the nutrition side, follow the breeder recommendations in terms of ingredients, quality andpresentation of the feed. The feed requirement must satisfy the needs for growing, maintenanceand production. The sanitary condition of the layer breeder feed must be free of pathogensand mycotoxins. In addition, the feed presentation is not a negligible parameter. An uneven,excessively fine presentation of the feed affects the daily ingestion of the feed.4. Monitoring bodyweight and uniformityGaining weight in rearing is essential as the chicks have already developed the structure of thefuture layer when they are 7-8 weeks old. A weight shortage in the first few weeks will impairproduction performance. As shown in Figure 3, at 8 weeks of age most of the bone structure,muscles and organs are now completed. Therefore, investing to increase the pullet’s body weightbefore 7-8 weeks of age is recommended to favour good breeder quality until the end of the flock.Figure 3 – Pullet growth development.Click to enlarge imageTo follow this growth evolution, it is strongly recommended to weigh the pullets weekly. Flockuniformity must also be measured with the target to be over 80%. High uniformity will induce a highpeak of lay and persistency as well as good uniformity of the egg weight. The body weight will alsodrive the change of feed type, the adaptation of the lighting programme and the vaccinationschedule.5. Managing the malesIn modern parent stock breeders, males represent a small share of birds but they are responsible forhalf of the genetic value of the flock. During rearing, the target is to obtain the best male uniformityand quality to select the very best ones before the start of production. Once in production, themales’ weight, uniformity, behaviour and activity must be controlled regularly. This will make itpossible to immediately detect if the relationship between the males and females is correct toobtain a synchronism of sexual maturity.6. Biosecurity and prophylaxisBiosecurity is fundamental to obtain pullets that are ready to produce in the best conditions. Thisinvolves preventing any risk of contamination or infection and using a vaccination programmeadapted to local conditions. This facilitates flock management and allows pullet quality to beoptimised. A strict control of all the diseases and parasites must be done in order to have the bestpullets ready to lay and express the genetic potential of the breed.Achieving the best resultsAll the points mentioned above must be taken with maximal attention; recording data daily is thebasis for understanding what is happening in the breeder flock. The ability to obtain the besteconomic results and express the genetic potential of the breed also depends on the ability to reactimmediately to the different situations that may occur during breeding.