Key Technical Points for Feeding and Management of Laying Hens During the Laying Period

The first laying cycle of egg-type chicken breeds is about 1 year, and the whole process can be divided into three stages: early laying period, peak period and late laying period. The coordinate curve plotted based on the average weekly laying rate during the laying period (the vertical axis indicates the laying rate, and the horizontal axis indicates age in weeks) is called the laying rate curve.

Early laying period: The early laying period refers to the period from the start of laying to before the laying rate reaches 80%, usually from the beginning of 21 weeks of age to the end of 28 weeks of age. In a few breeds, the age at first egg and the laying peak are both advanced to 19-23 weeks of age. The characteristic of this period is that the laying rate increases very quickly, rising by 20%-30% per week. The body weight and egg weight of the chickens are also increasing. Body weight can still increase by an average of 30-40 g per week, and egg weight increases by about 1.2 g per week.

Peak laying period: When the laying rate of the flock rises to 80%, it enters the peak laying period. From a laying rate of 80% to the highest peak, the laying rate still rises very quickly, usually reaching 92%-95% in 3-4 weeks. A laying rate above 90% can generally be maintained for 10-20 weeks, and then slowly declines. When the laying rate drops below 80%, the peak laying period ends. In modern egg-type breeds, the peak period can usually be maintained for about 6 months. At 72 weeks, the laying rate is still maintained at about 65%.

Late laying period: From the average weekly laying rate below 80% until the flock is culled, this is called the late laying period, usually referring to 60-72 weeks of age. In the late laying period, the decline in the average weekly laying rate is somewhat greater than that during the peak period.

Feeding and management measures

1. Transfer the flock at the proper time, vaccinate and deworm on schedule. The work of putting laying hens into cages should preferably be completed before 18 weeks of age, so that the laying hens can become familiar with the environment as early as possible. If it is too late, some hens that have already started laying may stop laying, or the yolk may fall into the abdominal cavity and cause yolk peritonitis. Before or at the same time as caging, Newcastle disease oil vaccine plus live vaccine, egg drop syndrome inactivated vaccine and other vaccines should be administered. After caging, it is best to carry out a thorough deworming. For external parasites such as mites and lice, spraying drugs can be used. For internal parasites, albendazole can be given orally at 20-30 mg/kg body weight, or avermectin (chongkexing) can be mixed into the feed. Before and after transfer and vaccination, multivitamins and antibiotics should be added to the feed to reduce stress responses.

2. Switch to layer feed at the proper time. In order to adapt to the increase in body weight, the growth of the reproductive system and the demand for calcium in laying hens, feeding of laying hen feed can begin at 18 weeks of age, and peak laying period feed can be fed from 20 weeks of age. At the same time, add an extra double amount of multivitamins to the feed. During this period, the restricted feeding method should be discontinued and the chickens should be allowed to eat freely. During the lighting period, ensure that there is always feed in the trough.

3. Increase lighting time. In rural specialized households, natural lighting is often used during the growing period. At 18 weeks of age, if the flock body weight has reached the standard, lighting can be increased by 30 minutes every two weeks until the total lighting reaches 15 or 16 hours per day when the laying rate reaches its highest peak. If the flock is lighter in weight and develops more slowly, the increase in lighting time can be postponed to 20 weeks of age while increasing feed. During the laying period, the principle of lighting is that the time cannot be shortened and the intensity cannot be weakened.

4. Create comfortable environmental conditions for the chickens. The most suitable temperature for laying hens is 13°C-23°C. In winter, it is best to keep it above 10°C, and in summer, it is best to keep it below 30°C. Maintain indoor air circulation, prevent various noises, and keep the environment and feeding, drinking water, lighting, etc. stable.

5. Do a good job in disease prevention and control. (1) After laying hens are caged, add antibiotics such as norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, etc. to the feed or drinking water, administering for one week every 4-5 weeks, to prevent colibacillosis, salmonellosis, enteritis, etc. (2) Regularly add an extra double amount of multivitamins to the feed to meet the laying needs of the chickens, reduce various stress responses, and improve resistance to various diseases. (3) Strengthen hygiene management, implement a reasonable immunization program, adhere to the system of disinfecting with chickens present and environmental disinfection, and prevent the introduction of diseases. Pay close attention to whether the increase in the laying rate meets the standard, and pay close attention to any slight influence of the external environment on the flock.