What are the feeding and management measures for replacement pullets?

Replacement pullets raised in spring enter the early laying stage in summer. The management of the flock during this period is related to the economic benefits of the poultry farm (household). Therefore, the following management measures should be taken for replacement pullets:

1. Switch to transition feed in a timely manner

Generally, chickens at 20 weeks of age are switched to pre-lay feed, also called transition feed, in which calcium is 1% and crude protein is 16.5%. When changing feed, the feed transition process should be gradually completed over half a month. Do not rush it, to prevent diarrhea. When the laying rate reaches 2%-5%, the feed calcium content should be 3.4%-3.5%, and the crude protein content should reach 18%.

2. Control the body condition at early laying

While changing feed and supplementing calcium, attention should also be paid to the uniformity of flock development. Large, medium, and small replacement pullets should be raised in separate groups, and groups should be adjusted regularly. Do not sharply increase or decrease feed; the effect will only appear after 3 weeks, so do not rush. The feed amount for lighter chickens should not exceed that for medium and large chickens, so as to avoid affecting sexual maturity due to fat deposition.

3. Strictly control the temperature of the coop

The most suitable laying temperature for laying hens is 18°C-23°C. When the outside temperature is below 18°C, more nutrients are needed for maintenance; when the temperature is below 13°C, it will affect the growth and development and laying of laying hens. Therefore, if the coop temperature is too low and feed is not increased in time, the chickens will delay the start of laying due to insufficient energy. During high temperatures in summer and autumn, the feed intake of laying hens decreases. If the proportion of protein in the diet is not increased in time, it will affect the development of the reproductive system of the chickens and delay the start of laying.

4. Control and adjustment of light

Replacement pullets generally enter the sexual maturity stage at 15 weeks of age, and natural light gradually shortens during this period. If the light duration is short, the time to reach sexual maturity will be longer. Therefore, supplementary lighting should begin after 15 weeks of age to meet the chickens' needs for sexual maturity. Generally speaking, after 15 weeks of age, the light duration should be maintained at the number of light hours at 15 weeks of age, but the light should not be too strong, to prevent the occurrence of vices such as feather pecking, toe pecking, and back pecking. The light duration for early-laying hens is 13-17 hours per day.

5. Provide sufficient clean drinking water

Early-laying hens have a great need for drinking water. Generally, one hen needs 100-200 grams of water per day. Therefore, laying hens must not lack water every day. Light salt water can also be supplied 2-3 times a week to improve the constitution of laying hens and increase feed intake. Some carrots or green feed can also be added daily to improve egg quality.

Wang Dulan