What are the changing patterns of the physiological habits of laying hens?
The physiological habits of laying hens change with the seasons. Experienced farmers have long mastered this pattern, and their feeding and management are relatively scientific, so egg production remains fairly stable across different seasons. But if this pattern is not understood, the egg production of laying hens will fluctuate noticeably during seasonal transitions. Below, Qinnong Network will explain this pattern, hoping it can offer some help to laying hen farmers.
I. Changing patterns of feeding habits
Whether adult laying hens or breeding hens, their feeding habits respond noticeably to the seasons, especially in winter and summer. The details are introduced below.
1. Feed intake drops noticeably in summer
In summer, temperatures are high, laying hens' demand for energy decreases, and feed intake also drops. As feed intake decreases, the protein and calcium consumed also decrease accordingly, which leads to a decline in egg production. Generally speaking, as long as the temperature exceeds 30°C, feed intake decreases by 10%-15%; in the event of severe heat, feed intake can decrease by 30%. At this time, the daily ration should be adjusted appropriately, and various measures should be taken to lower the temperature of the chicken house.
2. Feed intake rises noticeably in winter
In winter, temperatures are lower, and laying hens need to supplement a large amount of nutrition to withstand the cold weather. When the house temperature is below 22°C, for every 1°C drop, the chicken's feed intake increases by 1.3-1.5 grams. At this time, while ensuring the air quality of the chicken house, the temperature of the chicken house should be raised. In addition, the daily ration should be changed to a winter ration, that is, providing more energy feed to resist the effects of low temperatures.
II. Changing patterns of drinking water
In addition to changes in diet, water intake also changes throughout the year, mainly highlighted by an increase in summer. Usually, under mild climate conditions, the water intake of laying hens is 2 times the weight of the feed; under hot conditions, the water intake is 4-5 times the weight of the feed.
If laying hens lack water, it will lead to a decline in egg production, and very noticeably so. For example, a 24-hour water shortage can reduce egg production by 30%. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that laying hens have sufficient water intake, but at the same time, note that if water is supplied without restraint, laying hens may develop watery droppings.
III. Changing patterns of molting habits
Under natural lighting conditions, adult chickens undergo natural molting in autumn, generally taking 3-4 months. Therefore, attention should be paid to changes in light duration and chicken house temperature, with timely insulation and supplementary lighting. This ensures the production performance of laying hens.
The above is what Qinnong Network introduces regarding the changing patterns of physiological habits during the growth of laying hens. By mastering these patterns, the raising of laying hens will be more effective, and the laying rate will be much more stable.