LAYER FARMING

[9/26/2020, 8:02 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Let's start by knowing few terms used in poultry production*

*POULTRY TERMINOLOGIES*

In poultry farming, there are words used that some new entrant's cannot understand because it is
new to them, and these leads to them asking questions and some become anxious to know the
meaning.

📌 DAY OLD CHICKS: These are newly hatched birds between the age of 0-24 hours of age. The can be
Broilers, Cockerels, or pullets.

📌POULTS: These are young turkeys. A lot of people get confused when you tell them you have hybrid
poults (foreign poults) for sell.

📌 BROILERS: These are birds genetically modified for meat raising purpose.

They attain table weight of 1.5 - 2.5 kilograms weight within 42 days.

📌 COCKERELS: These are males of the pullet birds. They come in different colours of white, brown and
black. Cockerels don't mature fast like Broilers, they attain table weight of 1.8 - 2-8 kilograms weight
within sixteen (16) to twenty (20) weeks.

📌 PULLETS: These are young female birds between the age of 7 days - 16 weeks. They are genetically
modified for egg laying purpose.

📌NOILERS: They are cross breed of Broiler and Cockerel. Noilers are dual purpose birds. It's a product
of Amo byng Farms Ltd. In Kenya, it's widely known as Kuroilers.

They attain table weight of 2-5 - 3.0 kilograms weight within sixteen (16) weeks.
📌POINT OF CAGE (POC): These are female birds that are between the age of twelve (12) weeks -
fourteen (14) weeks.

📌 POINT OF LAY (POL): These are female birds between the age of sixteen (16) weeks, that are starting
to lay eggs.

📌LAYERS: These are matured female birds that are fully into laying. They are between the age of
eighteen (18) - eighty (80) weeks.

📌 OLD LAYERS/SPENT: These are female birds that are done with their laying cycle, which are now
culled out for meat purposes.

📌BREEDERS: These are males and females that are crossed to produce the eggs, which are incubated
and hatched to produce the commercial birds.

[9/26/2020, 8:03 PM] Poultry Tutor: So *Pullet* are basically female birds in her first laying season.
Often used to refer to young females post brooding to point of lay.

[9/26/2020, 8:04 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Housing System in Pullet Production*

[9/26/2020, 8:05 PM] Poultry Tutor: *There are two important housing systems in poultry farms.*

They are

1. DEEP LITTER SYSTEM AND

2. CAGE SYSTEM

[9/26/2020, 8:11 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Deep litter poultry system*

This is the conventional housing system of poultry farms practiced since long back. The floor in the
poultry farm is tube covered with a layer of shavings, paddy husk or straw. This layer

is about 4 inches in thickness in summer, while in other seasons 7 inches thick layer is used

on the floor. This layer of sawdust, paddy husk or straw which covers the floor of the poultry farm is
called *litter*. The litter should be always in dry condition. The droppings of birds
produce ammonia. In wet condition, more ammonia in the litter may cause diseases. Hence, it should
be mixed periodically with lime to reduce the percentage of ammonia in the litter.

Further, the litter should be changed as at when due. Growing chicken on floor covered by litter is
said to be the Deep litter system (deep litter) or loose housing system.

[9/26/2020, 8:12 PM] Poultry Tutor: The dimensions of the poultry house depend on the number of
chicks to be accommodated.

*Forexample*, 125 chicks require a space of about 400 square feet. A chick normally requires

2.25 square feet. A distance of 40 feet is to be maintained in between two poultry houses or sheds.

[9/26/2020, 8:18 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage System in Poultry*

Of late, many farmers are growing chicks by using cage system. In this system, the birds are

grown in cages made of iron mesh. Lesser dimension cages are used for growing small flocks. The
cages are

arranged in 2 or 3 tiers in poultry houses. Feeding, watering and other facilities are given to

the chicken introduced in these cages.

[9/26/2020, 8:21 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage method in Poultry-advantages:*

. In this method, there is no wastage of space and food.

. Chicks involved in cannibalism may be easily identified and removed. Cannibalism in

poultry is referred to as one bird pecking at the other bird.

. The diseased birds can easily be separated.

. Less labour is involved in this method.

. Collection of eggs is an easy process.

. Mortality rate is less in this system.

[9/26/2020, 8:22 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage system disadvantages, they are:*

. The cracked eggs are common.

. It is difficult to clean the individual cages and to dispose the manure.

. The food may not be distributed accurately depending on the consumption of the birds in the cage.

. The birds are frequently subjected to a disease called *cage layer fatigue*. The bird lies on its side
giving an impression that it is affected with paralysis. Hence, this is referred to as cage paralysis or
cage layer fatigue.

[9/26/2020, 8:28 PM] Poultry Tutor: Fatty liver syndrome is common in cage system.

*It is characterized by*

i) A gradual drop in egg production (40% - 10%),

ii) Fatty, enlarged, tan colour liver is noticeable, and

iii) Birds become fatty.

In cage culture, certain precautions are to be followed. They are:

1. In summer, water is to be sprinkled on cages. This is due to the fact that cage poultry needs

protection from excessive heat in severe summer.

2. The chicks should be subjected to debeaking. As a result of debeaking, the chicken may not involve
in cannibalism and can easily procure the soft food without waste.

Requirements for pullets

Pullets destined for deep litter or perchery housing should be reared in comparable management
systems. This ensures minimal stress during transfer, the birds settle down
quickly in their new surroundings and production can start without problems. Pullets to be housed in
alternative systems should have their beaks carefully treated. Without proper beak treatment,
injurious picking may develop any time during the laying period. But as long as these behaviours are
observed in commercial farms, beak treatment is recommended in

accordance with legal requirements. The bodyweight of the pullets should preferably be above the
breeder’s standard. A slight overweight gives the birds a reserve during the transfer phase.

When weighing pullets on arrival, the fasting loss during transit must be taken into account. The
ability to consume sufficient feed soon

after arrival in the laying facility is of paramount importance for the hens. The more closely

the growing facility resembles the production system, the easier it will be for the pullets to adjust to
their new surroundings. Hens in floor housing and percheries must also be able to move around by
flying and jumping. To learn these skills, facilities like rails or perches should be provided before the
age of six weeks. In deep litter systems, suspended feeder chains have proved effective. In percheries
it is important to ensure that the levels are opened before the chicks are six weeks old.

[9/26/2020, 8:32 PM] Poultry Tutor: Pullets should be transferred to laying houses in good time
before the anticipated onset of production. The recommended age is 15 or 18 weeks. The move from
the grower to the layer facility should be handled with care but speedily. Capture, transportation and
vaccination are

stressful to the hens. Gentle transfer and careful adaptations of the flock to the new

surroundings are crucial for good production results. After transfer, the hens should be dispersed
evenly in the laying quarters and placed close to feeders and drinkers. Water and

feed must be available immediately. On arrival, the light should be left on long enough so that

the hens find their way around. Room temperatures should be within a comfortable range for the
birds. They should not be disturbed during the first 24 hours after the move. Inspections should only
be carried out in an emergency. The attendants should always be calm and quiet

and wear the same clothing. If birds appear nervous, hyperactive attendants may be a cause.

[9/26/2020, 8:33 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Management during the early days*

During the first few days after housing, it is important to stimulate feed intake, e.g. by

• Providing an attractive meal type ration with good structure

• Running the feeding lines more frequently

• Feeding when the trough is empty

• Lighting of feeding installations

• Moistening the feed

• Use of skim milk powder or whey-fat concentrate

• Vitamin supplements

[9/26/2020, 8:35 PM] Poultry Tutor: Pullets should never lose weight after transfer. They should
continue to gain weight, or at least maintain their body weight. If possible without exceeding
reasonable stocking density, the hens should be confined above the dropping pit or the perchery until
they reach

approximately 75% production. Light sources should be placed so that the entire building and the nest
entrances are well lit. Only the light above the dropping pit or in the perchery should be on toward
the end of the light day.

[9/26/2020, 8:37 PM] Poultry Tutor: Room temperatures around 18°C are considered optimal for
laying hens in alternative

systems, with a relative humidity between 50 and 75%. Lower temperatures during the winter months
are no problem, provided the hens are adapted to them. But temperatures exceeding 30°C are less
well tolerated. If room temperatures above 30°C cannot be avoided, sufficient air movement around
the hens is essential to enable the birds to dissipate heat.

Additional fans in the poultry house are highly effective in such situations. Hens with access to a
winter

garden or an outdoor enclosure should get accustomed to colder winter temperatures.

[9/26/2020, 8:39 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Feeding*

The high genetic potential of today’s hybrid layers for efficient egg production can only be realized
with a balanced diet. The nutrient requirement of a laying hen is divided into the requirements for
maintenance, growth and egg production. Recommended nutrient

allowances can be formulated for any production system, for alternative management systems as well
as for conventional cages. The maintenance requirement of a laying hen is approximately 60-65 % of
the total energy requirement. Compared with laying hens kept in cages, the maintenance equirement
in alternative systems is higher due to the increased activity of the hens.

[9/26/2020, 8:45 PM] Poultry Tutor: The prerequisites for sufficiently high nutrient intake of hens are:

• A diet with sufficiently high energy content, i.e. nutrient density

• And adequate feed intake.

In case it is not economically viable to raise the nutrient density of layer diets, sufficient feed becomes
more important for the expression of the hen’s genetic potential. The feed intake capacity of a
population of laying hens can be optimized by genetic selection, for individual laying hens it is
determined mainly by:

• The hen’s bodyweight

• Daily egg mass production

• Ambient temperature

• Condition of the hen’s plumage

• Energy content of the ration

• Health status

• Genetic variation within flock

Feeding at onset of lay

When pullets are moved to the laying house at 16-17 weeks of age, they are not yet fully grown and
should not be fed a layer diet. Layer diets with more than 3 % calcium should not

be introduced too early. Until about 19 weeks of age, the hens should get a pre-lay diet, the change to
a high-density layer diet should be made when about 5% production is reached.

The move to the laying house exposes hens to considerable stress. The development from pullet to
mature laying hen is associated with fundamental changes affecting all major

physiological and hormonal processes. The phase of juvenile growth and body mass increase ends on
reaching sexual maturity, followed by the start of lay. However, the hens are not yet fully grown at
onset of lay, their growth continues until about 30 weeks, when the weekly

weight gain falls to less than 5 g. The changes occurring during the transition phase from

pullet to laying hen often lead to a reduced feed intake, which may drop to well below 100 g

per hen and day

[9/26/2020, 8:48 PM] Poultry Tutor: *LAYERS FEEDING*

Chick mash 0 – 6 weeks

Grower mash 7 – 18 weeks

Layer mash 19 – spent period.

*Feed intake during laying is between 105 – 115 g/bird/day*

[9/26/2020, 8:49 PM] Poultry Tutor: *LIGHTNING PROGRAM FOR LAYING BIRDS*

Age......... Light duration

Week 1....... 20 - 22hrs

Week 2........18 - 19hrs

Week 3....... 16 - 17hrs

Week 4........13 - 15hrs

Week 5........11 - 13hrs

Week 6........10 - 11hrs

Week 7........ 9 - 10hrs

Week 8.........9 - 10hrs

Week 9.........9 - 10hrs

Week 10...... 9 - 10hrs

Week 11...... 9 - 10hrs

Week 12.......9 - 10hrs

Week 13.......9 - 10hrs

Week 14.......9 - 10hrs

Week 15.......9 - 10hrs

Week 16..... 11 - 12hrs

Week 17..... 11 - 12hrs

Week 18......13 - 14hrs

Week 19......13 - 14hrs

Week 20......13 - 14hrs

Week 21..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 22..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 23..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 24.... 14 - 16hrs

Week 25... 14 - 16hrs.

Week 26..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 27.... 15 - 16hrs

Week 28.... 15 - 16hrs

Week 29.....16hrs

Week 30.....16hrs

*Maintain 16hrs light duration to the end of lay*

*From 18 weeks, flash feeding is necessary but not a must*

[9/26/2020, 8:52 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Layer daily feeding chart and body weight:*

WK WT(g) DF(g)

1 ... 65g ... 11g

2 ... 110 ... 17

3 ... 195 ... 25

4 ... 285 ... 32

5 ... 380 ... 37

6 ... 470 ... 42

7 ... 560 ... 46

8 ... 650 ... 50

9 ... 740 ... 54

10 .. 830 ... 58

11 .. 920 ... 61

12 .. 1010 .. 64

13 .. 1095 .. 67

14 .. 1180 .. 70

15 .. 1265 .. 73

16 .. 1350 .. 76

17 .. 1430 .. 80

18 .. 1500 .. 84

19 .. 1560 .. 90

20 .. 1640 .. 95

21.. 1713 .. 104

22.. 1750 .. 110

Week 23 - 26: 112g

Week 27 - 37: 115g

Week 38 - 54: 118g

Week 55 - 90: 120g

*WHERE;*

WK is week

WT is weight per bird

DF is daily feed per bird

[9/26/2020, 8:02 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Let's start by knowing few terms used in poultry production*
*POULTRY TERMINOLOGIES*

In poultry farming, there are words used that some new entrant's cannot understand because it is
new to them, and these leads to them asking questions and some become anxious to know the
meaning.

📌 DAY OLD CHICKS: These are newly hatched birds between the age of 0-24 hours of age. The can be
Broilers, Cockerels, or pullets.

📌POULTS: These are young turkeys. A lot of people get confused when you tell them you have hybrid
poults (foreign poults) for sell.

📌 BROILERS: These are birds genetically modified for meat raising purpose.

They attain table weight of 1.5 - 2.5 kilograms weight within 42 days.

📌 COCKERELS: These are males of the pullet birds. They come in different colours of white, brown and
black. Cockerels don't mature fast like Broilers, they attain table weight of 1.8 - 2-8 kilograms weight
within sixteen (16) to twenty (20) weeks.

📌 PULLETS: These are young female birds between the age of 7 days - 16 weeks. They are genetically
modified for egg laying purpose.

📌NOILERS: They are cross breed of Broiler and Cockerel. Noilers are dual purpose birds. It's a product
of Amo byng Farms Ltd. In Kenya, it's widely known as Kuroilers.

They attain table weight of 2-5 - 3.0 kilograms weight within sixteen (16) weeks.

📌POINT OF CAGE (POC): These are female birds that are between the age of twelve (12) weeks -
fourteen (14) weeks.
📌 POINT OF LAY (POL): These are female birds between the age of sixteen (16) weeks, that are starting
to lay eggs.

📌LAYERS: These are matured female birds that are fully into laying. They are between the age of
eighteen (18) - eighty (80) weeks.

📌 OLD LAYERS/SPENT: These are female birds that are done with their laying cycle, which are now
culled out for meat purposes.

📌BREEDERS: These are males and females that are crossed to produce the eggs, which are incubated
and hatched to produce the commercial birds.

[9/26/2020, 8:03 PM] Poultry Tutor: So *Pullet* are basically female birds in her first laying season.
Often used to refer to young females post brooding to point of lay.

[9/26/2020, 8:04 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Housing System in Pullet Production*

[9/26/2020, 8:05 PM] Poultry Tutor: *There are two important housing systems in poultry farms.*

They are

1. DEEP LITTER SYSTEM AND

2. CAGE SYSTEM

[9/26/2020, 8:11 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Deep litter poultry system*

This is the conventional housing system of poultry farms practiced since long back. The floor in the
poultry farm is tube covered with a layer of shavings, paddy husk or straw. This layer

is about 4 inches in thickness in summer, while in other seasons 7 inches thick layer is used

on the floor. This layer of sawdust, paddy husk or straw which covers the floor of the poultry farm is
called *litter*. The litter should be always in dry condition. The droppings of birds

produce ammonia. In wet condition, more ammonia in the litter may cause diseases. Hence, it should
be mixed periodically with lime to reduce the percentage of ammonia in the litter.
Further, the litter should be changed as at when due. Growing chicken on floor covered by litter is
said to be the Deep litter system (deep litter) or loose housing system.

[9/26/2020, 8:12 PM] Poultry Tutor: The dimensions of the poultry house depend on the number of
chicks to be accommodated.

*Forexample*, 125 chicks require a space of about 400 square feet. A chick normally requires

2.25 square feet. A distance of 40 feet is to be maintained in between two poultry houses or sheds.

[9/26/2020, 8:18 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage System in Poultry*

Of late, many farmers are growing chicks by using cage system. In this system, the birds are

grown in cages made of iron mesh. Lesser dimension cages are used for growing small flocks. The
cages are

arranged in 2 or 3 tiers in poultry houses. Feeding, watering and other facilities are given to

the chicken introduced in these cages.

[9/26/2020, 8:21 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage method in Poultry-advantages:*

. In this method, there is no wastage of space and food.

. Chicks involved in cannibalism may be easily identified and removed. Cannibalism in

poultry is referred to as one bird pecking at the other bird.

. The diseased birds can easily be separated.

. Less labour is involved in this method.

. Collection of eggs is an easy process.

. Mortality rate is less in this system.

[9/26/2020, 8:22 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Cage system disadvantages, they are:*
. The cracked eggs are common.

. It is difficult to clean the individual cages and to dispose the manure.

. The food may not be distributed accurately depending on the consumption of the birds in the cage.

. The birds are frequently subjected to a disease called *cage layer fatigue*. The bird lies on its side
giving an impression that it is affected with paralysis. Hence, this is referred to as cage paralysis or
cage layer fatigue.

[9/26/2020, 8:28 PM] Poultry Tutor: Fatty liver syndrome is common in cage system.

*It is characterized by*

i) A gradual drop in egg production (40% - 10%),

ii) Fatty, enlarged, tan colour liver is noticeable, and

iii) Birds become fatty.

In cage culture, certain precautions are to be followed. They are:

1. In summer, water is to be sprinkled on cages. This is due to the fact that cage poultry needs

protection from excessive heat in severe summer.

2. The chicks should be subjected to debeaking. As a result of debeaking, the chicken may not involve
in cannibalism and can easily procure the soft food without waste.

Requirements for pullets

Pullets destined for deep litter or perchery housing should be reared in comparable management
systems. This ensures minimal stress during transfer, the birds settle down

quickly in their new surroundings and production can start without problems. Pullets to be housed in
alternative systems should have their beaks carefully treated. Without proper beak treatment,
injurious picking may develop any time during the laying period. But as long as these behaviours are
observed in commercial farms, beak treatment is recommended in

accordance with legal requirements. The bodyweight of the pullets should preferably be above the
breeder’s standard. A slight overweight gives the birds a reserve during the transfer phase.

When weighing pullets on arrival, the fasting loss during transit must be taken into account. The
ability to consume sufficient feed soon

after arrival in the laying facility is of paramount importance for the hens. The more closely

the growing facility resembles the production system, the easier it will be for the pullets to adjust to
their new surroundings. Hens in floor housing and percheries must also be able to move around by
flying and jumping. To learn these skills, facilities like rails or perches should be provided before the
age of six weeks. In deep litter systems, suspended feeder chains have proved effective. In percheries
it is important to ensure that the levels are opened before the chicks are six weeks old.

[9/26/2020, 8:32 PM] Poultry Tutor: Pullets should be transferred to laying houses in good time
before the anticipated onset of production. The recommended age is 15 or 18 weeks. The move from
the grower to the layer facility should be handled with care but speedily. Capture, transportation and
vaccination are

stressful to the hens. Gentle transfer and careful adaptations of the flock to the new

surroundings are crucial for good production results. After transfer, the hens should be dispersed
evenly in the laying quarters and placed close to feeders and drinkers. Water and

feed must be available immediately. On arrival, the light should be left on long enough so that

the hens find their way around. Room temperatures should be within a comfortable range for the
birds. They should not be disturbed during the first 24 hours after the move. Inspections should only
be carried out in an emergency. The attendants should always be calm and quiet

and wear the same clothing. If birds appear nervous, hyperactive attendants may be a cause.

[9/26/2020, 8:33 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Management during the early days*

During the first few days after housing, it is important to stimulate feed intake, e.g. by

• Providing an attractive meal type ration with good structure

• Running the feeding lines more frequently

• Feeding when the trough is empty

• Lighting of feeding installations

• Moistening the feed

• Use of skim milk powder or whey-fat concentrate

• Vitamin supplements

[9/26/2020, 8:35 PM] Poultry Tutor: Pullets should never lose weight after transfer. They should
continue to gain weight, or at least maintain their body weight. If possible without exceeding
reasonable stocking density, the hens should be confined above the dropping pit or the perchery until
they reach

approximately 75% production. Light sources should be placed so that the entire building and the nest
entrances are well lit. Only the light above the dropping pit or in the perchery should be on toward
the end of the light day.

[9/26/2020, 8:37 PM] Poultry Tutor: Room temperatures around 18°C are considered optimal for
laying hens in alternative

systems, with a relative humidity between 50 and 75%. Lower temperatures during the winter months
are no problem, provided the hens are adapted to them. But temperatures exceeding 30°C are less
well tolerated. If room temperatures above 30°C cannot be avoided, sufficient air movement around
the hens is essential to enable the birds to dissipate heat.

Additional fans in the poultry house are highly effective in such situations. Hens with access to a
winter

garden or an outdoor enclosure should get accustomed to colder winter temperatures.

[9/26/2020, 8:39 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Feeding*

The high genetic potential of today’s hybrid layers for efficient egg production can only be realized
with a balanced diet. The nutrient requirement of a laying hen is divided into the requirements for
maintenance, growth and egg production. Recommended nutrient

allowances can be formulated for any production system, for alternative management systems as well
as for conventional cages. The maintenance requirement of a laying hen is approximately 60-65 % of
the total energy requirement. Compared with laying hens kept in cages, the maintenance equirement
in alternative systems is higher due to the increased activity of the hens.

[9/26/2020, 8:45 PM] Poultry Tutor: The prerequisites for sufficiently high nutrient intake of hens are:

• A diet with sufficiently high energy content, i.e. nutrient density

• And adequate feed intake.

In case it is not economically viable to raise the nutrient density of layer diets, sufficient feed becomes
more important for the expression of the hen’s genetic potential. The feed intake capacity of a
population of laying hens can be optimized by genetic selection, for individual laying hens it is
determined mainly by:

• The hen’s bodyweight

• Daily egg mass production

• Ambient temperature

• Condition of the hen’s plumage

• Energy content of the ration

• Health status

• Genetic variation within flock

Feeding at onset of lay

When pullets are moved to the laying house at 16-17 weeks of age, they are not yet fully grown and
should not be fed a layer diet. Layer diets with more than 3 % calcium should not

be introduced too early. Until about 19 weeks of age, the hens should get a pre-lay diet, the change to
a high-density layer diet should be made when about 5% production is reached.

The move to the laying house exposes hens to considerable stress. The development from pullet to
mature laying hen is associated with fundamental changes affecting all major

physiological and hormonal processes. The phase of juvenile growth and body mass increase ends on
reaching sexual maturity, followed by the start of lay. However, the hens are not yet fully grown at
onset of lay, their growth continues until about 30 weeks, when the weekly

weight gain falls to less than 5 g. The changes occurring during the

transition phase from

pullet to laying hen often lead to a reduced feed intake, which may drop to well below 100 g

per hen and day

[9/26/2020, 8:48 PM] Poultry Tutor: *LAYERS FEEDING*

Chick mash 0 – 6 weeks

Grower mash 7 – 18 weeks

Layer mash 19 – spent period.

*Feed intake during laying is between 105 – 115 g/bird/day*

[9/26/2020, 8:49 PM] Poultry Tutor: *LIGHTNING PROGRAM FOR LAYING BIRDS*

Age......... Light duration

Week 1....... 20 - 22hrs

Week 2........18 - 19hrs

Week 3....... 16 - 17hrs

Week 4........13 - 15hrs

Week 5........11 - 13hrs

Week 6........10 - 11hrs

Week 7........ 9 - 10hrs

Week 8.........9 - 10hrs

Week 9.........9 - 10hrs

Week 10...... 9 - 10hrs

Week 11...... 9 - 10hrs

Week 12.......9 - 10hrs

Week 13.......9 - 10hrs

Week 14.......9 - 10hrs

Week 15.......9 - 10hrs

Week 16..... 11 - 12hrs

Week 17..... 11 - 12hrs

Week 18......13 - 14hrs

Week 19......13 - 14hrs

Week 20......13 - 14hrs

Week 21..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 22..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 23..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 24.... 14 - 16hrs

Week 25... 14 - 16hrs.

Week 26..... 14 - 16hrs

Week 27.... 15 - 16hrs

Week 28.... 15 - 16hrs

Week 29.....16hrs

Week 30.....16hrs

*Maintain 16hrs light duration to the end of lay*

*From 18 weeks, flash feeding is necessary but not a must*

[9/26/2020, 8:52 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Layer daily feeding chart and body weight:*

WK WT(g) DF(g)

1 ... 65g ... 11g

2 ... 110 ... 17

3 ... 195 ... 25

4 ... 285 ... 32

5 ... 380 ... 37

6 ... 470 ... 42

7 ... 560 ... 46

8 ... 650 ... 50

9 ... 740 ... 54

10 .. 830 ... 58

11 .. 920 ... 61

12 .. 1010 .. 64

13 .. 1095 .. 67

14 .. 1180 .. 70

15 .. 1265 .. 73

16 .. 1350 .. 76

17 .. 1430 .. 80

18 .. 1500 .. 84

19 .. 1560 .. 90

20 .. 1640 .. 95

21.. 1713 .. 104

22.. 1750 .. 110

Week 23 - 26: 112g

Week 27 - 37: 115g

Week 38 - 54: 118g

Week 55 - 90: 120g

*WHERE;*

WK is week

WT is weight per bird

DF is daily feed per bird

[9/27/2020, 8:00 PM] Poultry Tutor: Evening all, *in continuation of our lecture on pullet/layer
production*
[9/27/2020, 8:01 PM] Poultry Tutor: *It seems most people here are not interested in layer
production!*

[9/27/2020, 8:02 PM] Poultry Tutor: *REARING PULLETS*

The rearing of pullets is geared towards supplying hens that are healthy and problem- free and that
will supply the poultry farmer with lots of good quality eggs.

*A good start is half the battle*. The first weeks are extremely important for success later on.

[9/27/2020, 8:03 PM] Poultry Tutor: A hen is kept for up to 90 weeks. Whereas the formative time for
a human is the first five years, for a chicken, it is the first five weeks. Make a checklist that you can
adapt and improve each time.

A flock that gets off to a good start will result in a lower mortality rate and fewer poorly developed
birds. Avoid all possible stress during the first five weeks of rearing. This is the time when most
important organ like *HEART, LUNGS, KIDNEYS* etc are developing . Stress slows development and
has a negative effect on the LAYING PERIOD.

[9/27/2020, 8:04 PM] Poultry Tutor: You can divide the rearing period into three periods. During this
time, the young hens doubles her body weight five times.

🟥 0-5 WEEKS= The pullets should be growing well. The weight at 5 weeks determine your result.

🟥 6-15 WEEKS= You can adjust the development of the body weight somehow without too much
impact on the laying period. You can get the flock laying at the required time by controlling growth
and adjusting the lighting programme.

🟥 16-25 WEEKS= Transfer and start of laying. At this point you need to keep a close eye on the birds to
make sure everything is going on as planned.

[9/27/2020, 8:07 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Our guiding principle in poultry production is LOOK-THINK-ACT.*

The three basic questions that you must ask yourself time and again are:

👉 As you enter poultry pen, what am I observing? seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling.
👉👉Why is that?

👉What should I do ?

You can learn a lot from a flock and the eggs during your daily tasks as a manager or supervisor or
an attendant on a farm. But you should also carry out a specific inspection when you have no other
tasks to do. You can pick up signals more easily and be more aware of them when you can give your
full attention to your observations. Most farm managers or supervisors are excursion officers, they
just go round the farms or pen without noticing anything. Always stay in the pen for somewhat longer
at regular times and observe the birds for any abnormalities.

[9/27/2020, 8:12 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Culling*

[9/27/2020, 8:13 PM] Poultry Tutor: *SELECTIVE CULLING IN POULTRY PRODUCTION*

(THE BIRD THAT LAY, IS THE BIRD THAT PAYS)

*Culling simply means removal or selection of unproductive birds among the flock*

Intelligence culling of the poultry flock is the utmost importance for success in poultry production.
Selective culling refers to the identification and removal of non-laying birds from a laying flock.

*PURPOSE OF CULLING* .

1 It increases the profit by insuring that the feed will consumed by the better producing layers.

2 It helps to save cost of medication and vaccination

3 More space is provided for the remaining.

4 Culling sick birds can reduce incidence and spread of poultry disease in flock
5 Eggs production will be maintained.

[9/27/2020, 8:15 PM] Poultry Tutor: Culling is very important and should be a continual process on
every farm whether small or large farm. This selective culling should be practiced right from chicks
stage. When chicks are started all weak, chicks should be eliminated. During growing stage, runty and
slow growing pullets should be removed and fed with 2% extra protein to gain growth within 3 - 4
weeks.

Culling during laying should be continuous through out the laying cycle. This continuous culling when
discovered, any birds which is sick, very thin, or which shows evidences of non production, weakness,
or poor vitality.

Culling towards evening is recommended, since the birds are less likely to be frightened and reduce
egg production. Handle the birds as little as possible so that production will not be greatly reduced.

[9/27/2020, 8:19 PM] Poultry Tutor: *PARAMETERS FOR CULLING:*

The culling of birds is practiced on the basis of following characteristics during laying phase.

External body characteristics

Pigmentation

Records available.

*SPREAD OF BODY CAPACITY*

The distance between keel bone and pelvic bones is less than 3 fingers and the distance between
pelvic bones is less than 2 fingers in poor or bad layer

.[9/27/2020, 8:22 PM] Poultry Tutor: *CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEN IN PRODUCTION*

- soft, enlarged combs and wattles

- increased distance between the pelvic bones

- wide, moist vent

- velvety skin

- soft, pliable, enlarged abdomen

*CHECK YOUR CULLING TECHNIQUE*

You may be unsure of your culling ability and avoid culling your flock

for fear that you might eliminate good layers. I suggest that you learn how to identify non productive
layers or to train a team of people on how to cull.

*N.B*: An adult bird eats about 3.5kg feed/month even though not laying.

If a farmer is having 10,000 birds in a flock and 1% of the flock are culled that is 100 bad layers.

Adult bird eats about 3.5kg feed/month.

I.e 3.5×100birds=350kg feed is saved.

Average cost of layers mash with transportation is 132/kg.

350×132 = #46,200 saved /month.

46200×6 = #277,200 saved in 6 months.

[9/27/2020, 8:23 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Pecking*...

[9/27/2020, 8:25 PM] Poultry Tutor: *PECKING IN POULTRY PRODUCTION: CAUSES AND
PREVENTION.*

*Pecking* in bird is a costly and vicious habit that poultry producers cannot afford to ignore. It may
occur at any age among all breeds, strains and sexes of birds.
Pecking usually occurs when the birds are stressed by a poor management practice. Once becoming
stressed, one bird begins picking the feathers, comb, toes or vent of another bird. Once an open
wound or blood is visible on the bird, the vicious habit of pecking can spread rapidly through the
entire flock. If you notice the problem soon after it begins, pecking can be held in check. However, if
the problem is allowed to get out of hand, it can be *VERY COSTLY*. Pecking will lower the bird's
value due to torn and damaged flesh, poor feathering and can result in high death losses.

[9/27/2020, 8:29 PM] Poultry Tutor: *PECKING IS USUALLY CAUSED BY ONE OR MORE OF THESE
CONDITIONS👇*

*1 OVERCROWDING*

*2 EXCESSIVE HEAT*

*3 EXCESSIVE LIGHT*

*4. ABSENCE OF FEED OR WATER OR A SHORTAGE OF FEEDER AND WATERER SPACE.*

If the birds have to fight for feed and water, or if the birds are always hungry, they will increase
pecking. Be sure that birds have free access to water and feed at all times. The pecking order
determines birds get to eat and when. When you have inadequate feeder space, birds at the end of
the pecking order may never be allowed to eat.

*5 UNBALANCED DIETS*

Extremely high energy and low fibre diets cause the birds to be extra active and aggressive. Feed
lacking protein and other nutrients, particularly Methionine, will also cause birds to feathers. Make
sure you feed a diet balanced appropriately for the age and types of bird you are raising.

*6 MIXING OF DIFFERENT TYPES, SIZES, AND COLOURS OF BIRDS.*

Mixing different ages and sizes of birds and birds with different traits promote pecking by disrupting
the flock's normal pecking order. Curiosity can also start pecking.
*7 ABRUPT CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENT OR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES*

*8 ALLOWING CRIPPLES, INJURED OR DEAD BIRDS TO REMAIN IN A FLOCK*

*9 SHORTAGE OF NESTING BOXES IN DEEP LITTER.*

Allow one nest for every 5 laying girls.

*10 INTRODUCING NEW BIRDS TO THE FLOCK.*

Anytime you add or remove birds from a flock, you disrupt the pecking order of the flock.

*12 PROLAPSE PECKING*

Prolapse can occur in very young or fat laying flocks. Prolapse is when the uterus stretches and tears
and takes longer to properly return into the body cavity after the egg is laid. This is most common in
young flocks that start laying too soon. When the uterus is exposed for a period of time, other birds
will see it and pick at it out of *CURIOSITY*. Once they pick at the uterus, it bleeds and the picking
quickly progresses to pecking or cannibalism.

*NB:* If you start seeing blood streaks on the egg shell surface, your flock may be prone to prolapse.

*PROPERLY MANAGING HOW YOU BRING YOUR BIRDS INTO PRODUCTION AND PROPER FEEDING
PRACTICES CAN PREVENT THIS PROBLEM.*

[9/27/2020, 8:32 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Solution to pecking is by debeaking*

[9/27/2020, 8:33 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Debeaking/beak trimming* is the

act of reducing the length of the beak of poultry birds. The purpose of doing this is to prevent feather
pulling and cannibalism and to reduce feed wastage. It is a delicate operation, and if it is improperly
done, it may leads to difficulties in drinking and eating, which directly leads to poor growth,
unevenness in flock and even mortality as a

result blood loss.

The operation can be carried out at one week-old (4-10 days) and few weeks-old (8-12 weeks). But
usually before laying begins

[9/27/2020, 8:35 PM] Poultry Tutor: *The advantage of debeaking*

At one-week-old is that, the operation would have a minimum effect on chick’s body weight and it is
not necessary to carry it out again a

second time during the rearing period. For precise beak trimming operation, the birds should be few
weeks old (8-12 weeks).

The general demerit of debeaking or beak trimming is that, when it is improperly done, it could take
long for the birds to regain body weight.

[9/27/2020, 8:36 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Debeaking Techniques*

The different ways of trimming the beak of birds are:

- Use of machine

- Use of knife

[9/27/2020, 8:37 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Rules in Debeaking or Beak Trimming;*

*Before beak trimming*:

- Do not debeak birds if the flock is not in good health or if it is undergoing from vaccine reactions.

- Add Vitamin K to the drinking water 48 hours prior to trimming and after to prevent haemorrhages.

- Check the equipment and make sure that the trimming blade has the right temperature to cauterise,
but not so high to form a blister on the beak later.

[9/27/2020, 8:38 PM] Poultry Tutor: *During beak trimming:*

- The operator should be installed and seated comfortably in such a way that each beak will be cut in
the same manner.
- Do not rush the process: a too high rate (number of birds/minute) could lead to a higher chance of
errors and poor uniformity.

- Clean the blades with sandpaper after use of 5,000 chicks or birds.

- Make sure the tongue of the bird is not burned.

[9/27/2020, 8:44 PM] Poultry Tutor: *After beak trimming:*

- Increase the water level in the drinkers and the pressure in the pipes to make it easy for the birds to
drink.

- Make sure that the depth of the feed is adequate. Do not empty the feeders for a week following
beak trimming.

- It is important to give birds anti-stress or multivitamins before and after the operation so as to
reduce the stress effect on the birds’ performance.

- It is highly beneficial to debeak poultry birds to reduce mortality due to pecking, and wastage of feed
to save cost.

[9/27/2020, 8:46 PM] Poultry Tutor: *FLOCK UNIFORMITY - A FUTURE PERFORMANCE SIGNAL.*

The uniformity of body weights within the flock is an indicator of normal flock development.
Uniformity is expressed as the percent of individual weights which occur within 10% of the current
flock average (standard).

The goal at point of lay is minimum of 80% uniformity because of differential response to feeds and
other treatment provided, although uniformities of 90% or more is realistic.

[9/27/2020, 8:47 PM] Poultry Tutor: Flocks lacking uniformity at point of lay often exhibit lower and
later peaks than expected and feed transition and lighting program are more difficult to implement
(because there is a mixture of light and heavy birds in the flock). During the period of rearing, flock
grading should be a routine work whereby birds are group based on body weight as compared to the
standard.

[9/27/2020, 8:49 PM] Poultry Tutor: *FACTORS AFFECTING FLOCK UNIFORMITY :*

*👉SPACE*

Many farmers underestimate the impact of space in flock management. Inadequate space can greatly
limit the genetic potential of a good chick. It's important to avoid overcrowding during rearing to
enable individual birds to have equal access to feed, water and other treatment provided.

[9/27/2020, 8:49 PM] Poultry Tutor: *👉QUALITY OF BEAK TRIMMING*

Debeaking (beak trimming) is one of the routine practices in commercial layer management. This
should be properly and professionally done so that it won't have negative impact on the flock.

[9/27/2020, 8:50 PM] Poultry Tutor: *👉AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATE FEEDERS AND DRINKERS*

Lack of adequate and appropriate feeders and drinkers during the rearing often results in poor flock
uniformity because some birds will out-compete another for feed and water.

[9/27/2020, 8:51 PM] Poultry Tutor: *👉STRESS FACTORS*

Rearing period may sometimes be stressful for the flock because of various routine operations like
vaccinations, transfer, grading and lots that take place within this period and all these usually result in
loss of some weight. It's therefore important to make adequate provisions to negate the likely effects
of the stress.

[9/27/2020, 8:52 PM] Poultry Tutor: *👉FEED QUALITY*

It's worthy of note that feed is the most important input in production which takes more than 70-75%
of the cost of production. Much attention should be paid to providing adequate feed in quantity and
quality at every stage of production.

Do not compromise quality for quantity.

*Remember: Anything that is worth doing, is worth doing well*

[9/27/2020, 8:55 PM] Poultry Tutor: *CALCULATING BODY WEIGHT UNIFORMITY:*

Weigh at least 100 female birds individually. Be sure the weighed birds represent an average of the
birds in the house.

*CAGES* :

Weigh all birds individually in each selected cage.

Select cages evenly spread in the house, and select a combination of cages from top, middle, and
lower tiers, and from both ends of the house as well as the middle.

Weigh all the birds in the same cages every time body weight uniformity is determined.

*FLOOR* :

Select birds from all locations in the house.

*Example of uniformity calculation*

Number of birds weighed = 105

Average (mean) body weight = 1.320 kg

10% of the average body weight = 10% × 1.320 kg = 0.1320 kg

Upper body weight range = 1.320 kg + 0.1320 kg = 1.452 kg

Lower body weight range = 1.320 kg - 0.1320 kg = 1.188 kg

Count the number of weighed birds with a body weight between the upper and lower body weight
range = 88

Body weight uniformity = (88 birds in weight range / 105 birds weighed) × 100 = 84%
[9/28/2020, 8:01 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Good evening all... Let's continue with our training*

[9/28/2020, 8:03 PM] Poultry Tutor: *MANAGEMENT OF HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY*

Heat stress has to be managed by a combination of management methods.

1) House management

2) Nutritional management

*A. HOUSING MANAGEMENT*

Maintaining coolness in the poultry house is an important management option. It starts with the
planning of house design and also management of the house and the birds after house construction.

Outside of the poultry house, don't allow tall weeds, it will restrict air flow, while bare ground can
reflect heat into the poultry pen. Low cut grass is best as it helps to absorb the sun and heat.

[9/28/2020, 8:05 PM] Poultry Tutor: *B. NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT*

A *) AVAILABILITY OF COOL DRINKING WATER*

Water is the most important media for heat loss. About 70-80% of the bird's heat production is
dissipated via panting ( evaporating cooling). Adequate water provision is a must as water restriction
even for a short period is disastrous for poultry in hot weather.

*B) REDUCTION OF WATER TEMPERATURE* .

Overhead tanks are exposed to constant heat in hot weather. Location of water tanks in shaded area
or provision of shade over water tanks keeps water cool. Insulation of water tanks with retaining
material reduces the water temperature further. Water pipes must run underground and any exposed
pipes have to be covered to prevent heating of the pipes.

[9/28/2020, 8:09 PM] Poultry Tutor: *C) WATER TREATMENT*

Bacteria grow much more rapidly in the water lines during hot weather.

*D) FLUSHING THE PIPLINES.*

 *Cooling drinking water by flushing water lines during the afternoon has been shown to increase feed
consumption and sustain egg production in heat - stressed layers.*

*E) ENERGY AND PROTEIN IN FEED.*

Fats are excellent sources of energy for poultry to compensate for lower feed intake. Fat is also more
digestible ingredient that generates less metabolic heat during digestion compared to starch. Fat has
also been shown to slow down feed passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore
increases nutrient utilization up to 5% or 10% oil can be used. Use about 10% soya oil in your
formulation and this will improves your production and size of your eggs because of the Linoleic acid
in soya oil.

Reduce the level of protein content in your layer diet during hot weather. Heat increment with
protein catabolism is more than that of carbohydrates and fat.

*F) TIME OF FEEDING*

Timing of feeding is an important factor in alleviating heat stress effects on feed intake and utilisation.
Therefore, the major part of the diet should be made accessible to the birds at times of relatively low
temperature ( early morning and late evening ). Broilers chickens appear to be more responsive to the
timing of feeding than laying hens. Feed should always be fresh and not stored for longer period.

*G) SUPPLEMENTS OF VITAMIN C* .

Vitamin C can reduce the negative consequences related to a rise in plasmatic corticosterone.
Corticosterone is the main hormone related to stress in poultry. Heat stress can cause up to five fold
increase in plasma concentrations of corticosteriods. Supplementing with Vitamin C limits the
increase of birds body temperature.

[9/28/2020, 8:12 PM] Poultry Tutor: *H) USE OF VITAMINS AND ELECTROLYTE* .

Use of Vitamins and Electrolytes supplements in drinking water to replenish the loss of sodium,
chloride, potassium and bicarbonate in the urine. The electrolyte supplements are best used in
anticipation of a rapid rise in environmental temperature.

I) *Avoid excessive activity during the hottest part of the day.*

The hot weather is a great stress on the birds, so avoid bothering and disturbing the birds during
periods of peak heat. Adjust work schedules and lightning programs so that routine work is done
early in the morning or night. Management practices that require bird handling, such as beak
trimming, transfer and vaccination should be done in the early morning hours.

*J) AVOID OVERCROWDING OF YOUR FLOCK .*

By reducing the number of birds in a poultry house, you are reducing the amount of body heat
produced which can be become critical during the hottest part of the day.

[9/28/2020, 8:14 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Now to Diseases*

[9/28/2020, 8:19 PM] Poultry Tutor: *SOME POULTRY DISEASES*

*CORYZA*

This is characterized by swollen heads and eyes and laboured breathing

*FOWL POX*

It is characterized by blackish growth on the comb and wattle.

It is caused by mosquitoes and flies biting the birds.

*NEWCASTLE DISEASE (NCD)*

The symptoms are usually, whitish, greenish diarrhea, twisted neck or running around in circles, which
is accomplished by high mortality rate, or maybe I should say greenish white diarrhoea

*MAREK*

Very controversial and deadly disease.

Mostly characterized by neck paralysis, together with wing and legs, renders poultry immobile

*COCCIDIOSIS*

The symptoms are brownish foamy poo at the early stage, that becomes bloody at late stage.
General weakness and downing of feathers.

*CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE (CRD)*

CRD is mostly characterized by noisy breathing, coughing, nasal discharge that may eventually
transform into Coryza

*INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS (IB)*

The major symptom includes, Coughing, gasping in young chicks, and sneezing

*INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE (IBD)*, also known as *GUMBORO* .

The symptom for this includes rapid drop in feed and water consumption, pasty vent, sticky whitish
poo, sleeping with beak touching the floor, sudden death etc

*SALMONELLA*

The symptom sometimes include, greenish yellow poo, general weakness, weight loss and sudden
death

*E .COLI*

This is characterized by runny brownish poo, general weakness, weight loss, and sudden death

*FOWL CHOLERA*

Symptoms include, ruffled feathers, sign of cold, white diarrhea, and greenish poo

*WORM INFESTATION*

Deworming is the getting rid or expelling of parasitic worms within the birds' system by giving the
birds anthelmintic drugs like a wormer or dewormer.
Symptoms include; decreased in feed consumption, emaciation, drop in egg production, the birds
sleep excessively, stained vent, a sharp protruding keel bone, vomiting, pale yolk colour, pale comb
and wattle, stretching of neck

[9/28/2020, 8:21 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Egg Peristalsis*

An egg within an egg also known as *“counter-peristalsis contraction”*, this is where a completely
formed egg (shell and all) is found within another (larger) completely formed egg. This uncommon
event is the product of an early release of a new yolk while an existing egg is still in the formation
process and has not yet been laid. When this happens, it causes a contraction which pushes the first
egg back up the oviduct to meet the prematurely released yolk and they travel back down together, to
be wrapped in albumin, membranes, and finally a shell that completely encloses them both.

[9/28/2020, 8:23 PM] Poultry Tutor: *IMPORTANT INDICES IN POULTRY PRODUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT*

[9/28/2020, 8:25 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Average daily feed consumption per bird*: This is the amount of
feed consumed by each bird per day. It is derived by first knowing total quantity of feed consumed in
kg. This is divided by the total population of birds available. Multiply this by 1000. This is the quantity
of feed consumed per bird in grams.

*Example*, if Prince farm feeds 20 bags of feed to their 5000 birds in a day, to get daily feed
consumption per bird, first convert number of bags into kg = 20×25 (note, 1 bag= 25kg) = 500kg.

Feed consumption per bird = (500/5000)×1000 = 100g/bird

[9/28/2020, 8:26 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Mortality%* : This is the percentage of birds that have been lost
so far. It is gotten by adding up the cumulative number of mortality so far, dividing this value by total
number of chicks / birds stocked in the poultry. This value is then multiplied by 100.

*Example*, if Prince Farm purchased 5000 DOCs and have lost 50 after 5 months, the mortality % is
(50÷5000) × 100 = 1%

[9/28/2020, 8:27 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Liveability*: This is the percentage of birds that have survived
thus far out of the originally stocked population.

Liveability = 100% - mortality %

*Example*, in Prince Farm above, liveability = 100% -1% =99%

[9/28/2020, 8:30 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Feed Conversion Ratio* : This is the ratio of efficiency with
which the bird's body converts feed into desired output (usually weight gained).

This is determined by dividing total feed consumed by the weight gained over same period. It is
particularly important in broilers and growers production.

*Example*, in Prince Farm, if the total feed consumed by each bird in week 4 is 800g and the weight
gained per bird in that week is 460g.

FCR = 800g/460g = 1.74%

*Note* that the lower the FCR, the better.

FCR is an important index in livestock production especially in broiler and pig production as well as
cattle/ram fattening programme.

Lower FCR means the animal used little feed to gain higher weight while on the other hand, higher
FCR means more feed consumed with little weight gain.

For profitability in livestock production, a more efficient feeding with quality feed that gives lower FCR
is required.

Factors that affect FCR:

Some of the factors that affects FCR includes;

*quality of feed (energy level, crude protein and micro nutrients)

*quality water supply (water is needed for proper digestion and absorption)

*integrity of the intestinal tract (nutrients absorption is sole duty of the intestinal tract)
*Disease (e.g coccidiosis outbreak in broiler farm usually increase FCR)

*Environmental factors (Stress) etc

[9/28/2020, 8:32 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Hen Day Egg Production (percentage production)* Also known
as rate of lay, this is a measure of the total number of eggs produced by a flock in a day divided by the
total number of birds in that flock in percentage.

*Example*, in Prince farm, if 5000 birds produce 4527 eggs (150 crates, 10 pieces, 17 cracks) in a day,
the Hen day production for that day = (no of eggs produced ÷ no of bird in flock) × 100

( 4527÷5000) × 100 = 91%.

[9/28/2020, 8:33 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Medication/Vaccination Program*....

[9/28/2020, 8:36 PM] Poultry Tutor: *AMO ISA BROWN VACCINATION PROGRAM; Same with
LOHMANN BROWN:*

Day 1: Milk + glucose

Day 2-6: Kenflox + vitamins

Day 7 : Vitamins

Day 8: Gumboro 1

Day 9: Vitamins

Day 10: Lasota 1

Day 11-12: Vitamins

Day 13: Debeaking

Day 14-15: Vitamins

Day 16: Gumboro 2

Day 17: Vitamins

Day 18: Lasota 2

Day 19: Vitamins

Day 20-21: Anticoccidiosis

Day 22: Marek vaccination

Week 4; Day 23-29: Vitamins

Week 5; Day 30-34: Antibiotics

Week 6; Day 35-36: Anticoccidiosis

Week 6; Day 38: Deworm and Delouse

Week 6; Day 40: ND + IB Live

Day 44: Komorov

Week 7; Day 51: Fowl pox (vaccine)

Week 11; Day 72: Antibiotics

Week 12; Day 79: Deworm and Delouse

Week 14; Day 93: ND + IB Live

Week 15; Day 100: ND + IB + EDS

Week 16; Day 107: Deworm and Delouse

[9/28/2020, 8:38 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Another Schedule*

Day 1 – Marek’s Disease (HVT + RISPENS + ND), Hitchner BI (Live, SC/IO) – the vaccine is brought
subcutaneously (it’s better to turn to specialists if you have no vet practice, especially in injections)

Day 5 - Immucox (Live via Oral)

Day 7 - Marek's - (Live ; HVI Freeze dried), SC/I.M

Day 8 - Beak trimming

Day 10 – Bursal disease

(infectious) – the vaccine is added

to the drinking water

Day 14 – Newcastle Bronchitis – the vaccine is added to the

drinking water

Day 18 – Bursal disease (infectious) – the vaccine is added to the drinking water

Week 6 - Newcastle Bronchitis – the vaccine is either added to the

drinking water or used as a spray

Week 8 – Fowlpox (Encephalomyelitis) – the vaccine is administered through a wing web

puncture

Week 9 - Deworming (Ivermectine) via Cancimecture Oral or Promectine

Week 10 - R2B (Live vaccine via I.M)

Week 14 - 15 – (ND + IB); Newcastle Bronchitis and Gumboro – the live vaccine is either added to the
drinking water or used as a spray into the eyes

Week 16 – Laryngotracheitis – the

vaccine is administered in the form

of a spray or eye drops

Week 16 - 17 – (ND + IB + EDS) Syndrome of Egg Drop – the vaccine is administered as an injection into
muscles via I.M/SC

Week 17 – Newcastle Disease (NDV Komarov) – the vaccine is

administered as an injection into

muscles

Week 17 – Coryza (infectious) – the

vaccine is added to the drinking

water

*NOTE;*

Vitamin to be given a day prior to and two days after each vaccination/deworming.

Neoceryl/Oxycare soluble powder and other Oxytetracycline based drugs can be used anytime from
the 20th day.

Avoid the use of Nitrofurans, Sulphonamides and other coccidiostats in feed or water throughout the
brooding and rearing periods.

Deworming to be done every three months after eighteen weeks.

[9/28/2020, 8:41 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Agricol Vaccination Record for Pullets :*

Day 1-4 halogentadox + five mix

Day 5 livercox
Day 6 five mix

Day 7 gumboro1

Day 8 five mix

Day 9 lasota1

Day 10 five mix

Day 11-13 Anticoccid A, provided that you did not give livercox vaccine at day 5.

Day 14 Debeaking + five mix

Day 15 five mix

Day 16 gumboro 2

Day 17 five mix

Day 18 lasota 2

Day 19-20 five mix

Day 21 Marex 2 + five mix

Day 22 -24 five mix

Day 25 - 29 Prococ + neodine

Day 30 - 35 water

Week 6.1 fowl pox vaccine + five mix

Week 6.4 ND + IB live

Week 6.5 five mix

Week 6.6 five mix

Week 7.4 komorov

Week 7.5 five mix

Week 7.6 five mix

Week 8.0 deworm + delouse

Week 8.1 deworm + delouse

Week 8.2 five mix

Week 9.0 - 9.4 five DHT + five

Week 12.1 Trimco + five mix

Week 15.2 ND + IB live

Week 15.3 five mix

Week 15.4 five mix

Week 16.1: ND + IB + EDS.

Week 16.2 five mix

Week 16.3 five mix

Week 16.4 deworm + delouse.

Week 16.5 five mix.

[9/28/2020, 8:45 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Layer Feed And Feeding Schedule*

1 - 4 weeks, 100 birds eat 6 bags of feed

5 - 8 weeks, 100 birds eat 10 bags of feed

9 - 16 weeks, 100 birds eat 16 bags of feeds

17 - 20 weeks, 100 birds eat 18 bags of feeds

Total = 50 bags for 100 birds

0 - 3 weeks - Broiler super starter

4 - 6 weeks - Chick mash

7 - 16 weeks - Grower

17 - 19 weeks - Pre-layer mash

20 - above - Layer mash

[9/28/2020, 8:46 PM] Poultry Tutor: *And Lastly on Pullet/Layer production is Feasibility study*

[9/28/2020, 8:52 PM] Poultry Tutor: *Feasibility study on how to raise 1000 pieces of Layers for Egg
production*

*NOTES:*

👉 Pullet DOC price used in this calculation is #350 and is not constant.
👉 The cost of medication depends on your management and the source of your birds, feed, water
among others.

👉 The weight of a ready made bag of feed is always 25kg.

👉 The type of feed product you are using will be part of what determine how healthy, productive your
birds will be.

👉 Cost of feed per bag depends on your location.

👉 Mortality percentage also depend on your management but average of 3-5% mortality is
recommended for good management practice.

👉 Price per create of egg vary depending on size and your location.

👉Management cost used in this calculation is not fixed but can still be moderate depending on how
you run the business. I will advice you to please be available on farm regularly or look for a trusted
person that can manage it well especially if you are a first time farmer.

*COST ESTIMATE FOR RAISING 1000 PIECES OF PULLET TILL THEY START GIVING 60% EGGS DAILY.*

* Cost of purchasing 1000pcs of Day old Pullet =#350,000

* Cost of Medication and Vaccination till 22wks = #100,000

* Management Cost for the 1st 22wks = # 75,000

*COST OF FEEDING*

A layers will consume average of 12kg till they are 22wks.

Out of of the 12kg of feed to be consume per bird for the period of 22wks.

500g of super starter from week 1 - 3

700g of chick mash from week 4 - 6

8.8kg of grower feed type from week 7 - 18

2kg of layers mash from week 19 - 20

* 0.5kg/birds X 1000 birds = 500kg ÷ 25kg (per bag)=20bags X #4,500 = #90,000

* 0.7kg/bird X 1000 birds = 700kg ÷ 25kg(per bag) = 28bags X 3,700 = #103,600

* 8.8 kg/birds X 1000birds = 8800kg ÷ 25kg (per bag)= 352bags X #3,350= #1,179,200

* 2kg/birds X 1000birds = 2000kg ÷ 25kg (per bag)= 80bags X #3,500= #280,000

*Total cost of feeding;*

20bags super starter @#4,500 = #90,000

28 bags of chick mash @3,700 = #103,600

352 bags of grower mash @3,350 = #1,179,200

80 bags of layer mash @3,500 =#280,000

*Total cost of feeding= #1,652,800*

*SUMMARY*

* DAY OLD COST= #350,000

* MEDICATION/VACCINATION =#100,000

* MANAGEMENT= #75,000

* COST OF FEEDING = #1,652,800

TOTAL=#2,177,800

EXPECTED INCOME PER MONTH.

* 1ST MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 65% production at this stage after 22wks of raising the birds)

1000 birds x 65%= 650 pcs of eggs ÷ 30 = 21.6 crate per day x 30days = 650 crate per month.

650crate x #800 (medium size egg)=#520,000

Cost of feeding for the 1st month= 132bags x #3,500=#462,000

1st month expenses

Feeding= #462,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #482,000

1st month Profit = #38,000

2ND MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 75% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 75%= 750 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 25 crate per day x 30days = 750 crate per month.

750crate x #850 (medium size egg) =#637,500

Cost of feeding for the 2nd month= 132bags x #3,500=#462,000

2nd month expenses

Feeding= #462,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #482,000

2nd month Profit = #155,500

3RD MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 80% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 80%= 800 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 26.66 crate per day x 30days = #800 crate per month.

800crate x #870 (medium size egg)=#696,000

Cost of feeding for the 3rd month= 132bags x #3,500=#462,000

3rd month expenses

Feeding= #462,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #482,000

3rd month Profit = #214,000

4TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 85% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 85% = 850 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 28.3 crate per day x 30days = 850 crate per month.

850crate x #900 (medium size egg)= #765,000

Cost of feeding for the 4th month = 132bags x #3,500= #462,000

4th month expenses

Feeding= #462,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #482,000

4th month Profit = #283,000

5TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 85% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 85%= 850 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 28.3 crate per day x 30days = 850 crate per month.

850crate x #920 (medium size egg)= #782,000

Cost of feeding for the 5th month= 132bags x #3,500=#462,000

5th month expenses

Feeding= #462,000

Management= #20,000
Total expenses = #482,000

5th month Profit = #300,000

6TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 90% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 90%= 900 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 30 crate per day x 30days = 850 crate per month.

900crate x #950 (medium size egg)= #855,000

Cost of feeding for the 6th month= 138bags x #3,500 =#483,000

6th month expenses

Feeding= #483,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #503,000

6th month Profit = #352,000

7TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 90% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 90%= 900 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 30 crate per day x 30days = 850 crate per month.
900crate x #950 (medium size egg)=#855,000

Cost of feeding for the 7th month= 138bags x #3,500=#483,000

7th month expenses

Feeding= #483,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #503,000

7th month Profit = #352,000

8TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 83% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 83%= 830 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 27.6 crate per day x 30days = 830 crate per month.

830crate x #950 (medium size egg)= #788,500

Cost of feeding for the 8th month= 138bags x #3,500= #483,000

8th month expenses

Feeding= #483,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #503,000

8th month Profit = #285,500

9TH MONTH PRODUCTION ( assume 75% production at this stage)

1000 birds x 78%= 780 pcs of eggs ÷ 30= 26crate per day x 30days = 780 crate per month.

780crate x #950 (medium size egg)= #741,000

Cost of feeding for the 9th month= 138bags x #3,500=#483,000

9th month expenses

Feeding= #483,000

Management= #20,000

Total expenses = #503,000

9th month Profit = #238,000

And that's how it goes till the production reduce to about 60% before you dispose them because at
this point, they will only produce their cost of feeding without profit.

You sell old or spent layers at an average price of #1,300 depending on the time you are disposing
them.

:. Assume 10% mortality if not well managed from day old

1000 birds x 10% = 100

:. 1000 - 100 = 900 remaining birds to sell

900 birds at #1,300 each = #1,170,000

*I will advise you buy extra 50/100 day old chicks to cover for mortality in the course of the rearing
period*

[9/28/2020, 8:54 PM] Poultry Tutor: *THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, WE WILL CONTINUE THE LAST STAGE
OF THE TRAINING WITH TURKEY PRODUCTION ON 1ST OF OCTOBER, 2020.*