Technical Measures for Raising Eggs for Breeding Chickens
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When the chicks reach 7 weeks of age, they are moved to the breeding house and enter the rearing phase. This stage is critical because it directly influences the health, growth, and future egg production of the hens once they mature sexually. To ensure high-yield performance, it's essential to breed layer chickens that meet breed standards. The key to success lies in proper management and care during this period.
First, maintaining a clean and safe environment is crucial. Many diseases on egg farms spread through horizontal transmission, so thorough disinfection of the chicken house, surrounding areas, and even the birds themselves is vital. Effective measures include: cleaning the house two weeks before introducing new chicks, using 100 poison or Aidi Fu for disinfection. Then, fumigating with formalin and potassium permanganate (30ml + 15g) for 1–2 days, ensuring proper temperature and humidity for better results. One day before bringing in the chicks, spray the area with chlorine or iodine-based disinfectants. Disinfect the ground with a 1%–2% caustic soda solution. Afterward, continue disinfecting 1–2 times per week, alternating between different products to prevent resistance. During peak disease seasons, disinfect daily, which also helps cool the chickens during hot summer months.
Second, feed formulation must be adjusted based on the flock’s weight and condition. Proper nutrition ensures optimal growth and development. For example, if chicks haven’t reached their target weight by 12 weeks, continue feeding them high-nutrient feed until they do. Then gradually reduce the nutrient concentration to reach the ideal sexual maturity weight. The recommended diet at this stage is 18%–19% crude protein and 11.50–12.13 MJ/kg metabolizable energy. For chickens that are already close to standard weight, monitor closely and adjust feed to avoid overfeeding. The ideal nutrient levels here are 15%–16% crude protein and 11.75–12.13 MJ/kg metabolizable energy. With modern breeds maturing earlier and having lower feed intake, managing feed restrictions is less critical than ensuring balanced nutrition.
Third, group management plays a key role in improving uniformity. Sorting chicks into groups based on weight helps reduce the number of underweight or overweight birds, minimizes feed waste, and lowers mortality. Studies show that even a small increase in uniformity can significantly boost egg production. Weighing 10% of the flock every two weeks allows for timely adjustments. Overweight birds should have restricted feed, while underweight ones need higher-protein diets to catch up. This approach ensures all birds develop evenly and reach peak egg production on time.
Fourth, light management is essential for controlling the timing of sexual maturity. Light intensity should be kept around 5 lux to save energy and prevent issues like feather pecking. In closed houses, lighting can be fully controlled, while in open or semi-open systems, a consistent or decreasing light schedule is recommended based on the flock’s age.
In conclusion, to maximize the genetic potential of laying hens, ensure high productivity, and achieve good economic returns, it's important to provide appropriate nutrition and effective management practices tailored to the hens’ growth stages and physiological needs. Proper care during the rearing phase lays the foundation for long-term success in egg production.