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 begin the rearing phase. This stage is critical as it directly affects the health, constitution, and future egg production performance of the hens once they mature sexually. Therefore, it's essential to raise high-yield layer chickens that meet breed standards. The key lies in proper rearing and management practices during this period.
First, ensuring a clean and safe environment is crucial. Many diseases on egg farms are transmitted horizontally, so thorough disinfection of the chicken house, surrounding areas, and even the birds themselves can significantly reduce disease spread. Specific steps include: cleaning the house two weeks before the first batch of chicks arrive, then using disinfectants like 100 poison or Aidi Fu. Formalin and potassium permanganate can be used for fumigation (30 ml formalin + 15 g potassium permanganate), sealed for 1–2 days, with attention to temperature and humidity. One day before introducing the chickens, spray with chlorine or iodine-based disinfectants, and use a 1%–2% caustic soda solution for ground disinfection. After the chickens are in, disinfect 1–2 times per week, alternating between different disinfectants to prevent resistance. During peak disease seasons, disinfect daily, which also helps in cooling the house during hot summers.
Second, feeding must be tailored based on the flock’s weight and condition. Adjusting feed formulas according to the growth patterns of broilers ensures optimal body weight. For example, if chicks are underweight at the end of the brooding period due to stress from immunization or environmental factors, specific nutritional strategies should be applied. Initially, continue feeding them with high-nutrient feed to help them reach target weights quickly, then gradually switch to lower-nutrient feeds. Recommended nutrient levels at this stage are 18–19% crude protein and 11.50–12.13 MJ/kg of metabolizable energy. For chickens that are already close to standard weight, careful monitoring and gradual feed reduction help avoid overfeeding and maintain uniformity.
Third, group management plays a vital role in improving flock uniformity. By dividing the flock into groups based on weight, weeding out underweight or overweight chickens allows for targeted feeding. Overweight birds may need restricted feeding, while underweight ones benefit from higher-protein diets to catch up. Regular weighing every two weeks ensures timely adjustments, preventing issues like low weight at maturity or excessive fat accumulation, both of which can affect future egg production.
Fourth, light management is essential for controlling the timing of sexual maturity. Maintaining consistent light intensity (around 5 lux) and avoiding unnecessary increases in light duration helps regulate the maturation process. In closed houses, lighting schedules can be fully controlled, while in open or semi-open systems, a constant or decreasing light program is recommended depending on the hatching time.
In summary, to fully realize the genetic potential of laying hens and achieve high productivity and economic returns, it's necessary to provide balanced nutrition and effective management practices throughout their growth and physiological development. Proper care during the rearing phase sets the foundation for long-term success in egg production.