Archive for the 'Poultry' Category
Diet formulation and feeding management are now critical aspects of growing pullets to the onset of sexual maturity. Age at maturity is advancing by around one day per year, and this is especially true for many strains of brown egg pullets. The traditional concern with early maturity has been too many small eggs. There seems little doubt that bodyweight and perhaps body composition at this time are the major factors influencing egg size both at maturity and throughout the remainder of the laying period. Bodyweight is the main factor controlling early egg size.
One of the most important concepts today in pullet feeding is to schedule diets according to bodyweight and condition of the flock rather than according to age. For example, traditional systems involve feeding starter diets for about six weeks, followed by grower and then developer diets.
April 26 2008 | Poultry | No Comments »
In the breeder facilities, there is the choice of using the breeder hen diet for all birds, or a separate diet specifically formulated for male. Such male diets will usually be much lower in crude protein, amino acids and calcium compared to the breeder hen diet. The advantage of a separate male diet is that it more closely meets the male’s nutrient requirements and allows for a slightly more generous feeding allowance. The protein and amino acid needs of the mature male are very low, being in the range of 10% crude protein.
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April 24 2008 | Poultry | No Comments »
Adult breeder hens must be continued on some type of restricted feeding program. After 22 weeks of age, regardless of rearing program, all birds should be fed daily. Because energy intake is the major factor controlling egg production, then it is critical that feed intake be adjusted according to energy density of the diet. Protein and amino acid needs of the breeder hen have not been clearly established. In general, most breeder flocks will be overfed rather than underfed crude protein because it is difficult to justify much more than 23 – 25 g of protein per day. With a feed intake of 150 g daily, this means a protein need of only 15% of the diet. Peak feed is usually given anywhere from 30 to 60% egg production. If flocks are very uniform in weight, it is possible to peak feed at 30 – 40%. However, with poorer uniformity (<80% +- 15%), then peak allowance should not be given until 60% egg production or even later. Such so-called lead feeding programs are also influenced by management skills. Where there is good management with precise and an even feed distribution system, then peak feed can occur earlier than normal.
April 23 2008 | Poultry | No Comments »
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