The success of a poultry operation dedicated to the production of eggs begins long before the first hen lays an egg, it lies in the meticulous and strategic management of laying pullets from the first day of their life. This critical period, which covers from birth to the onset of laying, lays the foundations for the health, development and, ultimately, the profitability of the lot, proper management not only optimizes the genetic potential of the birds, but also minimizes health and behavioral problems, ensuring an efficient and sustainable egg production.
The arrival of the day-old pullets is a time of high vulnerability for the birds and of maximum attention for the producer, the preparation of the shed is essential to ensure a cozy and stress-free environment. To prepare the shed the following aspects have to be taken into account:
- Cleaning and Disinfection: The shed must be completely cleaned and disinfected at least one week in advance, this includes the removal of all organic material, pressure washing and application of approved disinfectants, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Bed: A bed of absorbent and dry material (wood shavings, rice husk, etc.) at least 5-10 cm deep is essential, it should be evenly distributed to provide insulation and comfort.
- Heating: Newborn chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, it is imperative to preheat the shed to a temperature of 32-34°C at least 24 hours before their arrival. Heat sources such as light bulbs should be installed and the ideal relative humidity is 60-70% to avoid dehydration.
- Drinkers and Feeders: they must be clean and full before the arrival of the birds, nipple or bell drinkers with easy access and adjustable height are recommended, for the first days, it is advisable to supplement with tray or paper feeders to facilitate access to food.
- Water and Food: the water should be fresh, clean and at a pleasant temperature. electrolytes or water-soluble vitamins can be added during the first few hours to help the chicks recover from the stress of transportation. The initial feed should be a high-quality pre-starter, formulated specifically for laying pullets, with a high protein and energy content.
- Handling on Arrival: Once the pullets are released into the shed, it is crucial to observe their behavior. If they are evenly dispersed, it means that the temperature is suitable. If they cluster under the heat source, it is cold; if they move away, it is hot. Immediate access to water and food is vital to rehydrate them and provide them with energy.
Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of the development of strong and productive pullets, the feeding program is typically divided into phases: pre-start (0-3 weeks), the Feed with high protein content (20-22%) and energy for rapid initial growth, start (3-6 weeks), slightly less protein (18-20%), maintaining energy for sustained growth, growth (6-12 weeks), gradual reduction of protein (16-18%) and energy, focusing on skeletal and muscular development without depositing excessive fat, development/Pre-posture (12 weeks up to 5% posture), additional reduction of protein (15-16%) and energy, with an emphasis on minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for bone formation and preparation for egg production, calcium is usually slightly increased at this stage.
The food must be available constantly, the height of the feeders must be adjusted as the birds grow to avoid waste and facilitate access and the water that is an important nutrient, must be fresh, clean and accessible at all times, an inadequate supply of water can have a more negative impact than a food deficiency, the feeders must be cleaned daily to avoid the accumulation of biofilm and bacteria.
Dear readers this is only one part of the management of laying chicks, the management of laying chicks is a challenge that combines knowledge, observation and constant attention to detail, By investing time and resources in an exceptional management of the pullets, producers not only ensure the health and welfare of their birds, but also guarantee the maximum expression of their genetic potential, translating into a consistent, efficient and profitable egg production in the long term.
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| Bibliographic references |
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- Gonzalez, W. (1990) Animal nutrition. Editorial America. Caracas: Venezuela.
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