PHOTO: VLADIMIR SALMAN
NUTRITION ▶▶▶
Early feeding for layer chicks
Animal nutrition is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to productivity management, and we have seen great genetic progress in recent years. Layers are no exception, showing increased egg production and excellent production persistence.
BY MARTIN AUDIFFRED, WISIUM T
o reach high production and persistence, it is cru- cial to improve feed efficiency with an optimum nutrition programme, especially in the early stages. Several genetic companies make recommendations
for the nutrition and feeding of their pullets, showing some variations in the level of protein, amino acids, energy, etc. Therefore, it is important to bear the pullets’ growth pattern in mind during breeding.
From 0 to 6 weeks This period is characterised by the development of the chick’s digestive and immune systems. We find that during the first few days, most of the nutrients are directed towards the development of organs (small intestine, large intestine, liver, kidney, heart, etc.). At this stage, the protein level (amino ac- ids) is very important, while the energy level is not as critical.
Early protein feeding increases muscle potential (satellite cell recruitment). It should be noted that during the postnatal period satellite cells provide the myonuclear bases for skele- tal muscle growth and they decrease as time goes by.
From 6 to 12 weeks This period is characterised by the growth of bones, muscles and feathers. After this stage, 95% of the skeleton is already developed and the protein intake still has an impact on bodyweight. By 12 weeks of age, the protein level is not that crucial whereas the energy intake is key, and any deficiency will impact weight gain.
From 15 to 18 weeks In this period, the reproductive organs (oviduct) are growing, as well as the medullary bone which is used as a calcium deposit for shell formation. In this period too, protein and mineral (calcium) intake will play a fundamental role in the development of these structures. Changes in bodyweight and body composition throughout the animal’s lifespan are most important as this parameter closely correlates with sexual maturity. Although we have always sought to meet the bodyweight goals at each stage of the animal’s life, the uniformity of the flock is also important since this indicates how homoge- neously the flock is developing. Uniformity is calculated by
Figure 1 – Effect of stocking density on growth rate 80% of birds -10% +10%
The goal for a good flock uni- formity is for breeding: 85%
to 90% and pos- ture: 70% to 80%.
32 μ-20 μ-0 μ Average μ+0 μ-20
▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 5, 2022
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
