Management Guide PARENT STOCK BROWN

Transcription

1 2014 Management Guide PARENT STOCK BROWN

2 USE OF THE MANAGEMENT GUIDE The genetic potential of Hy-Line Brown Parent Stock can only be realized if good poultry husbandry practices and management are used. This management guide outlines successful flock management programs for Hy-Line Variety Brown Parent Stock based on field experience compiled by Hy-Line International and using an extensive parent flock database of Hy-Line flocks from all parts of the world. Hy-Line International management recommendations and principles taken from industry technical literature are available in the Hy-Line Red Book, an Online Management Guide, which is found at Hy-Line International Management Guides are periodically updated as new performance data and/or nutrition information become available. The information and suggestions contained in this management guide should be used for guidance and educational purposes only, recognizing that local environmental and disease conditions may vary and a guide cannot cover all possible circumstances. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information presented is accurate and reliable at the time of publication, Hy-Line International cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in such information or management suggestions. Further, Hy-Line International does not warrant or make any representations or guarantees regarding the use, validity, accuracy, or reliability of, or flock performance or productivity resulting from the use of, or otherwise respecting, such information or management suggestions. In no event shall Hy-Line International be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or special damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use of the information or management suggestions contained in this management guide. TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of Performance Standards...1 Transportation to Breeder Farm...2 Brooding Period General Considerations...2 Brooding Recommendations...3 Floor Brooding in Rings...4 Partial House Brooding...5 Cage Brooding...6 Lighting During Brooding Period...7 Drinking Systems...7 Beak Treatment / Trimming...8 Breeder Growth and Development...9 Growing Body Weights, Feed Consumption and Uniformity...10 Space Guidelines...10 Hy-Line Brown Male Management...11 Cage Systems Management...12 Floor Systems Management...13 A Day in the Life of a Hy-Line Brown Breeder Hen...14 All-Slat Breeder Houses...14 Perches...15 Good Lighting Practices...16 Light Program for Light-Controlled Housing...16 Customized Lighting Programs for Open-Sided Housing..17 Lighting Considerations...18 Use of Shades in Open-Sided Housing...18 Midnight Feeding / Lighting Program Management Events for Breeders Hatching Egg Care...22 Fertility Check...22 Incubation and Hatching...23 Color Sexing Hy-Line Brown Commercial Layer Chicks...23 Phase Feeding to Meet the Hen s Nutritional Needs...24 Growing Period Nutritional Recommendations...25 Transition Period from Grow to Peak Egg Production...26 Production Period Nutritional Recommendations...27 Dietary Nutrient Concentrations for Production Period...28 Feed / Calcium Particle Size Vitamins and Trace Minerals...30 Air Quality...30 Water Consumption...30 Water Quality...31 Disease Control...32 Vaccination Recommendations Performance Standards Performance Standards Graphs Feed Ingredient Tables

3 Summary of Performance Standards Female Livability, 1 17 Weeks Female Livability, Weeks Male Livability, 1 17 Weeks Male Livability, Weeks Age at 50% Production Peak Percent Hen-Day Production (age) 95% 90% 90% 89% 147 Days 92 97% (25 Wks) Number of Hen-Day Eggs, Weeks Number of Hen-Housed Eggs, Weeks Number of Settable Hen-Housed Eggs, Weeks 277 Number of Female Chicks Produced, Weeks 110 Average Number of Female Chicks / Week, Weeks 2.0 Average Percent Hatchability, Weeks 78% Female Body Weight, 17 Weeks Female Body Weight, 40 Weeks (mature) Male Body Weight, 17 Weeks Male Body Weight, 40 Weeks (mature) kg kg kg kg Number of Males / 100 Females 8 Feed Consumption Per Bird Housed, 1 17 Weeks (cumulative) Feed Consumption Per Bird Housed, Weeks (average daily total of males and females) Feed Consumption Per Dozen Hatching Eggs, Weeks 5.97 kg g 1.68 kg Performance Summary data is based on results obtained from customers around the world. Please send your results to info@hyline.com. An easy to use record-keeping program, Hy-Line International EggCel, can be found at JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 1

4 Transportation to Breeder Farm Transportation Use truck designed for transportation of chicks from hatchery to breeder farm Truck should be environmentally controlled, maintaining C at 70% relative humidity (measured inside chick box); minimum air flow of 0.7 m 3 per minute Provide space between stacks of chick boxes for air flow Due to transportation stress, it is important that receiving truck at airport as well as the brooder house have optimum environmental conditions Temperature recorders are placed in chick boxes during transport. It is important to return these recorders quickly to Hy-Line International for evaluation Chick Placement Unload boxes quickly and gently place chicks in brooding area Brood chicks in groups from similar aged breeder flocks Brood male and female chicks separately from 0 4 weeks (see Hy-Line Brown Male Management) Brooding Period General Considerations Brooding area should be environmentally controlled and properly sealed to eliminate all outside light All-in, all-out (single age) management provides best control for sanitation programs and disease prevention Brooder house should be completely cleaned and disinfected. Confirm effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection with environmental swabs Allow 2 weeks minimum downtime between flocks For more information on house preparation and brooding management, see 2 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

5 Brooding Recommendations Brood chicks in groups from similar aged breeder flocks Brood male and female chicks separately from 0 4 weeks Modify temperature as needed to meet chicks comfort needs Adjust brooding temperature according to relative humidity. Lower temperature can be used with higher relative humidity Establish proper house temperature and humidity 24 hours before chick placement; floor temperature should be 32 C Bright light (30 50 lux) during 0 7 days helps chicks quickly find feed and water and adapt to new environment After first week, reduce temperature weekly 2 3 C until reaching 21 C AGE 0 3 days CAGE C 4 7 days FLOOR C C 8 14 days LIGHT INTENSITY LIGHT HOURS lux 23 hours or Intermittent Program C lux 21 hours or Intermittent Program C C 25 lux 20 hours days C C 25 lux days C C days C 36+ days Relative humidity HATCHING 80% 19 hours 25 lux 18 hours C lux 17 hours 21 C 21 C lux 16 hours TRANSPORTATION TO FARM 70% CROP FILL GROWING 40% minimum Low humidity LAYING Reduces bird comfort 40% minimum Increases dehydration May result in pasty vents in chicks May increase agitation and possibility of pecking Adversely affects feather cover Increases dust BROODING PERIOD (0 7 days) 60% Excessive humidity May cause wet litter Increases ammonia Causes poor air quality ARE THE CHICKS EATING? Hours after chick placement Chicks with feed in crop 6 75% 12 85% % Chick with starter feed in crop Chick without starter feed in crop JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 3

6 Floor Brooding in Rings BROODING TEMPERATURE 60% relative humidity Chick comfort zone BROODER Chick comfort zone 35 C (edge of brooder) 1 m 33 C 2 m 30 C CORRECT Chicks evenly distributed in brooding area, active and sounding content HOT Chicks spread out, lethargic; appear sleeping 4 m 27 C 5 m diameter (area = 19.6 m 2 ) BROODER RING DESIGN COLD Chicks gathered into groups sounding distressed UNEVEN VENTILATION Chicks avoiding drafts, noise or uneven light distribution; congregating in one part of brooding area Supplemental chick drinkers Drinking water should be tested for quality and cleanliness from source and end of water line Flush water lines daily, starting day prior to chick arrival Clean supplemental chick drinkers frequently to avoid build-up of organic matter that could encourage bacterial growth Water temperature should be C after flushing 80 chicks / drinker (25 cm diameter) Number of drinkers required depends on drinker size Chicks should not have to move more than 1 meter to find water Use vitamins and electrolytes in chicks water (avoid sugar-based products to prevent growth of microorganisms) Paper Cover entire floor of brooder ring with paper Put starter feed on paper for 0 3 days Remove paper before 14 days Litter should not be more than 10 cm deep Automatic feeders Automatic drinkers BROODER Tray feeders 80 chicks / feeder Use good quality crumble starter feed consisting of uniform 1 2 mm particles Tray feeders 5 m diameter (area = 19.6 m 2 ) Supplemental chick drinkers Management Enlarge brooder rings at 3 days to increase group size Continue enlarging brooder rings until rings are removed by 14 days Gradually remove supplemental drinkers and tray feeders beginning at 3 days 4 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

7 Partial House Brooding (A section of growing house is partitioned and used for brooding) Automatic drinkers Paper over slat or litter floor Automatic feeders 60 cm high barrier Tray feeders 80 chicks / feeder Supplemental chick drinkers 80 chicks / 25 cm diameter drinker 1000 chicks drawing not to scale Curtain Partial house brooding provides uniform temperature to chicks CORRECT Chicks evenly distributed in brooding area, active and sounding content HOT Chicks spread out, lethargic; appear sleeping COLD Chicks gathered into groups sounding distressed UNEVEN VENTILATION Chicks avoiding drafts, noise or uneven light distribution; congregating in one part of brooding area JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 5

8 Cage Brooding Place feed on cage paper 0 3 days to encourage consumption Place feed in front of permanent feeder to train chicks to move towards feeders Fill automatic feed line to its highest level and adjust chick guards Remove paper by 14 days of age to avoid build-up of feces Rearing cage should be constructed of 2 mm diameter wire with spacing between wires to provide maximum cell size of 18 mm x 18 mm Cage floors should not be slippery or sloped Growing cage height should be minimum of 48 cm. If too low, males may experience leg problems and keel bone pressure sores Start chicks in upper tiered cages which are usually warmer and brighter Paper over wire cage floor or plastic floor mat insert for 0-10 days Perch Nipple drinkers with splash cups Fiber trays for cocci vaccine recycling for 0-21 days Chick guard Automatic feeder Place feed on paper near automatic feeder to train chicks Automatic feeder 6 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

9 Lighting During Brooding Period Chicks should have 23 hours of light / 1 hour of dark for days 0 3 and 21 hours of light for days 4 7 to help chicks find feed and water. An intermittent light program for chicks is a good alternative (see below) Do not use 24 hours of light Bright light (30 50 lux) during 0 7 days helps chicks quickly find feed and water and adapt to new environment After first week, begin slow step-down lighting program (see Light-Controlled Houses) INTERMITTENT LIGHTING PROGRAM 2 hours 4 hours 4 hours 2 hours 2 hours 4 hours 4 hours 2 hours Optional lighting technique Use from 0 7 days Intermittent dark periods provide rest periods for chicks Synchronizes chicks activities and feedings Establishes more natural behavior of rest and activity May improve 7 day livability May improve antibody response from vaccinations Some dark periods may be shortened or removed to accommodate work schedules Drinking Systems Drinking water should be tested for quality and cleanliness from source and end of water line Flush water lines daily during the brooding period, starting day prior to chick arrival. Flush water lines weekly during growing and production periods Water temperature should be C after flushing Nipple drinkers should deliver minimum 70 ml per minute / nipple Cup drinkers Nipple drinkers Cup level with chick s back Nipple level with chick s head 360 Cup drinkers should be manually filled during 0 3 days to train chicks to drink Adjust nipple water system pressure to create hanging drop to help chicks find water for 0 3 days Splash cups useful during brooding period and in hot climates 360 activated nipples make drinking easy for chicks 360 activated nipples essential for hatchery beaktreated chicks JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 7

10 Beak Treatment / Trimming (Check local regulations concerning use of beak trimming) Hy-Line Brown parent female is most successfully beak trimmed at hatch by infrared beak treatment or between 7 10 days of age Hy-Line Brown male should preferably not be beak trimmed. If treatment is required, beak treat in hatchery or lightly tip at 7 10 days of age If necessary, females should be re-trimmed at 6 weeks or weeks of age. Second beak trim is recommended in open-sided housing Beak treatment or beak trimming reduces feed wastage and leaves beak less damaging to other birds HATCHERY INFRARED BEAK TREATMENT Provides efficient, uniform beak treatment Beak remains intact until days of age when treated portion separates Use only 360 activated nipples for beak-treated chicks, as well as supplemental chick drinkers PRECISION BEAK TRIMMING Cauterize beak for 2 seconds When cauterizing blade is not hot enough or cauterization time is <2 seconds, beak will continue to grow unevenly If cauterizing blade is too hot or cauterization time is >2 seconds, sensitive neuromas may form Use pyrometer to measure blade temperature which should be approximately 595 C Cauterizing blade color may be used as approximate indicator of temperature < 595 C 595 C > 595 C Blade temperature variation of up to 40 C is common due to external influences and cannot be detected by the human eye Use template with guide plate holes for precision beak trim of different size chicks Check that beaks have been properly and evenly trimmed Properly Trimmed Beaks Cauterizing blade (595ºC, cherry red color) Guide holes correspond to different size and age of chicks 4.00 mm 4.37 mm 4.75 mm Template with guide holes Photo courtesy of Lyon Technologies, Inc. Observe these precautions when beak trimming Do not beak-trim sick birds Do not hurry Provide vitamins and electrolytes containing vitamin K in drinking water 2 days before and 2 days after beak trimming Keep feed at highest level for several days after beak trimming Use only well-trained crews Use 360 activated nipples Handle chicks carefully 8 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

11 Breeder Growth and Development Focus on pullet rearing programs to optimize growth and development A pullet flock entering into egg production at correct body weight (females g) with uniformity higher than 90% performs best in production period Chicks body weight should double between arrival and 7 days of age It is important to achieve 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 week body weight targets to ensure optimum development of bird s body If possible, exceed pullet body weight standards Change growing diets only when recommended body weights are attained. Suggested ages are guide if target weights are achieved. See 1 week 3 weeks 6 weeks 12 weeks 18 weeks 24 weeks 30 weeks SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT WEEKS OF AGE st 2nd 3rd MOLT MOLT MOLT Immune & Digestive Systems Cortical Bone / Skeletal Growth Muscles Ovary Reproductive Tract Fat Cells Frame developed Onset of sexual maturity reddening of comb and wattles Medullary Bone Physical maturity Body weight (g) Approximate weekly weight gain (g) WEEKS OF AGE 25 0 IDEAL BREAST MUSCLE SCORE Importance of Muscle Development Muscle contains glycogen, source of energy during egg production Layers with good muscle development are better able to sustain high egg production Perches are important for muscle development BREAST MUSCLE SCORING JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 9

12 Growing Body Weights, Feed Consumption and Uniformity AGE (weeks) FEMALE WEIGHT (g) MALE WEIGHT (g) FEED INTAKE (g / day per bird) UNIFORMITY Floor Cage >85% >85% >65% >65% >70% >75% >80% >85% >88% >90% Weigh birds separately after 3 weeks using a digital scale that calculates uniformity 3-week old pullets from same flock with very different development shows importance of monitoring flock body weight uniformity Space Guidelines (check local regulations) WEEKS OF AGE BREEDER COLONY CAGES Floor Space 200 cm 2 (50 birds / m 2 ) 400 cm 2 (25 birds / m 2 ) 750 cm 2 (13 birds / m 2 ) Nipple 1 / 12 birds 1 / 8 birds 1 / 10 birds Feeders 5 cm / bird 9 cm / bird 12 cm / bird SLATS / LITTER Floor Space 700 cm 2 (14 birds / m 2 ) 1000 cm 2 (10 birds / m 2 ) 1000 cm 2 (10 birds / m 2 ) Nipple / Cup Drinkers 1 / 15 birds 1 / 15 birds 1 / 12 birds Feeders 5 cm / bird 5 cm / bird or 1 pan / 50 birds 12 cm / bird Perches 8 cm / bird 12 cm / bird 3 17 WEEKS OF AGE Requirements vary with type of equipment used and environmental conditions 10 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

13 Hy-Line Brown Male Management 18-week body weight is kg Adult body weight is kg (40 weeks of age) Hy-Line Brown male should preferably not be beak trimmed. If treatment is required, beak treat in hatchery or lightly tip at 7 10 days of age Achieving male target body weights during grow is critical for optimum mating behavior and fertility Males and females should receive same feed and lighting schedule Male and female breeders should reach sexual maturity at approximately same time Males and females must be co-mingled during growing period to become socialized and avoid mating problems as adults 0 4 weeks grow males separately to improve male body weight gain At 5 weeks, mix males and females. In cages, mix 3 4 females into each male cage Keep extra males in separate pen; do not mix extra males with females Continue culling males as needed during production Maintain mating ratio of 8 males for every 100 females throughout production in floor and cage systems Too many males results in more fighting, less mating activity, disruption of social groups and lower fertility Red vent is indicative of a working Hy-Line Brown male MALE EVALUATION - A BEAUTY CONTEST Tall, masculine appearance with full red comb Evaluate males at 10 weeks and at transfer Cull roosters with Lameness Less than 200 g below target body weight Curled toes Foot pad lesions Hackled feathers Poor beaks Low social ranking - Hide in nests - Feather pecked JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 11

14 Cage Systems Management (Use cage systems specifically designed for breeders) Advantages Cleaner hatching eggs Better control of enteric diseases (coccidiosis, Gumboro, internal parasites, Salmonella) More settable eggs Better feed efficiency; less feed waste More efficient use of breeder house space Lower labor costs Lower mortality Dry manure Disadvantages Higher capital investment Poor leg strength in cage-grown males Lower fertility may occur, especially with smaller colony cages TRANSFER Flock can be moved into production facility at weeks of age or after administration of last live vaccines Males may be moved a few days earlier to production house to give them more time to acclimate to their new environment It is important that growing and production breeder cages contain similar feed and water systems Any sex slips should be removed around 7 weeks and at transfer Supportive care to reduce stress such as water-soluble vitamins, probiotics and vitamin C should be used 3 days before and 3 days after transfer Light intensity should increase weekly for 2 weeks before flock is transferred to laying house, if possible Light hours of growing and laying houses should be matched at transfer BREEDER HOUSE A breeder cage designed for a colony size of 90 birds will usually have better fertility than those with smaller colony size. Smaller breeder cages with 2 or 3 males are subject to accelerated fertility loss as flock ages Breeder laying cages should provide 750 cm 2 of floor space per bird (13 birds / m 2 ) Cage height should be at least 48 cm in grow and 68 cm in production to avoid males hitting their heads on top of cage. Males striking their heads on top of cage will be reluctant to mate Males in cage systems should be dubbed to avoid being caught in cage wires If mortality exceeds 0.1% / week, then perform necropsies and other diagnostics to determine cause(s) of mortality Remove mortality daily CAUTION it is not advisable to grow breeders in cages and then transfer to a floor production system. Breeders handled in this way may experience displaced pecking behavior and poor nesting behaviors as adults. 12 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

15 Floor Systems Management GROWING PERIOD Grow birds on floor when they will be housed in floor systems for production Equip growing and production houses with similar feed and water systems Accustom birds to humans by walking through the house Walk through birds briskly at 2 hour intervals Growing house should have elevated bird walkways with feed and water stations Light intensity should increase weekly for 2 weeks before flock is transferred to production house, if possible Birds moving from light-controlled growing houses into open-sided houses should have higher light intensities the last 2 weeks of grow Light hours of growing and production house should be matched at transfer TRANSFER Flock can be moved into production facility at weeks of age or after administration of last live vaccines Place females on slats when moving to production house NEST TRAINING Starting day of arrival, open nest box curtains to encourage nest exploration Train females to use nests by frequent walks through house in morning for first 8 weeks after birds are moved to production house While walking, move birds away from resting areas, out of corners and toward nests First week of production, leave a few eggs in nest to encourage females to use nests Nests Nests should be dark, secluded, warm, and free of air drafts Nests should have perching area at entrance to allow examination by females Feed lines should not be directly in front of nests Turn nest lights on 1 hour before house lights are turned on to attract females False walls or partitions (perpendicular to nests and spaced every 5 7 m) may reduce overcrowding in nests Close nests at night Eliminate dark areas outside nest to discourage floor eggs Replace worn nest floor mats A good nest floor mat: Provides comfort for nesting female Cushions egg to prevent damage Keeps egg clean Separates dirt and feathers from egg surfaces Allows egg to roll easily to egg belt HOUSE MANAGEMENT Use <10 cm litter depth Litter deeper than 10 cm results in increased floor eggs Flocks housed in all-slat production houses should also be grown on slat or wire floors Use of deterrent wires on slats around house perimeter will discourage egg laying in corners or near walls. Place deterrent wires 5 cm away from wall of house and 10 cm above floor Deterrent wires should be activated as soon as birds are housed Solid perches above water and feed lines are preferred Feed and water lines should not block movement of females to nests Schedule feed lines to run as soon as birds are awake and again after most eggs have been laid Quickly remove floor eggs Be sure all floor eggs are removed before lights go out at night If mortality exceeds 0.1% / week, then perform necropsies and other diagnostics to determine cause(s) of mortality Remove mortality daily JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 13

16 A Day in the Life of a Hy-Line Brown Breeder Hen * Late feeding Provides calcium absorption while shell is being formed Encourages males and females to be active and mate 21 LIGHTS OFF 0 (24) Sleep 8 HOURS 3 Go to sleep Look for perches Mating activity Wake up Eat Drink Move to nest 18 Last feeding 1-2 hours before lights off * Peak egg laying period 6 15 Rest, socialize, eat, drink, express natural behaviors like dust bathing and preening 9 LIGHTS ON HOURS All-Slat Breeder Houses Feeder lines Colony nest boxes with automatic egg collection, approximately 70 birds / nest Lights 2 lines alternate position to distribute light evenly Water lines, nipple drinkers with 25 cm centers, elevated to level of birds heads Feed and water lines should not block movement of females to nest (i.e. drinker lines too low, feeder lines too high) 14 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

17 Perches Enrich birds environment and allow expression of normal behaviors Allow birds to fully develop leg and breast muscles Encourage jumping habits which increase bone strength and calcium content of bone and will be important in good nesting behavior Reduce social stress by providing safe resting sites Increase living space in house Allows birds to roost at night May reduce piling behavior in flocks Perch Design Place perches on slats to maintain good litter conditions Distance between perches of A-frame design should be 40 cm with a 45 slope Breeders should have access to perches by 3 weeks of age Avoid slippery perches Should be round or oval shaped for better gripping and comfort Should support bottom of foot If possible, use same perch style in grow and lay houses Don t use perches above water lines during grow if using deterrent over water line in production Made of plastic or metal Should be easy to clean and disinfect between flocks Seal cracks, crevices and open ends of pipes to reduce hiding areas of red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) BIRD DENSITY (birds / m 2 ) AVAILABLE PERCH SPACE PER BIRD (cm) Perch Dimensions PERCH EXAMPLES Wall perch Perch over feeder A-frame perch with slats A-frame perch Elevated platform JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 15

18 Good Lighting Practices In cage housing, measure minimum light intensity at feeder on bottom tier cages, mid-way between lights In floor housing, measure minimum light intensity at level of bird s head Keep light bulbs clean to prevent loss of light intensity Prevent dark areas caused by too much distance between lights or burned out light bulbs Be aware that shiny or white surfaces reflect light and increase light intensity Take local conditions into account which may require adaptations of lighting programs Light hours of growing and production houses should be matched at transfer Light stimulation period should extend into peaking period (achieve 16 hours of light at about 30 weeks) Light intensity should increase weekly for 2 weeks before flock is transferred to laying house Light Program for Light-Controlled Housing ( Breeders require slower step-down of light hours from 0 15 weeks to prevent early sexual maturity and to encourage Feed intake during grow to optimize growth and development Good uniformity Persistency of egg production Production of adequate size hatching eggs (50 g minimum) TIME OF DAY ½ 12 11½ 11 Light stimulation at Ideal Body Weight ( kg) Transfer flock to laying house Gradual light increases up to 30 weeks of age 10½ ½ 14 14¼ 14½ 14¾ 15 15¼ 15½ 15¾ HOURS OF LIGHT WEEKS OF AGE LIGHT SPECTRA Blue Green Red Orange LIGHT INTENSITY lux 25 lux lux 30 lux 16 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

19 Customized Lighting Programs for Open-Sided Housing ( To prevent early sexual development, the Hy-Line International Lighting program finds the longest natural day length between 15 and 18 weeks of age and constructs an artificial lighting program that holds day length constant with artificial lights from 15 to 18 weeks. Enter your address Enter variety/generation, location, housing style and hatch date Select language Click on Create Lighting Spreadsheet Results will appear Click on download Excel to access graphical forms, print and save results Same lighting program with sunrise and sunset represented by black lines and suggested artificial day length indicated by blue bars JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 17

20 Lighting Considerations FLOOR Light intensity in house should be brightest over feeding and resting areas and gradually decrease toward nests Avoid dark areas near feeding and resting areas to prevent floor eggs Litter/Scratch Slats Nests Slats Litter/Scratch CAGES Alternating height of lights improves light distribution to all cage levels Use of Shades in Open-Sided Housing Shades are an effective way to decrease light intensity in an open-sided house Keep shades clean and free of dust to allow air flow Use stir fans when using shades Avoid direct sunlight on birds by using shades or roof overhangs Black shades are preferred 18 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

21 Midnight Feeding / Lighting Program Optional lighting technique that promotes greater feed consumption Used whenever more feed intake is desired in growing or laying flocks Increases calcium absorption during night when most egg shell is formed Useful to increase feed intake during peak egg production Helps maintain feed consumption in hot climates Midnight feeding may increase feed intake 2 5 g / day per bird Good Practices Initiate program by turning lights on for 1 2 hours in middle of dark period Must be at least 3 hours of dark before and after midnight feeding Fill feeders before lights turned on Light provided during midnight feeding is in addition to regular day length (i.e. 16 hours) If midnight feeding is removed, it must be reduced gradually at rate of 15 minutes per week 16 hours 3 hours 3 hours START OF DAY END OF DAY Midnight Feeding or Dark Midnight Feeding 1 hour JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 19

22 Management Events for Breeders AGE 0 1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days 1 week 8 days 9 days 10 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 2 weeks 15 days 16 days 17 days 18 days 19 days 20 days 3 weeks 4 weeks 5 weeks 6 weeks 7 weeks 8 weeks FLOOR AND CAGE 24 hours before chicks arrive Pre-heat brooding house 7 10 days Precision beak trimming if not done in hatchery; check local regulations 2 weeks Floor paper removed by this time 3 weeks Add perches (floor) 5 weeks Males are mixed with females 7 13 weeks Remove sex-slips (off-sex) during vaccination handling 9 weeks 10 weeks 11 weeks 12 weeks 13 weeks 14 weeks 15 weeks 16 weeks 17 weeks 18 weeks 19 weeks 20 weeks 21 weeks 22 weeks 23 weeks 24 weeks 10 weeks Grade males weeks Corrective beak trim, if necessary weeks Transfer to lay house early to allow birds to become familiar with new environment Remove poor quality males; keep extra males separately Open nests and some nest curtains to start nest training (floor) 18 weeks Light stimulation when pullets reach kg body weight by 20 weeks Establish 8% males in each breeder cage or pen from 20 weeks Monitor egg weight every 2 weeks. Start controlling egg weight when average egg weight is within 2 g of target 22 weeks Fertility check 720 eggs weeks Start saving hatching eggs 25 weeks 20 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

23 Management Events for Breeders WEEKS OF AGE AGES OF BODY WEIGHT MEASUREMENTS Arrival Check body weights 0 3 weeks Bulk weigh 10 boxes of 10 chicks 4 29 weeks Weigh 100 birds individually every week If caged, weigh birds in same cages each time for best accuracy Calculate uniformity weeks Weigh 100 birds individually every 5 weeks If caged, weigh birds in same cages each time for best accuracy Calculate uniformity Over 50 weeks Weigh 100 birds individually every 10 weeks If caged, weigh birds in same cages each time for best accuracy Calculate uniformity Bird Handling BE GENTLE Proper handling of birds during body weight measurements, blood collection, selection, vaccination, and transfer will reduce bird stress and prevent injuries Hold birds by both legs or both wings Return birds to floor or cage gently do not drop Use experienced personnel that have been trained in proper procedures of bird handling CALCULATING UNIFORMITY Use individual bird weights Uniformity calculation tool available at When handling birds for body weights assess: Keel bone straightness and firmness Breast muscle score Body fat External parasites Clinical symptoms of disease AGES OF BLOOD COLLECTION 25 sera samples per flock for titer determination 8 weeks Assess early vaccination technique and disease exposure for IB, NDV, MG, MS, IBD 16 weeks or at transfer Verify flock is antibody positive for CAV and AE; if negative, revaccinate and retest until positive (do not use hatching eggs until flock is antibody positive) Assess possible change in disease exposure for IB, NDV, MG, MS 24 weeks Collect blood at least 4 weeks after final inactivated vaccination Useful to assess response to inactivated vaccine and/or disease challenge after transfer to lay farm for IB, NDV, MG, MS, IBD 75 AGES OF FERTILITY CHECKS JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 21

24 Hatching Egg Care Hy-Line Brown hatching eggs should weigh a minimum of 50 g from flock at least 22 weeks of age Smaller eggs from younger flocks may be used realizing that chick size and early livability will not be optimum Hatch profiles should be optimized based on egg size Hatching eggs should be gathered a minimum of twice daily and more frequently during extremely hot weather Eggs should be stored at C with relative humidity of 70-80% When necessary to save eggs longer than 10 days, store at 13 C with 70 80% humidity Best hatches result from eggs 3 7 days of age Store hatching eggs with air cell up Use only eggs laid in nests for hatching Do not use dirty, cracked or malformed eggs for hatching Hatching eggs should be sanitized using products specifically developed for this purpose It is extremely important that once eggs are cooled, they are stored at temperature that does not allow condensation (moisture forming on shell due to exposure to warm humid air) Truck taking hatching eggs from farm cooler to hatchery should be capable of keeping eggs cool to avoid condensation Unacceptable Hatching Eggs Fertility Check FRESH EGG BREAKOUT 72 HOUR INCUBATION FERTILITY CHECK Fertile Egg Blastoderm is always round (doughnut shaped), 4 5 mm Infertile Egg Blastodisc is not round with irregular edges, 2 3 mm Fertile Egg Blood vessels develop and embryo becomes visible Infertile Egg No development Fertility checks on fresh eggs can be done to identify cages with low fertility. Poor quality males should be removed and replaced with reserve males 22 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

25 Incubation and Hatching Pre-warm hatching eggs to achieve maximum chick yield and uniformity of hatch time Warm in room temperature of C and 55% humidity for 8 to 12 hours Provide adequate air movement in pre-warming area to reduce condensation and provide uniform temperature to all eggs In single-stage incubator use pre-warm setting Under normal conditions Hy-Line Brown eggs achieve optimum hatch in 21 days and 8 hours Egg age affects hatch time. Allow 1 additional hour of incubation for every day beyond 10 days of egg age Chick weight at hatch is directly related to weight of hatching egg, usually 66% of egg weight Eggs should be grouped in setter according to parent source flock. Maintain these groups so similar size chicks may be placed together in brooder house Color Sexing Hy-Line Brown Commercial Layer Chicks Sex of Hy-Line Brown commercial layer chick is determined on basis of down color Color sex chicks quickly after they are taken from hatcher before other processing Sexing errors should be less than 0.5% FEMALES Buffy-red color 2 or 4 red stripes on back (common) Red around eyes (rare) MALES All yellow with darker yellow down Red spot on top of head (few) Red stripe in middle of back (rare) JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 23

26 Phase Feeding to Meet the Hen s Nutritional Needs FEEDING PHASE (BODY WEIGHT OR PRODUCTION AT FEED CHANGE) HEN-DAY PRODUCTION (%) EGG WEIGHT (g) STARTER 1 (175 g ) STARTER 2 (440 g) GROWER (990 g) DEVELOPER (1230 g) PRE-LAY (1360 g) PEAKING (First egg to peak) WEEKS OF AGE BREEDER 2 (90 84%) Hen-day egg production (%) Egg weight (g) Body weight (g) BREEDER 3 (83 77%) BREEDER 4 (Less than 77%) BODY WEIGHT (g) HOUSE TEMPERATURE: Use temperature to control feed consumption and egg size Brooding C C Only change 1 per week Only change 1 per week LIMESTONE PARTICLE SIZE: % fine (<2mm) : % coarse (2 4mm) 100% : 0% 50% : 50% 40% : 60% 35% : 65% FEED FORM: Crumble* Mash * Crumble may be fed longer to encourage body weight gain Control of Ambient House Temperature At housing, an ambient temperature of C is desired. Increase house temperature about 1 C every 2 weeks until reaching 25 C assuming ventilation systems able to maintain adequate air quality at these temperatures Lower (colder) house temperatures will lead to greater feed intakes and may be counterproductive to egg-weight control, as well as optimal feed efficiency and adult hen body weights 24 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

27 Growing Period Nutritional Recommendations FEEDING PHASE STARTER 1 STARTER 2 GROWER DEVELOPER PRE-LAY BODY WEIGHT AT 175 g 440 g 990 g 1360 g 1530 g FEED CHANGE BODY WEIGHT (g) Body weight (g) Feed (g / day per bird) WEEKS OF AGE NUTRITION RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION 1 Metabolizable energy 2, kcal / kg Metabolizable energy 2, MJ / kg RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids / Total Amino Acids 3 Lysine, % 1.07 / / / / / 0.85 Methionine, % 0.45 / / / / / 0.39 Methionine+cystine, % 0.71 / / / / / 0.72 Threonine, % 0.70 / / / / / 0.64 Tryptophan, % 0.18 / / / / / 0.19 Arginine, % 1.11 / / / / / 0.87 Isoleucine, % 0.75 / / / / / 0.65 Valine, % 0.77 / / / / / 0.73 Crude protein 4, % Calcium 5, % Phosphorus (available) 6, % Sodium, % Chloride, % Linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), % Change diets at recommended target body weight approximate age is a guide only. Do not feed Pre-Lay later than first egg as it contains insufficient calcium to support egg production 2 Recommended energy range is based on raw material energy values shown in table at back of this guide. It is important that target concentrations of dietary energy are adjusted according to energy system applied to raw material matrix 3 Recommendation for Total Amino Acids is only appropriate to corn and soybean meal diet. Where diets utilize other ingredients, recommendations for Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids must be followed 4 Diets should always be formulated to provide required intake of amino acid. Concentration of Crude Protein in diet will vary with raw material used. Crude Protein value provided is an estimated typical value only 5 Calcium should be supplied as fine calcium carbonate (mean particle size less than 2 mm). Coarse limestone (2 4 mm) can be introduced in Pre-Lay Diet at up to 50% of total limestone 6 Where other phosphorus systems are used, diets should contain recommended minimum level of available phosphorus JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 25

28 Transition Period from Grow to Peak Egg Production 120 / 2000 Frequently formulate to changing feed consumption during period of increasing nutrient demand until feed consumption is consistent / 1900 Hen-day egg production (%) / 1800 Body weight (g) 80 FEED CONSUMPTION (g / day per bird) BODY WEIGHT (g) 105 / / / / / 1300 Egg weight (g) HEN-DAY PRODUCTION (%) EGG WEIGHT (g) 80 / 1200 Feed (g / day per bird) / / 1000 WEEKS OF AGE Pre-Lay Ration Peaking Ration During transition period, nutrient requirements increase dramatically Occurring during transition Rapidly increasing egg production Increasing egg size Increasing body weight Feed consumption may increase slowly during transition In underweight birds In flocks lacking uniformity During high environmental temperatures Poor uniformity prolongs transition period and may result in low peak and poor persistency of production Monitor feed intake carefully during transition and adjust dietary nutrient concentration accordingly Pre-Lay Ration Fed when most pullets show reddening of combs Important to increase medullary bone reserves Plan to feed for maximum of days before point of lay (see Peaking Ration Formulations for low feed intakes (88 95 g / day per bird) may be given to better meet females nutrient requirements Begin Peaking Diet with onset of lay (1% egg production) Feed intake may be reduced if birds are not accustomed to extra large particle calcium (i.e. use of a Pre-Lay Diet) 26 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

29 Production Period Nutritional Recommendations FEEDING PHASE PEAKING BREEDER 2 1 BREEDER 3 BREEDER 4 PRODUCTION First egg to peak 90 84% 83 77% Less than 77% 100 HEN-DAY EGG PRODUCTION (%) EGG WEIGHT (g) Hen-day egg production (%) Egg weight (g) 0 WEEKS OF AGE NUTRITION RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION 1,2 Metabolizable energy 3, kcal / kg Metabolizable energy 3, MJ / kg RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids / Total Amino Acids 4 Lysine, mg / day 820 / / / / 799 Methionine, mg / day 410 / / / / 361 Methionine+cystine, mg / day 648 / / / / 626 Threonine, mg / day 574 / / / / 601 Tryptophan, mg / day 172 / / / / 183 Arginine, mg / day 853 / / / / 816 Isoleucine, mg / day 640 / / / / 612 Valine, mg / day 722 / / / / 709 Crude protein 5, g / day Calcium 6, g / day Phosphorus (available) 7, mg / day Sodium, mg / day Chloride, mg / day Linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), g / day Choline, mg / day Change to Breeder 2 Diet when egg production has decreased 2% from peak egg production 2 Crude protein, methionine+cystine, fat, linoleic acid, and / or energy may be changed to optimize egg size 3 Recommended energy range is based on energy values shown in table at back of this guide. It is important that target concentrations of dietary energy are adjusted according to energy system applied to raw material matrix if values differ from those referred for raw materials in this guide 4 Recommendation for Total Amino Acids is only appropriate to corn and soybean meal diet. Where diets utilize other ingredients, recommendations for Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids must be followed 5 Diets should always be formulated to provide required intake of amino acid. Concentration of Crude Protein in diet will vary with raw material used. Crude Protein value provided is an estimated typical value only 6 Calcium carbonate particle size varies throughout lay. Refer to Calcium Particle Size Table (dietary calcium levels may need to be adjusted based on limestone solubility) 7 Where other phosphorus systems are used, diets should contain recommended minimum level of available phosphorus JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 27

30 Dietary Nutrient Concentrations for Production Period (According to Phase and Feed Intake) FEEDING PHASE PRODUCTION PEAKING First egg to peak BREEDER % BREEDER % BREEDER 4 Less than 77% NUTRITION RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION 1,2 Metabolizable energy 3, kcal/kg Metabolizable energy 3, MJ/kg FEED CONSUMPTION (*Typical Feed Consumption) g/day per bird * * * * Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids Lysine, % Methionine, % Methionine+cystine,% Threonine, % Tryptophan, % Arginine, % Isoleucine, % Valine, % Total Amino Acids 4 Lysine, % Methionine, % Methionine+cystine,% Threonine, % Tryptophan, % Arginine, % Isoleucine, % Valine, % Crude protein 5, % Calcium 6, % Phosphorus (available) 7, % Sodium, % Chloride, % Linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), % Change to Breeder 2 Diet when egg production has decreased 2% from peak egg production 2 Crude protein, methionine+cystine, fat, linoleic acid, and / or energy may be changed to optimize egg size 3 Recommended energy range is based on energy values shown in table at back of this guide. It is important that target concentrations of dietary energy are adjusted according to energy system applied to raw material matrix if values differ from those referred for raw materials in this guide 4 Recommendation for Total Amino Acids is only appropriate to corn and soybean meal diet. Where diets utilize other ingredients, recommendations for Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acids must be followed 5 Diets should always be formulated to provide required intake of amino acid. Concentration of Crude Protein in diet will vary with raw material used. Crude Protein value provided is an estimated typical value only 6 Calcium carbonate particle size varies throughout lay. Refer to Calcium Particle Size Table (dietary calcium levels may need to be adjusted based on limestone solubility) 7 Where other phosphorus systems are used, diets should contain recommended minimum level of available phosphorus 28 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL

31 Feed Particle Size Sieve shaker separates feed sample into categories based on particle size Used on farm to check feed particle size from feed mill sample taken on delivery or from feed bins Assess uniformity of feed particle size throughout feeding system samples taken from various points Too many fine feed particles Decrease feed intake and nutrient absorption Increase dust in house Too many coarse feed particles Birds selectively eat large particles Increase risk of feed separation Hy-Line Sieve Shaker OPTIMAL FEED PARTICLE PROFILE PARTICLE SIZE STARTER GROWER DEVELOPER PRODUCTION 0 1 mm 25% 25% 25% 1 2 mm Crumble 65% 35% 35% 2 3 mm 10% 35% 35% 3 4 mm 5% 5% Best Practices 3 4 hour gap in mid-day feedings allows birds to consume fine particles Add minimum of 0.5% liquid oil/fat in meal diets to incorporate and retain small particles in feed Use larger particle size meal or crumble to increase intakes in hot climates Calcium Particle Size PARTICLE SIZE STARTER, GROWER, DEVELOPER PRE-LAY PEAKING First egg to peak BREEDER % BREEDER % BREEDER 4 Less than 77% Fine (0 2 mm) 100% 50% 50% 40% 35% 35% Coarse (2 4 mm) 50% 50% 60% 65% 65% Appropriate particle size depends on solubility of limestone. Dietary calcium levels may need to be adjusted based on limestone solubility Fine calcium (0 2 mm) Coarse calcium (2 4 mm) Photos courtesy of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd. JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL 29

32 Vitamins and Trace Minerals As the vitamin / trace mineral premix is often found in fine feed particles, a minimum level of 0.5% added liquid oil / fat in meal diets binds small particles in feed Manage feeders to allow birds to consume fine particles during mid-day VITAMINS ITEM 1,2,3,4 IN 1000 KG COMPLETE DIET Vitamin A, IU 12,000,000 Vitamin D 35, IU 4,400,000 Vitamin E, g 75 Vitamin K (menadione), g 4 Thiamin (B 1 ), g 3 Riboflavin (B 2 ), g 12 Niacin (B 3 ), g 55 Pantothenic acid (B 5 ), g 18 Pyridoxine (B 6 ), g 5.5 Biotin (B 7 ), mg 300 Folic acid (B 9 ), g 2.5 Cobalamine (B 12 ), mg 30 Choline 7, g 250 Air Quality MINERALS ITEM 1 IN 1000 KG COMPLETE DIET Manganese 6, g 100 Zinc 6, g 100 Iron, g 65 Copper 6, g 20 Iodine, g 2.5 Selenium 6, g Minimum recommendations for growing and laying periods. Higher levels of vitamins may be beneficial at start of lay, during stress periods and hot weather. Local regulations may limit dietary content of individual vitamins or minerals 2 Store premixes according to suppliers recommendations and observe use by dates to ensure vitamin activity is maintained. Inclusion of antioxidant may improve premix stability 3 Vitamin and mineral recommendations are according to activity 4 Where heat treatment is applied to diet, higher levels of vitamins may be required. Consult with vitamin supplier regarding stability through feed production processes 5 A proportion of Vitamin D 3 may be supplemented as 25-hydroxy D 3 according to suppliers recommendations and applicable limits 6 Use of chelated minerals may be beneficial to performance 7 Supplementation rates may require adjustment when other dietary sources are considered Production house should be C and 40 60% humidity General rule for determining required fan capacity 4 m 3 of air movement / kilogram of body weight per hour Ventilation is essential to Provide each bird with adequate supply of oxygen Remove moisture from house Remove carbon dioxide produced by birds Remove dust particles Dilute aerosolized pathogenic organisms Air Movement (m 3 / hour per 1000 birds) AMBIENT WEEKS OF AGE TEMPERATURE ( C) Acknowledgment: Dr. Hongwei Xin, Professor, Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering and Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA Water Consumption Water Consumed / 100 Birds per Day AGE IN WEEKS LITERS Chart shows an expected range of water consumption at normal environmental temperatures of C. As environmental temperature increases above this range, water consumption may increase up to double amounts shown 30 JANUARY 2014 HY-LINE INTERNATIONAL