The period from 120 to 180 days of age is critical for the development of the reproductive system, energy reserves, and peak egg production in laying hens. Any oversight in management can lead to delayed peaks, suboptimal yields, or disease outbreaks. ZHENGZHOU OUKE MACHINERY CO., LTD. has compiled six core strategies for success.
1. Vaccination: Fortify the First Line of Defense
Essential Vaccines:
Triple Vaccine (ND+IB+EDS): Administered at ~120 days to combat Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and egg drop syndrome.
Avian Influenza (H5+H9): Three doses each, completed by 150 days.
2. Environmental Hygiene: Create a “Sterile Sanctuary”
Deep Cleaning: Remove cobwebs, dust, manure buildup, and feathers from ceilings, walls, and walkways.
Disinfection Protocol:
Indoors: Spray iodine-based or potassium peroxymonosulfate solutions for 3 consecutive days.
Outdoors (50m radius): Disinfect once to eliminate pathogens like E. coli and influenza viruses.
Nipple Drinker Checks: Replace leaky nipples to prevent wet feathers and respiratory stress.
3. Lighting Management: Accelerate Follicle Development
Initial Schedule: 12 hours/day (7:00 AM–8:30 AM and 4:00 PM–7:00 PM) with clean, bright bulbs.
Gradual Adjustment: Increase daily light by 30 minutes weekly (15 minutes earlier + 15 minutes later) until stabilizing at 16 hours/day by 165–180 days.
Warning: Excess light causes vent pecking; insufficient light reduces egg output.
4. Environmental Control: Optimize Comfort
Ventilation:
Minimum 4 cycles/day (20 minutes each) to keep ammonia <10 ppm (prevents respiratory damage).
Temperature & Humidity:
Ideal Range: 18–23°C, 55–65% humidity.
Spring Precautions: Use windshields to prevent drafts and sprinkle water to humidify dry floors.
Stress Reduction: Avoid sudden disturbances to prevent egg drops, feather pecking, or yolk peritonitis.
5. Feed Management: Fuel for High Yield
Quality Standards:
Corn: Moisture <14% (non-sticky when squeezed).
Soybean Meal: Fresh aroma (no mold or sour odor).
Limestone: Calcium ≥35%.
Aflatoxin Alert: Even 1% moldy grains reduce feed intake and damage liver function.
Daily Routine: Scrape leftover feed 1 hour before lights-off to prevent spoilage and diarrhea.
6. Daily Monitoring: Data-Driven Success
Daily Metrics:
Feed Intake: ~110g/bird/day; alert if drops >5%.
Egg Production Rate: Aim for ≥90% by 180 days.
Droppings: Healthy feces are gray-brown and formed; watery/green droppings signal issues.
Weekly Checks:
Eggshell Quality: Breakage >1% indicates calcium deficiency or stress.
Uniformity: ≥85% of hens should weigh within ±10% of average (test 30 birds)
ZHENGZHOU OUKE MACHINERY CO., LTD. – Your Partner in poultry Excellence!