How to control lighting and transition feed before the laying period of layer hens

During this period before the egg-laying hens start laying eggs, the main management is the control of lighting and the transition of feed. How can these two points be done well? Linyi Fengxiang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, a chicken farming equipment manufacturer, will explain to the majority of farmers.

1. Lighting control.

Mainly control the lighting time and intensity. The first light stimulation ensures that 75% of the chickens in the flock receive effective light stimulation, and the second light stimulation ensures that the remaining chickens with poor growth and development and small body weight receive effective light stimulation. After a reasonable beginning of light stimulation, the hens will stop distributing all nutrients among maintaining physiology, growth and reproductive systems. A good management program can ensure a reasonable distribution of nutrients in different aspects.

2. Feed transition.

Under normal circumstances, when the chickens are 18-19 weeks old, the feed is gradually changed from the growing feed to the pre-laying feed. When the egg-laying rate is stable above 5%, the pre-laying feed is changed to the egg-laying feed. When changing the feed, special attention should be paid to the change of the body weight of the chicken flock. Based on the actual body weight at 20 weeks of age, if the actual body weight exceeds the standard, reduce the feed or stop the feed in time, and adjust the body weight within the standard range before the start of laying.