Pullet quality and rearing management in hot climates

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By: Novogen Technical Team

To achieve a high-performing laying flock, it is essential to rear high-quality pullets. During the rearing period, particular attention must be paid to flock growth and preparation for the onset of lay. Appropriate flock management has a positive impact on livability, egg production performance (peak lay, persistency, etc.) and egg quality (egg weight, uniformity, shell strength, etc.).

1.      Biosecurity

Biosecurity is fundamental to obtaining pullets that are ready to produce under optimal conditions. It is important to prevent any risk of contamination or infection and to implement a vaccination program adapted to local conditions. This makes flock management easier and helps optimize pullet quality.

2.      Brooding and rearing conditions

• Equipment:

To ensure optimal access to water and feed, it is necessary to comply with recommended standards for stocking density and equipment, including feeding and drinking systems.

It is also recommended to add perches from 4 weeks of age to reduce floor density and improve air circulation at floor level.

• Environment:

It is also important to maintain appropriate temperature and ventilation from chick placement. Careful observation of chicks and their behavior is necessary in order to adjust environmental parameters accordingly.

3.      Feeding

• Starter feed:

Starter feed in crumble form should preferably be used during the first five weeks. If body weights do not reach target levels, it is advisable to continue feeding with starter feed for one or two additional weeks.

• Empty feeder practice:

During the first five weeks, chicks should have a permanent access to the feed in order to favour the starting up.

From the sixth week onwards, in order to support pullet growth and, above all, appetite development, it is recommended to include an empty feeder period of one to two hours in the middle of the day. At least 50% of the daily feed intake should be provided during the final six hours of the day.

This practice stimulates daily feed intake and helps ensure good ingestion capacity at the start of lay. The number of feed distributions should be reduced as much as possible to prevent pullets from selecting specific feed particles.

• Importance of granulometry :

Feed consumption results from a choice implying particle selection. Being grain eaters, poultry’s consumption is related to feed presentation. Poultry preferably eats particles over mash, thus presenting finely ground feed may lead to reduced feed intake which in turn can generate deficiencies whereas a coarser grist or a diet in crumble or pellet form promotes feed consumption.

4.      Lighting program

The lighting program has a major influence on pullet growth and sexual maturity. A well-defined program helps optimize laying hen performance.

The lighting program must be adapted according to the growth of each flock. During rearing, it can be divided into three distinct phases.

• The first phase of the lighting program has a direct effect on pullet growth. A slow reduction in day length allows for a longer daily feeding period and therefore promotes early growth.
• In open-sided houses, a slow decreasing lighting program can be used until 10/12 weeks of age, followed by natural daylight until 2% lay before stimulation.
• Light stimulation:
  • Always take body weight into account before applying light stimulation.
  • Light stimulation applied too early may stimulate pullets that are still immature, resulting in smaller eggs. They may also be more prone to prolapses at onset of lay. Immature pullets also tend to deplete their body reserves towards the end of the production cycle. As a result, these birds stop laying earlier.
  • In open-sided houses and hot climates, it is recommended to delay light stimulation until production reaches at least 5%. If body weight or uniformity is below target, stimulation should be further postponed to limit the risks described above.

5.      Body weight monitoring

Body weight is one of the main indicators used to monitor the condition of a flock during rearing period. Regular monitoring is therefore essential, especially when rearing conditions are challenging, such as high temperatures, open-sided housing, sanitary challenges… Low body weight and/or high flock heterogeneity during the rearing period will negatively affect the future production capacity of the flock. Weekly body weight monitoring makes it possible to adapt flock management practices, including lighting and feeding programs as well as health monitoring, so that the flock can fully express its genetic potential.

By around 7 to 8 weeks of age, pullets have already developed their frame, organs and muscle mass. A body weight deficit at this stage will have a negative impact on production performance.

Uniformity must also be measured, with a target above 80%. High uniformity supports a strong peak of lay and high persistency, as well as good egg weight uniformity.

6.      Conclusion

The success of a laying flock begins in the very first weeks of rearing. In hot climates, brooding quality, environmental control, uniform access to water and feed, and regular body weight monitoring are key factors in producing robust and uniform pullets. By adapting management practices to local conditions and responding quickly to any deviation, producers can secure a successful start of lay, improve laying persistency and sustainably optimize the profitability of their farms.