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Within the current global economic and environmental situation and the challenges they present, the development of ‘longer life’ laying hens becomes much more of a priority.
A decline in egg numbers combined with a deterioration in shell quality (Read our Understanding the Shell article) are the main reasons for currently replacing flocks at or around 74-77 weeks of age. These birds are essentially healthy, and if their egg production cycle can be lengthened without loss of shell quality there are significant welfare, as well as economic benefits, to be gained.
There are obvious benefits such as more efficient utilisation of diminishing resources, the reduction in pullet depreciation, the number of empty days on an annual basis and an overall reduction in carbon footprint.
When taking into account the average depletion age of flocks in the UK and The Republic of Ireland (currently 76 weeks) and comparing the financial figures with a flock that stays in production up to 90 weeks, we can estimate the financial benefit of the longer living hen. This is calculated by taking into account the current average pullet price (£4.80) and the current feed cost per Tonne (this was £400 at the time of writing this article). We estimate a reduction in pullet depreciation of £0.03 per dozen and a financial benefit of £0.18 per bird.
In addition, there are benefits that are less easy to evaluate as they will differ from flock to flock such as greater average egg size and the increased number of eggs laid per bird. This persistency in lay however cannot be achieved without knowledge and consideration of the bird’s physiology and how she can be supported and helped to develop to her full laying potential, while allowing her to maintain production levels and continue to produce a high-quality robust shell.
Challenges to the bird vary depending on the age, stage of reproduction, management system, the presence of physiological and environmental challenges such as disease, (heat)stress, high ammonia levels etc.
Maintaining production for an extended period does not come without risks. It is imperative to be aware of the waning immunity status, gradual increase in egg size and reduction in shell quality as the hen gets older. The focus from the very beginning of the pullets’ life needs to be on providing her with the necessary support in order to make an extended laying cycle achievable.
We believe that by understanding both the physiological and nutritional needs of the hen we can prepare her for a long and productive life allowing you as a producer to take advantage of the ever-improving genetic potential of the modern commercial layer.
For the hen to be able to come into lay with minimal stress, and be under no illusion this is a hugely stressful event during which time the birds’ immune system can become significantly compromised, the hens must have attained target body weight at 14-16w and the proper protein to body fat ratio to allow them to react to light stimulation appropriately and to sustain her physical requirements as egg production rises rapidly. We are all familiar with the dreaded post peak drop as the hens slowly but surely run out of energy.
If we aspire to continued good production and shell quality beyond 90 weeks these energy levels must be maintained along with protein to body fat ratios so we can manage egg size to the desired specifications. Good skeletal development with a ready source of Calcium which can be repeatedly mobilised from the medullary bone and replaced requires careful management of Calcium intake and a very stable gut microflora. This is particularly important in the rear gut.
The part played by the microbiome (the intestinal microflora) is becoming better understood both in animals and people. The benefits of a well-balanced and stable microbiome are found in an improvement in general health and a well-developed and competent immune system.
With years of experience in seeding the avian gut with the most beneficial bacteria and supporting the growth of these in preference to less favourable bacterial species to facilitate colonisation we have developed a great understanding of how the bacterial flora in the gut can influence welfare and productivity. We aim to provide sustainable, holistic, farm specific and cost- effective strategies and solutions.
Many studies have shown that the presence of favourable bacteria in the intestinal tract can significantly improve resistance to pathogen colonisation. By ensuring the intestinal environment is suitable for the growth and replication of the beneficial bacteria, the ‘healthy’ microbiome can be sustained.
The gut is the first port of entry for a variety of external pathogens and forms an important barrier between the outside world and the internal bodily systems. When unstable, the gut can be a source of systemic toxins and bacteria due to leakage through the intercellular junctions of the gut lining following the reduction of the barrier function offered by the tight junctions. These junctions can be amongst others affected by stress, (myco)toxins and mechanical challenges occurring in the gut. These toxins and bacteria become blood borne and can lead to a systemic infectious process (septicaemia) which is costing the hen energy to fight infection, potentially leading to a loss in productivity, not to mention the potential expense of therapeutics.
Most beneficial bacteria thrive under acidic conditions whereas potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridia and Campylobacter are averse to these conditions.
It is important to appreciate that during the hen’s life the nutritional and physiological needs change significantly with the growth requirement only being present for the first few weeks at the onset of egg production.
Attention to detail, good management and nutraceutical support can provide the follow-on support required for the extension of the laying cycle. Energy required for maintenance in the post peak production period depends on body weight and feather coverage and therefore increases with hen age.
Once the hens get over the 50-week mark additional support is advised in order to sustain eggshell quality alongside production and the birds health for the duration of the laying period.
The following support options are available;
We can advise on a variety of tailored nutraceutical support strategies to help accomplish that. Feel free to contact us if you wish to find out more about the possibility of extending the period of lay beyond 76 weeks.