Brown Layer Poultry Farming Guide

Brown Layer
Poultry Farming
Guide

2
Contents
Introduction
ISA Brown – Commercial Performance Objectives 4
ISA Breeding Scheme 5
General rules, farm & house design 6
The Rearing Period
Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks of age 7
Starting Conditions: Respect the basic norms to be successful 8
Key Period 2: From 4 to 16 weeks, building potential of the future layer 10
Body weights and approximate feed consumption for ISA Brown pullets 11
Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite 12
The control of growth 13
The beak trimming 14
Growth and sexual maturity control through lighting program 15
The Production Period
Key Period 3: The transfer and adult space requirements 17
Key Period 4: Laying phase 18
After 28 weeks 20
Lighting programs 21
Adjusting egg weight to meet market requirements 24
Feeding in production 25
Water quality 26
Hot seasons and hot climates 27
Vaccination techniques 29
Feeding Program for ISA Brown in rearing at 20 ° C 32
Feeding Program for ISA Brown in rearing at 28 ° C 33
Introduction
The Rearing Period
The Production Period

Note: The performance data contained in this document was obtained from results and experience from our own research flocks and flocks
of our customers. In no way does the data contained in this document constitute a warranty or guarantee of the same performance under
different conditions of nutrition, density or physical or biological environment.
Commercial Performance Objectives 3
Breeding Scheme 4
General rules, farm & house design 5
Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks of age 6
Starting Conditions: Respect the basics to be successful 7
Key Period 2: From 4 to 16 weeks, building potential of the future layer 9
Body weights and approximate feed consumption for Brown pullets 10
Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite 11
The control of growth 12
The beak trimming 13
Growth and sexual maturity control through lighting program 14
Key Period 3: The transfer and adult space requirements 16
Key Period 4: Laying phase 17
After 28 weeks 19
Lighting programs 20
Adjusting egg weight to meet market requirements 23
Feeding in production 24
Water quality 25
Hot seasons and climates 26
Vaccination techniques 28
Feeding Program for Brown in rearing at 20 ° C 31
Feeding Program for Brown in rearing at 28 ° C 32
Nutritional specifications for growing diets 33
Daily nutrient requirements in lay 34
Nutritional recommendations for the laying period 35
Brown Production Table 37
Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) – Canadian System 38
Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) – USA System 39
Rearing Graph 40
Production Graph 41

Body weight at 18 weeks: 1500 g 3.30 lb.
Hen housed production
at 60 weeks: 250 eggs
Age at 50% rate of lay: 20 - 21 weeks
Age at peak production: 27 - 28 weeks
Peak production: 95 %
Production rate:
at 60 weeks: 83.3 %
at 72 weeks: 75.0 %
at 80 weeks: 68.4 %
Total egg mass
at 60 weeks: 15.5 kg
Average egg weight: 63.1 g (50.0 lbs./case)
Feed Conversion* (ratio by weight) 2.14 kg/kg
Average feed consumption during lay per day 111 g (24.4 lbs./100)
Shell Strength 3900 g
Shell Color 32.0
Livability (18 – 80 weeks) 93.2 %
4 ISA Brown Layer Management Guide – 2011
For more information visit : www.isapoultry.com
Hen housed production
Age at 50% rate of lay: 20 - 21 weeks
Age at peak production: 27 - 28 weeks
Peak production: 95 %
Production rate:
at 60 weeks: 83.3 %
at 72 weeks: 75.0 %
at 80 weeks: 68.4 %
Total egg mass
Average egg weight: 63.1 g (50.0 lbs./case)
Feed Conversion* (ratio by weight) 2.14 kg/kg
Average feed consumption during lay per day 111 g (24.4 lbs./100)
Shell Strength 3900 g
Shell Color 32.0
Livability (18 – 80 weeks) 93.2 %
ISA Brown – Commercial Performance Objectives
Brown – Commercial Performance Objectives

ISA Brown Layer Management Guide– 2011
PURE
LINES
GRAND
PARENTS
PARENTS
A * B C * D
COMMERCIALS
Your commercials chicks are the results of a multiple crossing process which give the commercial layer a high
potential for egg production, as well as a good capability in adapting to the various environments.
A A D DB B C C
♂ ♀ ♂ ♀ ♂ ♀ ♂ ♀
A ♂ C ♂B ♀ D ♀
Breeding Scheme

General rules, farm & house design
 - Basic rules of farm location
Land governing regulations and environmental
restrictions must be considered.
Farm should be placed as far as possible from
other poultry houses. Each phase of
production should be treated as a separate
batch, according to the principle of “ALL IN –
ALL OUT”.
- On a rearing farm : one age only
- On a laying farm : one age only and
naturally one source of supply
- No other poultry on the rearing or
laying farm
- Ideally three separate laying units,
supplied by the one rearing unit
 - Housing types
General rules
- Whatever the building style, they should be constructed so that they may be easily and thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected between flocks. The walls and roofs should contain insulation with a moisture
barrier and rodent proof materials.
- Adequate ceiling height for adequate ventilation purposes
- Equipment used in house should be designed for easy access and removal for clean-out, maintenance
and biosecurity consideration
- In open sided housing it is important :
- To have sun protection
- To use insulated materials including a shield (protection) for water tanks and pipes
- To place a wire netting and fencing over openings and ventilation inlets to control predators,
rodents and wild birds and other disease vectors
- To use a reliable source of electric power
 - Dirty & clean area concept
General rules
- Whatever the building style, they should be constructed so that they may be easily and thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected between flocks. The walls and roofs should contain insulation with a moisture
barrier and rodent proof materials.
- Adequate ceiling height for adequate ventilation purposes
- Equipment used in house should be designed for easy access and removal for clean-out, maintenance
and biosecurity consideration
- In open sided housing it is important :
- To have sun protection
- To use insulated materials including a shield (protection) for water tanks and pipes
- To place a wire netting and fencing over openings and ventilation inlets to control predators,
rodents and wild birds and other disease vectors
- To use a reliable source of electric power
 - Dirty & clean area concept
Control the entries and restrict to the minimum
the number of entries in the farm with strict
procedures
- Floor material choice for easy maintenance
(clean up and disinfection)
- Clean hands with soap
- Wear protective clothing within the farm area
- Provide specific protective clothing for
veterinarians, consultants, etc…
- Disinfect boots before entry
- Do not allow truck/Lorry drivers to enter the
houses

For more information visit : www.isapoultry.com 7
 - Clean up & disinfection
- Use an insecticide just after the birds have been removed
- Remove all the non-stationary equipment and residual feed from troughs, conveyors and bins
- Exterminate all rodents and wild birds
- Remove all the manure, litter, feathers, dust, and any other organic materials
- Wash equipment, fans, ducts, water tanks, feed bins, walls and floor
- Disinfection is efficient only after cleaning thoroughly
- Disinfect the interior of the building on surfaces and all equipment
- If it is permitted and the building can be tightly enclosed, fumigate the building while it is still
damp from disinfecting
- After the building is fumigated, close up for 24 hours and then air out for another 24 hours
Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks of age
 - Tools to reach the target
- starting in house conditions (temperature, comfort, hydration of all the chicks on arrival)
- important to warm the pullet house 24 hours prior to chicks arrival
- if chicks brooding done in cages – rough, moisture-proof paper should be laid on the wire floor
(first 7 days)
- stocking density in relation to space and equipment (competition creates stress, poor growth and
uniformity)
- observe your birds several times per day
- control the body weight as soon as possible
- keep a slow down light program, so that all chicks can have enough time to eat
- if beak trimming: strong attention to details (frequency of blade replacement, temperature, proper
trim etc.)
- usage of infrared beak treatment requires that chicks upon arrival to a farm will have very easy access
to the source of water (water cups should be filled, droplets of water should be seen from the nipples,
water pressure must be reduced during first few days)
- a high energy starter diet in crumb form for at least the first 4 weeks in temperate climates and 5
weeks in hot climates. Do not switch to a ‘lighter’ feed before you have verified that body weight is on
target.

Key Period 1: From chicks arrival to 4 weeks of age
 - Tools to reach the target
- starting in house conditions (temperature, comfort, hydration of all the chicks on arrival)
- important to warm the pullet house 24 hours prior to chicks arrival
- if chicks brooding done in cages – rough, moisture-proof paper should be laid on the wire floor
(first 7 days)
- stocking density in relation to space and equipment (competition creates stress, poor growth and
uniformity)
- observe your birds several times per day
- control the body weight as soon as possible
- keep a slow down light program, so that all chicks can have enough time to eat
- if beak trimming: strong attention to details (frequency of blade replacement, temperature, proper
trim etc.)
- usage of infrared beak treatment requires that chicks upon arrival to a farm will have very easy access
to the source of water (water cups should be filled, droplets of water should be seen from the nipples,
water pressure must be reduced during first few days)
- a high energy starter diet in crumb form for at least the first 4 weeks in temperate climates and 5
target.

- Stocking densities
- Environment control, T˚, Humidity
- Water quality
- Equipment
- Quality of beak trimming
- Ventilation
Target: be at standard
body weight at 4 weeks
Body weight at 4 weeks old influences
Body weight at transfer
LIGHTING PROGRAM
Slow step down
Light length & consumption
PRE STARTER FEED
4 / 5 weeks in crumbs
2950 kcal & 20.5% of protein

target.
 - Essential points
Light Water Feed
- During first few days:
- Maintain 22 to 23 hours of
light
- With 30 – 40 lux to
encourage intake of water
and feed
- Afterwards
- Normal decreasing lighting
program
- 10 lux at 15 days old
(dark houses) and then
adapt to bird behaviour
- Wash of drinking system after
disinfection
- Any medication should be carried
out via the feed
- During the first 2 days, use tepid
water at 20-25°C
- 50 g of vitamin C per litre the first
day if chicks are dehydrated
- Supplementary drinkers during the
first few days (removal should be
done gradually)
- Drinkers should be cleaned daily
the first 2 weeks and then once a
week
- When nipple drinkers are used, we
recommend that strips of
embossed paper are placed under
the nipples
- Starter diet should be
distributed when chicks have
drunk enough water to
restore their body fluid (4
hours after delivery)
- Diet presented in crumb
form with adequate protein
and energy concentration
- For first few feeds, special
small feed on non-smooth
paper help feed consumption
- To avoid built up of fine
particles, we advise allowing
them to become empty
once or twice each week
Starting Conditions: Respect the basics to be successful
- Stocking densities & environment from arrival to 4 weeks of age
Floor Cages
Stocking density (maximum) 14 birds / m2
1.3 birds / sq.ft 200 cm2
31 sq.in
Minimum ventilation rate 0.7 m3
/ h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h /pds 0.7 m3
/ h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h / pds
Heating 2 gas brooders or 2 radiant heaters of 1450 Kcal / 1000 birds
Drinkers Starters
Temperate climate 1 starter / 100 birds
Hot climate 1 starter / 80 birds
Bell drinkers 150 birds / Hanging bell drinker ( 80 to 100 in hot climate )
Nipples
Temperate climate 16 birds / nipple
Hot climate 10 birds / nipple
Feeders Per starting pans 50 birds / starting pan
Linear Chain 4 cm / bird 1.6 in / bird 1.5 cm / bird 1.0 in / bird
Per feeder 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds
- Starting conditions
Recommended lay out for 500 chicks Optimum distribution of chicks
- During first few days:
- Maintain 22 to 23 hours of
light
- With 30 – 40 lux to
encourage intake of water
and feed
- Afterwards
- Normal decreasing lighting
program
- 10 lux at 15 days old
(dark houses) and then
adapt to bird behaviour
- Wash of drinking system after
disinfection
- Any medication should be carried
out via the feed
- During the first 2 days, use tepid
water at 20-25°C
- 50 g of vitamin C per litre the first
day if chicks are dehydrated
- Supplementary drinkers during the
first few days (removal should be
done gradually)
- Drinkers should be cleaned daily
the first 2 weeks and then once a
week
- When nipple drinkers are used, we
recommend that strips of
embossed paper are placed under
the nipples
- Starter diet should be
distributed when chicks have
drunk enough water to
restore their body fluid (4
hours after delivery)
- Diet presented in crumb
form with adequate protein
and energy concentration
- For first few feeds, special
small feed on non-smooth
paper help feed consumption
- To avoid built up of fine
particles, we advise allowing
them to become empty
once or twice each week
Starting Conditions: Respect the basics to be successful
- Stocking densities & environment from arrival to 4 weeks of age
Floor Cages
Stocking density (maximum) 14 birds / m2
1.3 birds / sq.ft 200 cm2
31 sq.in
Minimum ventilation rate 0.7 m3
/ h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h /pds 0.7 m3
/ h / kg 11.2 cu.ft / h / pds
Heating 2 gas brooders or 2 radiant heaters of 1450 Kcal / 1000 birds
Drinkers Starters
Temperate climate 1 starter / 100 birds
Hot climate 1 starter / 80 birds
Bell drinkers 150 birds / Hanging bell drinker ( 80 to 100 in hot climate )
Nipples
Temperate climate 16 birds / nipple
Hot climate 10 birds / nipple
Feeders Per starting pans 50 birds / starting pan
Linear Chain 4 cm / bird 1.6 in / bird 1.5 cm / bird 1.0 in / bird
Per feeder 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds 1 unit / 50 birds

A : Radiant heater of 1450 kcal capacity
B : Drinkers (5) but (7) in Hot climate
C : Feed trays (10)
D : 75 watt bulb at 1.50 m above floor level
E : Surround : 4 m diameter – 0.6 m high
Standards for temperature and humidity
Age Brooding temperature Room
temperature
Relative
humidity
(days) At the edge
of the
brooders
At 2/3 m
from the
brooders
Optimum &
Maximum in
%
0 – 3 35 °C 29 – 28 °C 33 – 31 °C 55 – 60
4 – 7 34 °C 27 °C 32 – 31 °C 55 – 60
8 – 14 32 °C 26 °C 30 – 28 °C 55 – 60
15 – 21 29 °C 26 – 25 °C 28 – 26 °C 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 – 23 °C 25 – 23 °C 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 – 21 °C 23 – 21 °C 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 – 19 °C 21 – 19 °C 60 – 70
After 35 19 – 17 °C 19 – 17 °C 60 – 70
- For floor rearing, the
standard is 500 chicks
per 1450 kcal
- Preheat the building for
24 to 36 hours before
the chicks arrive to
obtain a litter
temperature at 28 to 31
°C
- Uniform temperature and
relative humidity,
throughout the building
- On floor rearing, distribution of chicks throughout the building should be uniform. If the chicks crowd
together under the brooder: temperature is too low. If the chicks are close to the surround: the
temperature is too high.
C : Feed trays (10)
temperature
Relative
humidity
(days) At the edge
of the
brooders
At 2/3 m
from the
brooders
Optimum &
Maximum in
%
0 – 3 35 °C 29 – 28 °C 33 – 31 °C 55 – 60
4 – 7 34 °C 27 °C 32 – 31 °C 55 – 60
8 – 14 32 °C 26 °C 30 – 28 °C 55 – 60
15 – 21 29 °C 26 – 25 °C 28 – 26 °C 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 – 23 °C 25 – 23 °C 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 – 21 °C 23 – 21 °C 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 – 19 °C 21 – 19 °C 60 – 70
After 35 19 – 17 °C 19 – 17 °C 60 – 70
per 1450 kcal
obtain a litter
°C
relative humidity,
C : Feed trays (10)
temperature
Relative
humidity
(days) At the edge
of the
brooders
At 2/3 m
from the
brooders
Optimum &
Maximum in
%
0 – 3 35 °C 29 – 28 °C 33 – 31 °C 55 – 60
4 – 7 34 °C 27 °C 32 – 31 °C 55 – 60
8 – 14 32 °C 26 °C 30 – 28 °C 55 – 60
15 – 21 29 °C 26 – 25 °C 28 – 26 °C 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 – 23 °C 25 – 23 °C 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 – 21 °C 23 – 21 °C 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 – 19 °C 21 – 19 °C 60 – 70
After 35 19 – 17 °C 19 – 17 °C 60 – 70
per 1450 kcal
obtain a litter
°C
relative humidity,
AA
BB
CC
DD
EE
AA
BB
CC
DD
EE
C : Feed trays (10)
temperature
Relative
humidity
(days) At the edge
of the
brooders
At 2/3 m
from the
brooders
Optimum &
Maximum in
%
0 – 3 35 °C 29 – 28 °C 33 – 31 °C 55 – 60
4 – 7 34 °C 27 °C 32 – 31 °C 55 – 60
8 – 14 32 °C 26 °C 30 – 28 °C 55 – 60
15 – 21 29 °C 26 – 25 °C 28 – 26 °C 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 – 23 °C 25 – 23 °C 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 – 21 °C 23 – 21 °C 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 – 19 °C 21 – 19 °C 60 – 70
After 35 19 – 17 °C 19 – 17 °C 60 – 70
- For floo
standa
per 14
- Prehea
24 to 3
the chi
obtain
temper
°C
- Uniform
relative
throug
- On floor rearing, distribution of chicks throughout the building should be uniform. If t
together under the brooder: temperature is too low. If the chicks are close to the sur
C : Feed trays (10)
temperature
Relative
humidity
(days) At the edge
of the
brooders
At 2/3 m
from the
brooders
Optimum &
Maximum in
%
0 – 3 35 °C 29 – 28 °C 33 – 31 °C 55 – 60
4 – 7 34 °C 27 °C 32 – 31 °C 55 – 60
8 – 14 32 °C 26 °C 30 – 28 °C 55 – 60
15 – 21 29 °C 26 – 25 °C 28 – 26 °C 55 – 60
22 – 24 25 – 23 °C 25 – 23 °C 55 – 65
25 – 28 23 – 21 °C 23 – 21 °C 55 – 65
29 – 35 21 – 19 °C 21 – 19 °C 60 – 70
After 35 19 – 17 °C 19 – 17 °C 60 – 70
per 1450 kcal
obtain a litter
°C
relative humidity,

Key Period 2: From 4 to 16 weeks, building potential of the future layer
The achievement of this objective depends on :
- Rearing conditions
- Stocking density and the age chicks are moved to the laying location
- Length of the lighting period
- Quality of beak treatment
- Prevention of stress
- Feeding methods
- Emptying of feeders every day
- Timing of feed distribution
- Feed presentation
- Use of midnight feeding in growing (if behind body weight standard)
Pullet growing space and equipment requirements (5 - 16 weeks) :
Floor Cages
Stocking density (minimum)
In temperate climate 10 birds / m2
1.07 sq. ft./bird 361 cm2
56 sq.in
In hot climate
With evaporative cooling 9 birds / m2
62 sq.in
Without evaporative cooling 8 birds / m2
77 sq.in
Minimum ventilation rate
Temperate climate 4 m3
/ h / kg – 64 cu.ft / h / pds
Hot climate 6 m3
/ h / kg – 96 cu.ft / h / pds
Heating Space heating
Drinkers
Temperate climate 10 hanging drinkers / 1000 pullets or 1 nipple / 12 pullets
Hot climate 13 hanging drinkers / 1000 pullets or 1 nipple / 10 pullets
Feeders 5 cm – 2 in / pullet or 1 pan / 25 pullets
Growth in rearing
Body weight at 5 % of lay
BODY WEIGHT
At 4 weeks old
FEEDING
TECHNIQUES
Length and time of
feeding period
FEED
Specifications,
Presentation
- Stocking density
- Environment control
- Water quality
- Equipment
- Health status and prophylaxis
LIGHTING
PROGRAM
Too low body weight at start of lay could induce lower
overall performance (below normal egg size, reduction
of peak of production and post peak drops)
- Feeding methods
- Feed presentation
Floor Cages
56 sq.in
In hot climate
62 sq.in
77 sq.in
/ h / kg – 64 cu.ft / h / pds
Hot climate 6 m3
/ h / kg – 96 cu.ft / h / pds
Drinkers
Growth in rearing
BODY WEIGHT
At 4 weeks old
FEEDING
TECHNIQUES
Length and time of
feeding period
FEED
Specifications,
Presentation
- Stocking density
- Water quality
- Equipment
LIGHTING
PROGRAM
- Feeding methods
- Feed presentation
Floor Cages
56 sq.in
In hot climate
62 sq.in
77 sq.in
/ h / kg – 64 cu.ft / h / pds
Hot climate 6 m3
/ h / kg – 96 cu.ft / h / pds
Drinkers
Growth in rearing
BODY WEIGHT
At 4 weeks old
FEEDING
TECHNIQUES
Length and time of
feeding period
FEED
Specifications,
Presentation
- Stocking density
- Water quality
- Equipment
LIGHTING
PROGRAM

Age Body Weight Approximate Feed Consumption Approximate Feed Consumption
Lbs
Weeks Days Grams
Grams
Lbs. Daily Cumulative Daily Cumulative
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
7
14
21
28
35
42
49
56
63
70
77
84
91
98
105
112
119
126
65-68
110-120
195-210
285-305
380-400
470-500
560-590
650-680
740-775
830-865
920-960
1010-1050
1095-1140
1180-1230
1265-1320
1350-1410
1430-1505
1500-1600
0.14-0.15
0.24-0.26
0.43-0.46
0.63-0.67
0.84-0.88
1.03-1.10
1.23-1.30
1.43-1.50
1.63-1.71
1.83-1.91
2.03-2.12
2.22-2.31
2.41-2.51
2.60-2.71
2.79-2.91
2.97-3.11
3.15-3.32
3.31-3.53
11
17
25
32
37
42
46
50
54
58
61
64
67
70
73
76
80
84
77
196
371
595
854
1148
1470
1820
2198
2604
3031
3479
3948
4438
4949
5481
6041
6629
2.42
3.74
5.51
7.05
8.15
9.26
10.14
11.02
11.90
12.78
13.44
14.10
14.77
15.43
16.09
16.75
17.63
18.51
0.17
0.43
0.82
1.31
1.88
2.53
3.24
4.01
4.84
5.74
6.68
7.67
8.70
9.78
10.91
12.08
13.31
14.61
Body weights & approximate feed consumption for Brown pullets

Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite
- The range of diets
Grower Diet Pullet Diet Pre-Lay Diet
- 4 to 10 weeks in temperate
climate
- 5 to 10 or 11 weeks in hot
climate
- Can be in mash form if the grist
is right or as crumbs
- 10/11 to 15/16 weeks
- Must meet birds’ requirements
for amino-acids
- Too low energy level will result
in a reduction of growth
- Too high in energy will restrict
the development of digestive
tract and lead to reduced feed
intake at start of lay
- So, we recommend an energy
level slightly lower than layers
diet
- 2 weeks before reaching 2 % lay
- Medullary bone which acts as a
reservoir of mobilisable calcium
for egg shell formation has its
development during this period.
Necessary to provide a feed rich
in protein, phosphorus and
calcium.
- To avoid under-consumption
caused by powdery calcium
carbonate, around 50% of
calcium should be supplied in
particles form (2 to 4 mm).
- Feeding techniques
In order to :
- avoid the build up of fine
particles
- encourage crop development
by having rapid feed
consumption
- encourage gizzard development
by using a coarse grist (50% of
calcium in particles from 10
weeks)
Build up of fine particles residues Rapid feed intake Feeding times
- Birds are natural grain eaters.
- Start to eat large particles and
leave the finest ones.
- But accumulation of fine
particles leads to under
consumption.
- Essential to empty the feeders
once a day.
- Crop is a storage organ.
- Crop allows the bird to eat
enough feed in the evening to
satisfy its energy needs
throughout the night.
- Rapid feed consumption during
rearing leads to the
development of the crop.
Feed presentation
Use of Insoluble grit or limestone
particles
- Particles below 0.5 mm : 15 %
maximum
- Particles above 3.2 mm : 10 %
maximum
Weekly :
- 3 g / pullet from 3 to 10
weeks
(2 to 3 mm)
- Birds naturally eat more in the
evening and in the morning.
- Empty feeder period is
recommended in the middle of
the day and could be started
between 4 and 8 weeks.
- Length of empty feeder should
be gradually increased to get a
minimum of 2-3 hours (of
empty feeder) at 12 weeks old.
- First feed distribution 2 to 3
hours before lights off.
- If a second one is necessary, it
could be done just before lights
off, birds will quite easily eat the
finest particles in the morning.
Feeding: Formulas and techniques to stimulate growth and appetite
- The range of diets
Grower Diet Pullet Diet Pre-Lay Diet
- 4 to 10 weeks in temperate
climate
- 5 to 10 or 11 weeks in hot
climate
- Can be in mash form if the grist
is right or as crumbs
- 10/11 to 15/16 weeks
- Must meet birds’ requirements
for amino-acids
- Too low energy level will result
in a reduction of growth
- Too high in energy will restrict
the development of digestive
tract and lead to reduced feed
intake at start of lay
- So, we recommend an energy
level slightly lower than layers
diet
- 2 weeks before reaching 2 % lay
- Medullary bone which acts as a
reservoir of mobilisable calcium
for egg shell formation has its
development during this period.
Necessary to provide a feed rich
in protein, phosphorus and
calcium.
- To avoid under-consumption
caused by powdery calcium
carbonate, around 50% of
calcium should be supplied in
particles form (2 to 4 mm).
- Feeding techniques
In order to :
- avoid the build up of fine
particles
- encourage crop development
by having rapid feed
consumption
- encourage gizzard development
by using a coarse grist (50% of
calcium in particles from 10
weeks)
Build up of fine particles residues Rapid feed intake Feeding times
- Birds are natural grain eaters.
- Start to eat large particles and
leave the finest ones.
- But accumulation of fine
particles leads to under
consumption.
- Essential to empty the feeders
once a day.
- Crop is a storage organ.
- Crop allows the bird to eat
enough feed in the evening to
satisfy its energy needs
throughout the night.
- Rapid feed consumption during
rearing leads to the
development of the crop.
Feed presentation
Use of Insoluble grit or limestone
particles
- Particles below 0.5 mm : 15 %
maximum
- Particles above 3.2 mm : 10 %
maximum
Weekly :
- 3 g / pullet from 3 to 10
weeks
(2 to 3 mm)
- 4 - 5 g / pullet from 10 weeks
(3 to 5 mm)
- Birds naturally eat more in the
evening and in the morning.
- Empty feeder period is
recommended in the middle of
the day and could be started
between 4 and 8 weeks.
- Length of empty feeder should
be gradually increased to get a
minimum of 2-3 hours (of
empty feeder) at 12 weeks old.
- First feed distribution 2 to 3
hours before lights off.
- If a second one is necessary, it
could be done just before lights
off, birds will quite easily eat the
finest particles in the morning.
- If difficult to obtain empty
feeders, reduce the amount of
PRE STARTER GROWER PULLET - PRE LAY
TEMPERATE CLIMATE
HOT CLIMATE
4 5 10 1611

The control of growth: a must every week,
to check the real evolution of the flock - the earlier you know the earlier
you can correct, if necessary
Productivity of laying hens is influenced by :
- The body weight and uniformity at start of lay
- By the growth potential from start of lay to peak of production.
The control of growth from day old is an important parameter to control.
- Body weight at 4 weeks depends on brooding conditions, lighting program and feed presentation
- From 4 to 16 weeks, exceeding the growth rate often leads to a reduction in appetite during the first
weeks of production. So we recommend during this period to keep the pullets’ appetite active thanks to
a daily empty feeder. Ration during this period should be adapted in order to maintain growth at higher
standard line.
- Method of weighing
- Time of weighing should be fixed preferably in the afternoon
- We advise carrying out individual weighing when chicks are 4 weeks old
- Surround a group of birds in the middle of the flock, and then weigh all the birds in the pen
A sampling with a minimum of 100 birds gives a good estimate of mean body weight and uniformity (or 2 times
50 birds if there are 2 pens). When rearing in cages, one should weigh all the birds from 5 or 6 cages chosen at
random in different parts of the building.
- Uniformity of the flock
- Uniformity of individual birds is
important as well as average flock
weights
- A batch is uniform when all the
weights within the sample fall
between ±20 % of the mean or ,
when 80 % of the weights lie
within ±10% of the mean.
- Within the limits of ±20 % of the
mean, the smallest and the
heaviest birds are of the same
quality. Only those which are too
small should be culled.
The control of growth: a must every week,
to check the real evolution of the flock - the earlier you know the earlier
you can correct, if necessary
Productivity of laying hens is influenced by :
- The body weight and uniformity at start of lay
- By the growth potential from start of lay to peak of production.
The control of growth from day old is an important parameter to control.
- Body weight at 4 weeks depends on brooding conditions, lighting program and feed presentation
- From 4 to 16 weeks, exceeding the growth rate often leads to a reduction in appetite during the first
weeks of production. So we recommend during this period to keep the pullets’ appetite active thanks to
a daily empty feeder. Ration during this period should be adapted in order to maintain growth at higher
standard line.
- Method of weighing
- Time of weighing should be fixed preferably in the afternoon
- We advise carrying out individual weighing when chicks are 4 weeks old
- Surround a group of birds in the middle of the flock, and then weigh all the birds in the pen
A sampling with a minimum of 100 birds gives a good estimate of mean body weight and uniformity (or 2 times
50 birds if there are 2 pens). When rearing in cages, one should weigh all the birds from 5 or 6 cages chosen at
random in different parts of the building.
- Uniformity of the flock
- Uniformity of individual birds is
important as well as average flock
weights
- A batch is uniform when all the
weights within the sample fall
between ±20 % of the mean or ,
when 80 % of the weights lie
within ±10% of the mean.
- Within the limits of ±20 % of the
mean, the smallest and the
heaviest birds are of the same
quality. Only those which are too
small should be culled.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
To obtain the
correct
bodyweight
at 4 weeks
Uniform flock at a
bodyweight adapted
to intended sexual
maturity
To achieve a steady
growth between 4
and 16 weeks
Make sure that
between 5 % of
lay and peak
production,
growth is at
least 300g
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1200 1250 1300 1350 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900
( - 10 % ) ( + 10 % )
80 % of sample
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
To obtain the
correct
bodyweight
at 4 weeks
Uniform flock at a
bodyweight adapted
to intended sexual
maturity
To achieve a steady
growth between 4
and 16 weeks
Make sure that
between 5 % of
lay and peak
production,
growth is at
least 300g
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1200 1250 1300 1350 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900
( - 10 % ) ( + 10 % )
80 % of sample

The beak trimming: to be carried out with strict guidance in accordance
with welfare requirements
 - Why to Beak Trim?  reduction of incidence of pecking when it is a recurrent
problem
 reduction of feed wastage.
 - When to beak trim?
IN DARK HOUSES (CAGES)
Beak trimming should be carried out
carefully, at day old or at about 10 days old.
IN SOME CONDITIONS
Beak trimming at around 10 days will not prevent pecking
entirely. Therefore, we recommend a light trimming at 10 days
(cauterisation of the beak tip and of the lateral edges) and then
carrying out a second operation between 8 and 10 weeks of age,
if it is allowed by codes and regulations of the country.
 - Carrying out beak trimming
DELICATE OPERATION
risk of unevenness + difficulties
with feeding and drinking
Performed only by trained personnel
Before
Trimming
- do not beak trim when the birds are not healthy or when reacting to vaccinations
- add vitamin K to the drinking water (to prevent haemorrhages)
- check the equipment (temperature of the trimming blade : 600-650°C)
- replace blade with frequency specified by equipment manufacturer, do not trim with dull
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
- Choose carefully the correct diameter hole on the
beak-trimming machine, so as to cut the beak at
least 2 mm from the nostrils
- Hold the chick in one hand, with the thumb behind
the head (the head firmly in position resting on the
thumb)
- Tilt the chick's beak upwards through 15° and
cauterize the reinforced side edges of the beak, to
avoid unequal re-growth of the 2 mandibles
- Check the temperature of the blade, each operator
and
the machine every hour
AT 8-10 WEEKS
- insert a finger between the 2 mandibles
- cut the beak perpendicularly at a right angle to its
long axis, so that after cauterisation about half the
length of the beak between the tip and the nostrils
is left
- cauterize each mandible with care, particularly at the
sides of the beak, so as to round off the sides of the
beak and avoid lateral re-growth
AT TRANSFER
ISA Brown Layer Management Guide – 2011
problem
IN SOME CONDITIONS
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
-If necessary, re-trim the beaks of any birds which require it, if it is allowed by codes and
problem
IN SOME CONDITIONS
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
welfare regulations of the particular country
problem
IN SOME CONDITIONS
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
problem
IN SOME CONDITIONS
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
problem
IN SOME CONDITIONS
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
- Why to Beak Trim? reduction of incidence of pecking when it is a recurrent
problem
reduction of feed wastage.
- When to beak trim?
IN SOME CONDITIONS
- Carrying out beak trimming
DELICATE OPERATION
Before
Trimming
blade
Beak
Trimming
AT ABOUT 10 DAYS
thumb)
and the machine every hour
AT 8-10 WEEKS
is left
AT TRANSFER
- If necessary, re-trim the beaks of any birds which require it, if it is allowed by codes and
After
Trimming
- increase the water level in the drinkers, and the pressure in the pipes
- make sure that the depth of feed is adequate (do not empty the feeders for a week)
Female where the beak has been trimmed at
8 - 10 weeks of age for floor housed laying
systems or in cages in naturally lit houses

Growth and sexual maturity control through lighting program
- How to encourage growth?
- Feed consumption is greatly influenced by light duration
to which the pullets are exposed.
- Continuous light during the first three days
- From three days to 7 weeks old, reduce light
duration to a constant light duration in temperate climate
- From 7 weeks old, maintain a constant light duration of
10.00 hours:
- In open house system, the light duration at the
plateau has to be adapted to type of housing, time
of the year and location of the rearing farm.
- In summer time, in dark house system, the
constant light duration at the plateau could
be increased to 12.00 hours
- In hot climate, a program of long days
decreasing until 15 weeks allows the bird to
eat during the cooler parts of the days in
order to compensate reduction of bird’s
appetite due to heat causes.
- In production, 15 hours of light duration at
50 % production encourage feed intake and
allows birds to counteract the harmful
effects of decreases of natural day-length.
- How to manage sexual maturity?
- In absence of photo stimulation (constant light duration),
the age at start of lay is determined by body weight. Once
photo stimulation has started, age at start of lay is no
more influenced by body weight.
- At all latitudes and irrespective of type of house :
- Never increase day length between 8 and 14
weeks
- Never increase day length before 1250 g
bodyweight
- Never decrease day length after start of lay
- Any decrease leads to drop of production.
- Egg weight depends on body weight at start of lay. So
there is a strong correlation between precociousness and
mean egg weight. A low body weight at sexual maturity :
- reduces mean egg weight
- could also induce lower overall performance
(egg numbers, shell quality, liveability,…)
- To modify the mean average egg weight obtained, we
recommend to advance or delay photo stimulation
according to bodyweight as previously explained.
- Two weeks modification in photo
stimulation will modify start of lay by one
week, the egg number by 4.5 eggs and
mean egg weight by 1 g. Total egg mass
produced will be not affected.
- In order to control egg weight profile, an
adequate lighting program has to be defined
according to type of poultry house,
location…
- How to adapt light intensity?
- For the first few days, an intensity of 30-40 lux is
recommended. After that the intensity used will
depend on the intensity to be experienced during
the laying period.
- Buildings are considered as dark houses when light
penetration from outside, through all kinds of
openings, produces intensity less than 0.5 lux .
Others are considered as semi-dark.
In dark building :
- An intensity of 5 to 10 lux is sufficient if
laying house is a dark building.
- If laying house is an open sided house
design, to avoid too much of an increase in
intensity at transfer, we recommend
maintaining an intensity of 40 lux.
In a naturally lit or semi-dark house, in order to
have an effective light program and to control
sexual maturity, 40 lux may be required.
An increase of light intensity is not needed to
stimulate the pullets
Bodyweight
at stimulation - 1 g / std Standard + 1 g / std + 2 g / std
1100 g + 2 h 00
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h 00
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h 00
1475 g * * + 1 h 00
1550 g * * * + 2 h 00
1625 g * * * + 1 h 00
* * * * + 1 h 00
*
Target egg weight
then 30 minutes per week until 16 hours
(Expressed as difference from standard)

- Rearing in dark poultry house (Less than 0.5 lux above 20° latitude)
- Basics rules : - It is important to maintain 40 lux of light- Slow step down lighting program till 7 weeks
- 10.00 hours of light as a constant day length, or
12.00 hours in summer time
- 2.00 hours of photo stimulation and then 30 min
per week
- If production in natural-lit laying house :
intensity to avoid too much of an increase
in intensity at transfer.
- It is important to have constant light
duration at the plateau in order to avoid
too much of an increase in light duration at
transfer
- Get 16.00 hours light at 50 % lay. It is not
necessary to exceed 16 hours light in
production
- Rearing in naturally lit house
- Slow step down lighting program till 7 weeks
per week
transfer
production
- Slow step down lighting program till 7 weeks
per week
transfer
production
- It is very difficult to have a good
control of lighting programs in open
house systems.
- The following examples suggested
are only guides. They should be
modified according to results
previously obtained.
- The lighting programs have to be
planned in conjunction with changes
in the natural day length.
- One should make sure that lights on
and lights out coincide with sunrise
and sunset at the time photo
stimulation starts.
- It is not necessary to exceed 16
hours in production, but we advice to
get 16 hours at 50 % production
Increasing Day-length Decreasing Day-length
Hot climate between 20°
North latitude and 20° South
- In increasing day-length, to avoid a
too early sexual maturity, the length
of the lighting given should be equal
to the natural day-length to which
the birds will be exposed at 1250 g
(98 days).
- Light stimulation should start at
1250 g by increasing the length of
light by one hour.
- In decreasing day-length, a
step down lighting program
will meet the natural day-
length at 1250 g (98 days)
- To reduce delay in sexual
maturity induced by
decreasing day-length, we
advise to start the photo
stimulation by 2 hours.
- And then 30 minutes per
week.
- In these areas, we face nearly
constant hours of natural day-
length during the whole year.
- To compensate reduction in
bird’s appetite due to heat
causes, a slowly decreasing
light program till 15 weeks old
is advised.
- By giving light early in the
morning, we encourage feed
consumption during the cooler
part of the day.
- Photo stimulation at 5 %
production
To get an efficient light stimulation, we advise light is added on in the morning instead of the evening.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
Increasing day length Decreasing day length
Dark periodDark period
Dark period Dark period
WEEK OF THE YEAR
NATURAL&ARTIFICIALLIGHTSURATION
HATCH IN
WEEK 4
HATCH IN
WEEK 28
Others are considered as semi-dark. have an effective light program and to control
- Rearing in dark poultry house (Less than 0.5 lux above 20° latitude)
- Basics rules : - It is important to maintain 40 lux of light

Key Period 3: The transfer to the production house
How to reduce its negative effect?
“The transfer is a major stress, accompanied by changes in environment (temperature, humidity...) and
equipment. It should be carried out as fast as possible, ideally being completed within a day. The following
points should reduce the severity of this stress.”
 - When? Transfer at 16 - 17 weeks old
Because of stress to which birds are subjected during transfer and immediately afterwards :
- It is extremely important that transfer has been completed before the appearance of the first eggs
(Major developments of reproductive organs occur during the 10 days prior to the first egg).
- We advise that vaccinations are given at least a week before transfer.
- A late transfer or a too long transfer often leads to delayed start of lay and higher mortality
 - Encouraging rapid adaptation to the new environment
- Give 22 hours of light the first day
- Light duration should be decided according to what has been used during rearing
- Increase the light intensity for 4 to 7 days to help the birds in the darkest cages to find nipples.
- High light intensity for longer than 7 days can increase the risks of pecking
 - Encouraging water consumption
The duration of transfer can be an important source of water loss, especially in some atmospheric conditions.
- Birds could be dehydrated
- Pullets should drink before feeding
- Absence of feed helps them to find the nipples
- Wait for 3 or 4 hours before distributing feed and check if drinking system is working properly
- A daily water consumption control is of paramount importance
It is also important to maintain the temperature at point of lay as close as possible to which they have
become acclimatised during rearing.
Note: if nipples used in production, necessary to have nipple drinkers in growing.
Note: if nipples used in production, necessary to have nipple drinkers in growing.
Adult space requirements
Rearing unit Laying unit
Sources of stress :
- Transport
- Housing system (close, open
house,…)
- Drinking system
- Feeding system
- Environment
- Light duration
- Temperature

Floor 450 cm
2
(69.8 sq.in.) / bird 6 birds/m
2
1.8 sq.ft./bird
8 birds/m
2
1.3 sq.ft./bird
9 birds/m
2
1.2 sq.ft./bird
Feeder Trough
Pans
10 cm (4”) / bird
-
7.5 cm (3”) / bird
4/100 birds
Drinker Trough 10 cm (4”) / bird 5.0 cm (2”) / bird
Birds/Round Bell Drinker - 90
Cups or Nipples maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple
a minimum of 2 cups or nipples per cage
maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple
Key Period 4: Laying phase
17 – 28 weeks
Between transfer and 28 weeks old, the bird has to cover :
- its growth till adult body weight
- its requirements to achieve peak of production
- its requirements to get a rapid egg weight increase
Floor 450 cm
2
(69.8 sq.in.) / bird 6 birds/m
2
1.8 sq.ft./bird
8 birds/m
2
1.3 sq.ft./bird
9 birds/m
2
1.2 sq.ft./bird
Feeder Trough
Pans
10 cm (4”) / bird
-
7.5 cm (3”) / bird
4/100 birds
Drinker Trough 10 cm (4”) / bird 5.0 cm (2”) / bird
Birds/Round Bell Drinker - 90
Cups or Nipples maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple
a minimum of 2 cups or nipples per cage
maximum 10 birds/cup or nipple
Key Period 4: Laying phase
17 – 28 weeks
Between transfer and 28 weeks old, the bird has to cover :
- its growth till adult body weight
- its requirements to achieve peak of production
- its requirements to get a rapid egg weight increase
Adult space requirements
Cages Litter Litter & Slats All Slats
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
Age in weeks
Layingratein%
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
Eggweighting
28 WEEK
Peak of production
28 WEEK
Adult bodyweight
17 - 28 WEEK
Rapid egg weight
increase
KEY FACTOR IS
INCREASE OF
FEED
CONSUMPTION,
- Light duration
- Temperature
- Feeding time
- Feed composition
- Feed presentation

Advice on how to encourage feed consumption
Adapted light duration :
- Achieving 15 hours of light at 50 % production
- Using midnight feeding till 1850 g for brown egg layers
Feeding times should take into account the behaviour of the birds :
- 60 % of the feed is eaten during the last 5-6 hours of the day
- Minimizing the number of feed distributions according to equipment. Too many feed distributions leads
to strong competition among the birds and a lack of uniformity due to preference for the larger feed
particles
Below, we give some examples of feed distribution times:
- 2 distributions: 2/3 of the feed is given 5 to 6 hours before "lights-out" and the remaining 1/3 about 2 to
3 hours after "lights-on".
- 3 distributions: the first should be 5 to 6 hours before "lights-out", the second about 3 hours before
"lights-out", and the third at lights on.
- 4 distributions: the same timetable as for 3 distributions, but with an extra distribution during the period
of light given in the middle of the night.
By giving an early lay feed to satisfy the production and growth requirement:
- Using a diet with an amino acid content about 7 % higher than that of the diet used after peak
- Energy levels remain the same. As birds adapt their feed intake according to energy intake, too high
energy diet content penalise the feed intake
Ambient temperature strongly influencing feed consumption. Lower temperatures in the laying barn encourage
birds to consume more feed in order to maintain their body temperature. Very important after the housing
give young layers opportunity to gain body weight and reach fast good early egg size. It is advisable to house
layers with 70-71°F (21.1-21.7°C) to develop eating capacity and reach adult feed consumption. When peak
production reached and feed consumption stabilized at around 30 weeks of age advisable gradually reach
temperature in the barn at around 76°F or 24.4°C.

After 28 weeks: Managing for the best economical performances
Feed
conversion
Egg quality
Uniformity Liveability
 - Feed Conversion Ratio
When the body weight of the bird is correct, the feed conversion ratio can be improved slightly by :
Increasing house temperature
- A change of 1°C in the ambient temperature brings about an inverse change in feed consumption in
the order of 1.4 g per bird per day. In such temperature, egg weight is slightly reduced
- Increase of temperature is only possible if temperature throughout the poultry house is uniform
- Ventilation should always be satisfactory in accordance with requirements
- Above 27 °C, the appetite falls too much and the pullet under-consumes. It is important to avoid 27°C
in the hottest parts of the house.
Reducing light duration
- A reduction in light duration helps to maintain feathering and consequently reduces the average
maintenance requirements.
- Lighting in the middle of the night encourages feed consumption at start of lay. According to its effect
on shell quality later on, it is preferable to maintain it till end of lay.
- Discontinuous lighting program can only be considered in dark buildings. Progressive reduction of light
period could be done with this type of program.
- In a normal lighting program, in dark houses, a period of darkness could be introduced and an increase
from 35 weeks old if body weight is correct. Light on and light off has to be the same throughout the
laying period.
 - Uniformity
In order to achieve persistency and good shell quality late in lay, it is essential to keep the flock uniform. Loss
of uniformity during lay is the result of competition for the biggest feed particles. That depends upon:
- the percentage of particles greater than 3.2 mm in diameter
- the number of feed distributions
- the space and positioning of the feeders.
 - Liveability
Liveability depends, in naturally lit buildings, on the standard of beak trimming (see chapter on “Beak-
Trimming") and, in dark buildings, on the lighting intensity used during the production period and most of all
on the uniformity of light distribution (see chapter on "Light intensity").
laying period.
 - Uniformity
 - Liveability
Chlorination of the drinking water is essential to prevent infections from contaminated water. Frequent
laying period.
 - Uniformity
 - Liveability
laying period.
 - Uniformity
 - Liveability
checks should be made on water quality.
laying period.
 - Uniformity
 - Liveability
checks should be made on water quality.

Lighting programs:
Several options possible, according to the local conditions and targets
The amount of feed eaten is dependent on the day-length. A change in day-length of one hour changes feed
intake by about 1.5 to 2.0 g.
 - Normal lighting program: 15 hours light from 50 % production
- Provide 15 hours light from 50 % lay.
- The day length (Interval between lights on and lights out) should not be decreased during lay.
- A day-length longer than 16 hours is not necessary in dark buildings.
- In naturally lit or semi dark buildings, day-length should be equal to the longest natural day experienced.
 - 1.0 h or 1.30 h light in the middle of the night
Light should be switched on about 3 hours after lights out, in order to :
- Encourage feed consumption and growth in pullets at start of lay
- It can be discontinued at about 30 weeks of age if body weight and feed consumption are on target
- Towards the end of lay, night lighting improves the quality and colour of the egg shell to satisfy the
specific appetite for calcium during the egg shell formation.
- In hot climates or during a hot spell, lighting during the night reduces the ill effects of heat by encouraging
feed consumption.

ISA Brown Layer Manage
For more information visit :
Lighting program in temperate climate
The programs suggested are only guides. They should be modified according to results previously obtained.
Production in dark laying houses
Age and / or Duration of lit period Intensity
Body weight Temperate season Hot season Lux
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 20 – 40
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 15 – 30
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 10 – 20
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 5 – 10
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 5 – 10
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 5 – 10
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 5 – 10
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 30 5 – 10
After 49 days 10 h 12 h 5 – 10
1 250 g 12 h 14 h 5 – 15
1 325 g 12 h 30 14 h 30 5 – 15
1 400 g 13 h 15 h 5 – 15
1 475 g 13 h 30 15 h 30 5 – 15
After 1 475 g Increase by 30 min / week
So as to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production
Production in naturally lit or semi-dark houses
Age and / or Duration of light at 14 weeks
Body weight ≤ 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 14 h 14 h 14 h 30
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 13 h 13 h 30 14 h
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 12 h 30 13 h 14 h
Decreasing day lengths :
After 49 days 10 h NL NL NL NL
1 250 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h
1 325 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30 16 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 30 14 h 30 15 h 16 h 16 h 30
Increasing day lengths :
After 49 days 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h
1 325 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 20 – 40
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 15 – 30
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 10 – 20
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 5 – 10
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 5 – 10
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 5 – 10
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 5 – 10
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 30 5 – 10
After 49 days 10 h 12 h 5 – 10
1 250 g 12 h 14 h 5 – 15
1 325 g 12 h 30 14 h 30 5 – 15
1 400 g 13 h 15 h 5 – 15
1 475 g 13 h 30 15 h 30 5 – 15
Age and / or
Duration of light at 14 weeks
Body weight
≤ 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h ≥ 14 h
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 14 h 14 h 14 h 30
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 13 h 13 h 30 14 h
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 12 h 30 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h
1 325 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30 16 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 30 14 h 30 15 h 16 h 16 h 30
After 49 days 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h
1 325 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 16 h
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 20 – 40
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 15 – 30
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 10 – 20
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 5 – 10
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 5 – 10
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 5 – 10
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 5 – 10
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 30 5 – 10
After 49 days 10 h 12 h 5 – 10
1 250 g 12 h 14 h 5 – 15
1 325 g 12 h 30 14 h 30 5 – 15
1 400 g 13 h 15 h 5 – 15
1 475 g 13 h 30 15 h 30 5 – 15
Age and / or
Duration of light at 14 weeks
Body weight
≤ 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h ≥ 14 h
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 14 h 14 h 14 h 30
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 13 h 13 h 30 14 h
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 12 h 30 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h
1 325 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30 16 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 30 14 h 30 15 h 16 h 16 h 30
After 49 days 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h
1 325 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 16 h
After 1 400 g Increase by 30 min / week in order to have 15 to 16 h at 50 % production
22 ISA Brown Layer Manage
For more information visit :
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 20 – 40
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 15 – 30
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 10 – 20
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 5 – 10
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 5 – 10
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 5 – 10
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 5 – 10
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 30 5 – 10
After 49 days 10 h 12 h 5 – 10
1 250 g 12 h 14 h 5 – 15
1 325 g 12 h 30 14 h 30 5 – 15
1 400 g 13 h 15 h 5 – 15
1 475 g 13 h 30 15 h 30 5 – 15
Age and / or Duration of light at 14 weeks
Body weight ≤ 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h
1 – 3 days 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h 22 h
4 – 7 days 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h 20 h
8 – 14 days 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h 18 h
15 –21 days 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h 16 h
22 – 28 days 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h 15 h
29 – 35 days 13 h 30 14 h 14 h 14 h 14 h 30
36 – 42 days 12 h 13 h 13 h 13 h 30 14 h
43 – 49 days 11 h 12 h 12 h 30 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h 16 h
1 325 g 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30 16 h 30
1 400 g 13 h 30 14 h 30 15 h 16 h 16 h 30
After 49 days 10 h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h
1 250 g 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 h
1 325 g 12 h 13 h 14 h 14 h 30 15 h 30

Lighting program in hot climate
Lighting program for hot climates between latitudes 20 ° north and 20° south
1 – 3 days 23 or 24 h 40
4 – 7 days 22 h 40
8 – 14 days 20 h 40
15 –21 days 19 h 40
22 – 35 days 18 h 40
36 – 49 days 17 h 40
50 – 63 days 16 h 40
64 – 77 days 15 h 40
78 – 91 days 14 h 40
92 – 98 days 13 h 40
99 – 105 days 13 h 40
106 – 112 days Natural light 40
After 127 days Natural light 40
5 % lay 14 h (+ 2 h) 40
After 35 % lay 15 h (+ 2 h) 40
After 60 % lay 16 h (+ 2 h) 40
Note: (+ 2 h) refers to the period of artificial light given in the middle of the night to encourage feed
consumption.
Lighting program in hot climate
Lighting program for ho th and 20° southt climates between latitudes 20° nor
1 – 3 days or 4 h 4023 2
4 – 7 days 22 h 40
8 – 14 days 20 h 40
15 –21 days 19 h 40
22 – 35 days 18 h 40
36 – 49 days 17 h 40
50 – 63 days 16 h 40
64 – 77 days 15 h 40
78 – 91 days 14 h 40
92 – 98 days 13 h 40
99 – 105 days 13 h 40
After 127 days Natural light 40
5 % lay 14 h (+ 2 h) 40
After 35 % lay 15 h (+ 2 h) 40
After 60 % lay 16 h (+ 2 h) 40
oteN : (+ 2 h) refers to the period of artificial light give nsumption.n in the middle of the night to encourage feed co

Adjusting egg weight to meet market requirements
 - Body weight of the pullet at sexual maturity
If one has a standard growth curve, and the age at start of lay is changed, then the body weight at sexual
maturity is also changed. The age at start of lay has a direct effect on the adult weight and, therefore, on the
egg size throughout the whole laying period. Earlier maturing flocks will produce a greater number of eggs, but
these eggs will be smaller than those from delayed flocks because the pullets are lighter.
 - Control of the sexual maturity
• Research has shown that mean egg weight increases by 1 g when sexual maturity is delayed by one
week. Conversely, the number of eggs will be decreased. For each change of one week in age at start
of lay, there will be a change of about 4.5 eggs in number laid. By using the appropriate techniques,
the age at start of lay can be modified to produce eggs of the required weight, without affecting the
total egg mass produced.
• Rather than giving light stimulation according to age, we advise not starting to increase day-length
until pullets have reached the target weight planned. By that means, they will not be allowed to come
into lay at too low body weight, which would be prejudicial to egg weight and overall performance.
The following table shows us how to use light stimulation, according to the mean egg weight desired.
Body weight at Target Egg Weight (Expressed as Difference From Standard)
light stimulation
- 1 g standard + 1 g + 2 g
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
* * then 0 h 30 hour per week until 16 hours
 - Body weight at 24 weeks
Egg weight is highly dependent on bodyweight at 24 weeks. Between 5 % lay and peak production, body
weight should increase by at least 300 g.
Our research has enabled us to determine optimum body weights throughout the rearing and laying periods.
This plays an essential role in obtaining performance as measured by egg numbers, egg weights and feed
conversion ratio.
 - Management
• For a more precise treatment of this subject please refer to the chapter, "lighting program" in the
production period.
o 1.0-1.5 hours light in the middle of the night: this technique encourages feed intake at start of
lay and allows egg weight to increase rapidly
o Temperature of 21.1-21.7° C (70-71°F) at onset of lay will encourage feed consumption and
consequently increase early egg size.
• Between 23 and 27 ° C, egg weight falls by 0.5 to 1 % for each 1°C rise in temperature. Above 27°C, it
falls by 1 to 1.5 % per °C.
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
Egg size can be increased by the use of vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid. Its inclusion leads to an improvement
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
in the digestibility of the diet and an increase in the energy intake (by about 2 %) due to the improvement in
palatability. The addition of oil also causes the finer feed particles to stick together.
light stimulation
1100 g + 2 h
1175 g *
1250 g * + 2 h
1325 g * *
1400 g * * + 2 h
1475 g * * + 1 h
1550 g * * * + 2 h
1625 g * * * + 1 h
* * * * + 1 h
conversion ratio.
 - Management
production period.
 - Oil
in the digestibility of the diet and an increase in the energy intake (by about 2 %) due to the improvement in
palatability. The addition of oil also causes the finer feed particles to stick together.

Feeding in production: Cover the daily requirement to maintain the
persistency of lay & shell quality
 - Energy requirements
Chickens regulate their feed consumption quite well, according to its energy content at constant oil level. This
can vary within relatively wide limits. Which energy level to choose depends more on economic than on
nutritional considerations.
However, an important decrease of the energy level from pre-lay feed to layer feed will penalize quite a lot the
capacity of the birds to intake the daily nutrient requirements. At a constant energy level, the birds already
need to increase its feed consumption by 40 % between 17 and 26 weeks old.
Energy consumption is influenced by the percentage of oil, percentage of fiber added to the feed and feed
presentation. Consequently a poor feed grist size can be compensated by a higher percentage of oil.
 - Protein requirements
• Between 17 and 24 weeks, feed consumption should increase by about 40 %. Maximum feed intake
should be reached for several weeks around peak production. In order to satisfy the daily nutrient
requirements, we have to consider that the average daily food consumption, between 17 weeks and
28 weeks old, is about 7 g lower than that observed in the period 28 – 72 weeks. So, the protein
(digestible amino acids) specifications should be adapted to the mean intake level recorded during this
period.
• Taking into account persistency in lay, individual variability and egg weight, the requirement for amino
acids does not fall throughout the laying period. In an economic context, it may be worth reducing the
safety margins slightly. However, the best results, in terms of productivity and feed conversion ratio,
are obtained, when one maintains the intake level of amino acids. Any deficiency of amino acids, no
matter which type of amino acid, shows up as a reduction in performance, of which 2/3 is due to a
reduction in rate of lay and the remaining 1/3 is a decrease in mean egg weight.
 - Mineral requirements
Feeding in production: Cover the daily requirement to maintain the
persistency of lay & shell quality
 - Energy requirements
Chickens regulate their feed consumption quite well, according to its energy content at constant oil level. This
can vary within relatively wide limits. Which energy level to choose depends more on economic than on
nutritional considerations.
However, an important decrease of the energy level from pre-lay feed to layer feed will penalize quite a lot the
capacity of the birds to intake the daily nutrient requirements. At a constant energy level, the birds already
need to increase its feed consumption by 40 % between 17 and 26 weeks old.
Energy consumption is influenced by the percentage of oil, percentage of fiber added to the feed and feed
presentation. Consequently a poor feed grist size can be compensated by a higher percentage of oil.
 - Protein requirements
• Between 17 and 24 weeks, feed consumption should increase by about 40 %. Maximum feed intake
should be reached for several weeks around peak production. In order to satisfy the daily nutrient
requirements, we have to consider that the average daily food consumption, between 17 weeks and
28 weeks old, is about 7 g lower than that observed in the period 28 – 72 weeks. So, the protein
(digestible amino acids) specifications should be adapted to the mean intake level recorded during this
period.
• Taking into account persistency in lay, individual variability and egg weight, the requirement for amino
acids does not fall throughout the laying period. In an economic context, it may be worth reducing the
safety margins slightly. However, the best results, in terms of productivity and feed conversion ratio,
are obtained, when one maintains the intake level of amino acids. Any deficiency of amino acids, no
matter which type of amino acid, shows up as a reduction in performance, of which 2/3 is due to a
reduction in rate of lay and the remaining 1/3 is a decrease in mean egg weight.
 - Mineral requirementsCalcification of the shell starts shortly before "lights out" and finishes mainly at the end of the night. It lasts
for about 12 hours. The quality of the shell depends on the quantity of calcium available during shell
formation. Getting the correct feeding timetable, and giving extra light in the middle of the night, enables us
to improve the shell quality.
Calcium retention depends on the size of particles used. Particles of less than 1.5 mm diameter are poorly
retained in the gizzards, and some calcium is found in the droppings. This results in deterioration in shell
quality.
• About 70 % of the total calcium supplied should be provided in granular form. This implies that 65 kg
of granular calcium carbonate should be included per tonne of feed. To be retained in the gizzard
these particles should be between 2 and 4 mm in diameter.
• The remaining 30% should be supplied in powder form to be used for replenishing the bone calcium
reserves.
Shell weight increases with age throughout lay. For that reason, we advise increasing the calcium
concentration in the diet throughout the laying cycle. Starting with 4.0-4.1% Ca and finishing with 4.5% Ca at
the end of laying cycle.
The quality of the shell also depends on the solubility of the calcium. Sources of calcium, which are too
soluble, lead to poor shell quality.
28 weeks End50 weeks
Addition of 0.6 % of
limestoneStart of lay Feed
to 28 weeks

The quality of the shell also depends on the solubility of the calcium. Sources of calcium, which are too
soluble, lead to poor shell quality.
Failure to supply enough phosphorus leads to demineralisation of the hen’s skeleton, possibly causing long
term fractures and mortality.
During shell calcification, part of the bone calcium is mobilised bringing about the release into the blood of
calcium and phosphate ions. The phosphate ions are then re-absorbed by the kidneys. The replenishment of
bone reserves necessitates a supply of phosphate. The phosphorus requirement depends on how much is
called on from the bone reserves. The phosphorus requirement is, therefore, dependent on the form in which
calcium is supplied and on the methods by which it is fed.
At end of lay, an excess of phosphorus tends to lead to deterioration in shell quality.
Water quality
 - Chemical substances
As yet, there are no standards for drinking water in farm animal production. However, we indicate below the
maximum concentrations of some chemical substances, which can lead to physiological troubles and a
reduction in performance. Their presence can also lead to deterioration of the pipelines.
- chlorides (Cl) 500 ppm - potassium (K) 500 ppm - sulphates(So4) 1100 ppm
- sodium (Na) 500 ppm - iron (Fe) 500 ppm - nitrates (NO3) 50 ppm
- magnesium (Mg) 200 ppm - nitrites (NO2) 5 ppm - arsenic (As) 0.01 ppm
Where the water is very saline, it could be worth reducing the level of salt in the feed, but at the same time
making sure that there is no deficiency.
In areas, where the water is very hard, the use of softeners or ion exchangers can lead to a significant increase
in the sodium content. A high content can be responsible for liquid droppings and shell quality problems, and
even production problems.
For birds, the ideal pH lies between 6 and 7. If the pH is too acidic, corrosion of the pipes sets in. Above pH 7
conditions favour the growth of bacteria. Organic acids can be used to lower the pH.
 - Monitoring water quality
The value of any analysis depends on when, where, and how the sample has been taken. One should not
forget that an analysis only refers to the quality of the water at the time, when the sample was taken, and is
never a guarantee of its quality at another time. Where farms have their own water supply, it is necessary to
take a sample at least twice a year. On farms using the mains supply an annual measurement should be
adequate.
 - Treatment of drinking water
Chlorination is still the best and most economic method of treating drinking water. The chlorine can be
injected by means of a dosing pump. A contact time of 15 to 30 minutes between the water and the chlorine
is necessary for good disinfection. It is essential to monitor the residual active chlorine at the end of the pipe
system once a week. The residual level of active chlorine at the end of the system should be
0.3 - 0.4 mg/litre (0.3 - 0.4 ppm).
system once a week. The residual level of active chlorine at the end of the system should be 0.3 - 0.4
mg/litre (0.3 - 0.4 ppm).
- Cleaning the drinkers
The water in drinkers often becomes soiled with feed residues, and possibly with infections. To prevent the
development of germs in the drinkers, they should be cleaned at least once a day during the first 2 weeks, and
once a week thereafter.
In a hot climate, the drinkers should be cleaned every day. The depth of water in the drinkers should be 15
It is essential to decontaminate the pipelines when the birds have gone, using alkaline and acid cleaners in
succession in order to avoid accumulation of mineral and organic deposits in drinker pipelines.
Temperature Rearing Production
mm.
according to house temperature:
mm.
mm.

 Water consumption
Water consumption depends on ambient temperature. Above 20°C, consumption increases to enable the bird
to maintain body temperature (respiratory evaporation). The actual consumption depends on temperature and
humidity of the ambient air. The following table shows the relationship between water and feed consumption
15°C 1.6 1.70 (210 ml)
20°C 1.7 1.80 (205 ml)
25°C 2.3 2.10 (230 ml)
30°C 3.0 3.10 (320 ml)
In hot periods it is essential to provide cool water for the birds. In a hot climate, cool water will improve
productivity. It is extremely important to protect the water tanks from the direct sun's rays.
- Water consumption
Water consumption depends on ambient temperature. Above 20°C, consumption increases to enable the bird
to maintain body temperature (respiratory evaporation). The actual consumption depends on temperature and
humidity of the ambient air. The following table shows the relationship between water and feed consumption
15°C 1.6 1.70 (210 ml)
20°C 1.7 1.80 (205 ml)
25°C 2.3 2.10 (230 ml)
30°C 3.0 3.10 (320 ml)
In hot periods it is essential to provide cool water for the birds. In a hot climate, cool water will improve
productivity. It is extremely important to protect the water tanks from the direct sun's rays.
Hot seasons and climates: the effect of heat
“ Drop in production is a consequence of a reduction of the capacity to lose heat.”
With the increase of
external temperature,
a lower feed intake is
noticed. This is the
result of the reduction
of the bird’s ability to
lose heat.
Lower growth rates
during rearing and
the reduced
production during lay
are only
consequences of the
reduction in feed
consumption when
the birds are
incapable of
regulating their
temperature
Reduce the ambient
temperature
Increase the air speed Equipment
- Insulation of the roof
- Wide roof overhangs
- Use of pad (evaporative)
cooling
- By using air movers (paddle
fans)
- With longitudinal ventilation
- Have cages designed to
facilitate air circulation
- Reduce stocking density
By the respiratory route . Heart
irato
in e
w
By direct exchange with the local
ironm h fal
al t re is i
(Air, litter, radiatio )
“ Drop in production is
Temperature in ºC
a consequence of a reduction of the capacity to lose heat.”
rnal temperature,
lose heat.
the reduced
are only
consequences of the
the birds are
of
regulating their
Lower growth rates
during rearing and
exte
reduction in feed
consumption when
incapable
temperature
& respls as the ry rates increase in
order to crease further th
ater loss
env ent, whic
extern emperatu ncreased
n
25 % of
heat loss
75 %
Temperate Hot Temperate Hot
The control of the body temperature of the bird is done …
101
108
280
290
114
320
et
121330
340
250
15 20 25 30
Di
260
270
o
300
310
f2.
95
C
7
100
110
115
oionin
75kcal
105
nsumpt
(11,6MJ)kg
120
125
g
90
irato
in e
w
ironm h fal
al t re is i
Temperature in ºC
rnal temperature,
lose heat.
the reduced
are only
consequences of the
the birds are
of
regulating their
Lower growth rates
during rearing and
exte
reduction in feed
consumption when
incapable
temperature
ater loss
env ent, whic
n
25 % of
heat loss
75 %
101
108
280
290
114
320
et
121330
340
250
15 20 25 30
Di
260
270
o
300
310
f2.
95
C
7
100
110
115
oionin
75kcal
105
nsumpt
(11,6MJ)kg
120
125
g
90
irato
in e
w
ironm h fal
al t re is i
Temperature in ºC
rnal temperature,
lose heat.
the reduced
are only
consequences of the
the birds are
of
regulating their
Lower growth rates
during rearing and
exte
reduction in feed
consumption when
incapable
temperature
ater loss
env ent, whic
n
25 % of
heat loss
75 %
101
108
280
290
114
320
et
121330
340
250
15 20 25 30
Di
260
270
o
300
310
f2.
95
C
7
100
110
115
oionin
75kcal
105
nsumpt
(11,6MJ)kg
120
125
g
90
irato
in e
w
ironm h fal
al t re is i
Temperature in ºC
rnal temperature,
lose heat.
the reduced
are only
consequences of the
the birds are
of
regulating their
Lower growth rates
during rearing and
exte
reduction in feed
consumption when
incapable
temperature
ater loss
env ent, whic
n
25 % of
heat loss
75 %
101
108
280
290
114
320
et
121330
340
250
15 20 25 30
Di
260
270
o
300
310
f2.
95
C
7
100
110
115
oionin
75kcal
105
nsumpt
(11,6MJ)kg
120
125
g
90

Hot season: How to encourage feed consumption & growth?
“ Allow birds to eat during the coolest hours : during night and early in the morning
to maintain feed consumption and increase heat losses.”
- Encourage growth
- Lighting program - Use a slowly decreasing light program
- Give early morning light to encourage feeding during the cooler part of the
day
- Starting at 15 weeks, give 1.0 – 1.5 hours of light in the middle of the
night
- To avoid too early sexual maturity, never stimulate before they reach 5 %
production
- At 5 % production :
- Add 2 hours of light in the morning
- And add 1 hour per week till 16 hours light (16 hours light at 50%
production)
- Encourage growth
day
night
production
production)
(Lighting program which could be used in hot climates between 20° North latitudes and 20° South)
- Food specifications
and food presentation
- Use a diet in crumb form rich in energy and protein for the first 5 weeks
(diet similar to a broiler diet)
- After 5 weeks, use a diet in crumb form or one with a very good texture
(80% of the particles between 0.5 and 3.2 mm)
- Feeding timetable - Avoid the build up of fine particles by getting the feeders empty in the
middle of the day
- Distribute the food 3 hours before lights out
- Stockmanship - Provide cool drinking water of good bacteriological quality
- Make a good job of beak trimming
- Weigh the birds regularly (once a week )
 - Encourage food consumption
- Lighting - Encourage food consumption in the cooler part of the day :
- By giving light early in the morning
- By giving 1.0-1.5 hours of light in the middle of the night (3 hours after
light out)
- Quality of the diet - Use a diet of good granular texture (75-80% particles between 0.5 to 3.2
mm)
- Provide 70 % of the calcium in granular form
- Use a protein level appropriate to the actual feed intake level
- Feeding timetable - Distribute 1/2 of the food 5 to 6 hours before lights out
- Distribute 1/2 of the food 2 to 3 hours after lights on
- Avoid a built up of fine food particles by getting the feeders empty in the
middle of the day
middle of the day
light out)
mm)
middle of the day
- Stockmanship - Provide cool water of good bacteriological quality
- Encourage growth
day
night
production
production)
- Encourage growth
day
night
production
production)
F
Hot season: How to enco
“ Allow birds to eat during the coo
to maintain feed co
- Encourage growth
- Lighting program - Use a slowl
- Give early m
day
- Starting at
night
- To avoid to
production
- At 5 % pro
- Add 2
- And a
produ
middle of the day
light out)
mm)
middle of the day
middle of the day
light out)
mm)
middle of the day
- Weigh the birds regularly
(Lighting program which could be use
- Use a diet
(diet simil
- After 5 w
(80% of t
- Feeding timetable - Avoid the
middle of
- Distribute
- Stockmanship - Provide co
- Make a go
- Weigh the
 - Encourage food consu
- Lighting - Encourage
- By giving
- By giving
light out)
- Quality of the diet - Use a diet
mm)
- Provide 7
- Use a pro
- Feeding timetable - Distribute
- Distribute
- Avoid a b
middle of
- Stockmanship - Provide co
- Weigh the

Vaccination techniques
Immunity
Birds possess two primary organs of primary lymphoid activity: the thymus and the Bursa of Fabricius.
Situated in the neck region, the thymus is the organ, where the T. lymphocytes mature, and is responsible for
immunity due to cell mediation immunity. It is functional from hatching, and develops with age into the
secondary lymphoid organ.
The Bursa of Fabricius is the organ, where B type lymphocytes mature, and is responsible for immunity via the
humoral system. This is functional at hatching, and remains developed and active up to between 4 and 10
weeks of age, after which it regresses gradually.
Birds possess numerous secondary lymphoid structures distributed throughout the whole body:
- Peyer's patches on the intestinal mucosa
- Caecal tonsils on the ileo-caecal mucosa
- Lymphoid structures throughout the length of the respiratory network
- Harderian gland situated at the back of the third eyelid
- Small inclusions in most organs, including the nerves
- Spleen
All these immune structures are called upon, when vaccines are administered according to different routes:
putting liquid into the ocular fluid (eye drops), impregnation of the palatine groove at the time of swallowing
(drinking water), inhalation of droplets (spraying).
Individual vaccination Mass vaccination
- Ocular-nasal instillation (Eye drops)
- Beak dipping
- Skin puncture and scarification
- Intramuscular and sub-cutaneous injections
- Through the drinking water
- By spraying
 - Ocular-nasal administration (eye drops)
Allows a local and a general immunity, due to the presence of the Harderian gland behind the third eyelid
- Always keep the bottle vertical to avoid contact with mucous membranes
- Generally 1000 droplets per 30 ml
- Coloured ocular diluents makes it easier to see that the vaccine is administrated properly
- Generally used for Infectious Laryngotracheitis often given at the same time as injection of oil vaccines
 - Beak dipping
This implies dipping the beak up to the nostrils in such a way that the vaccine solution gets into the nasal
canals.
- Only to be used with chicks of less than 1 week old
- 150 to 200 ml per 1000 chicks
- Still used in many countries against Newcastle disease and Gumboro during the first week because of the
need to achieve 100 % vaccination and reduce the possibility of adverse respiratory reactions
- Usually used when vaccination by drinking water is not possible (irregular water consumption before 5
days of age) and when a vaccination by spraying would run the risk of causing harmful respiratory
reactions.
 - Skin puncture and scarification (scratch)
Only used for the administration of live fowl pox vaccination
Puncturing the wing web with the help of a double-channelled needle is generally preferred to scarification of
the skin on the thigh, using a vaccination stylus.
Birds possess two primary organs of primary lymphoid activity: the thymus and the Bursa of Fabricius.
Situated in the neck region, the thymus is the organ, where the T. lymphocytes mature, and is responsible for
immunity due to cell mediation immunity. It is functional from hatching, and develops with age into the
secondary lymphoid organ.
The Bursa of Fabricius is the organ, where B type lymphocytes mature, and is responsible for immunity via the
humoral system. This is functional at hatching, and remains developed and active up to between 4 and 10
weeks of age, after which it regresses gradually.
Birds possess numerous secondary lymphoid structures distributed throughout the whole body:
- Peyer's patches on the intestinal mucosa
- Caecal tonsils on the ileo-caecal mucosa
- Lymphoid structures throughout the length of the respiratory network
- Harderian gland situated at the back of the third eyelid
- Small inclusions in most organs, including the nerves
- Spleen
All these immune structures are called upon, when vaccines are administered according to different routes:
putting liquid into the ocular fluid (eye drops), impregnation of the palatine groove at the time of swallowing
(drinking water), inhalation of droplets (spraying).
Individual vaccination Mass vaccination
- Ocular-nasal instillation (Eye drops)
- Beak dipping
- Skin puncture and scarification
- Intramuscular and sub-cutaneous injections
- Through the drinking water
- By spraying
 - Ocular-nasal administration (eye drops)
Allows a local and a general immunity, due to the presence of the Harderian gland behind the third eyelid
- Always keep the bottle vertical to avoid contact with mucous membranes
- Generally 1000 droplets per 30 ml
- Coloured ocular diluents makes it easier to see that the vaccine is administrated properly
- Generally used for Infectious Laryngotracheitis often given at the same time as injection of oil vaccines
 - Beak dipping
This implies dipping the beak up to the nostrils in such a way that the vaccine solution gets into the nasal
canals.
- Only to be used with chicks of less than 1 week old
- 150 to 200 ml per 1000 chicks
- Still used in many countries against Newcastle disease and Gumboro during the first week because of the
need to achieve 100 % vaccination and reduce the possibility of adverse respiratory reactions
- Usually used when vaccination by drinking water is not possible (irregular water consumption before 5
days of age) and when a vaccination by spraying would run the risk of causing harmful respiratory
reactions.
 - Skin puncture and scarification (scratch)
Only used for the administration of live fowl pox vaccination
Puncturing the wing web with the help of a double-channelled needle is generally preferred to scarification of

- Equipment should be sterile
- Needle should be the appropriate length for the age of bird
- Change needle frequently (at least every 500 injections). This is a minimum frequency as more regular
changes of the needle assist with the welfare of the birds (blunting needles) and from a disease spreading
perspective – Avian leucosis.
- Take the bottles out of the fridge several hours before use to improve fluidity (inactivated oil based
vaccines)
- Loose skin on the back of birds’ neck (bacterial vaccines in oil based adjuvant) or breast muscle (especially
for oil based inactivated vaccines)
 - Through drinking water
- Equipment should be sterile
- Needle should be the appropriate length for the age of bird
- Change needle frequently (at least every 500 injections). This is a minimum frequency as more regular
changes of the needle assist with the welfare of the birds (blunting needles) and from a disease spreading
perspective – Avian leucosis.
- Take the bottles out of the fridge several hours before use to improve fluidity (inactivated oil based
vaccines)
- Loose skin on the back of birds’ neck (bacterial vaccines in oil based adjuvant) or breast muscle (especially
for oil based inactivated vaccines)
Ideally should only be used in birds of more than one week old (in order to get uniform water
consumption/take up).
- Take care to regularly de-scale and clean the pipe system using water under pressure in a contra-flow
direction and then adding organic acids to the drinking water four consecutive days.
- Before vaccination, check if the drinker and nipple are clean and working well. There should be no
disinfection in the lines as this will inactivate vaccination. Ensure all water sanitising systems have been
turned off and the water in the system is clean water only.
- Allow the birds to become thirsty, 30 min to 1 h 30 min or longer (depending on climate and thirst)
before distributing the vaccine solution.
- Completely empty the whole water system. Make sure that all water present is drained out, especially in
the bottom of the tank and in the lowest points of the piping system.
- Always have an area available to make up the vaccine in a hygienic way – disposable gloves should also be
available
- Forecast the quantity of water required, enough to be consumed in about 2 hours. Quantity is about 1/7
of the quantity consumed the previous day.
- Dissolve 2.5 g of skimmed milk powder per litre of water (avoid lumps forming).
- Next, dissolve in a small quantity of commercial mineral water (or distilled water) the number of doses
corresponding at least to the number of birds to be vaccinated according to their age. Mix this vaccine
solution thoroughly (using a plastic stirrer) to the milky water prepared previously. A colour marker may
be used to identify the vaccine solution. Keep the vaccine solution cool, and away from direct sun
exposure.
- Check that all the drinkers and nipples are filled with the milky water. In specific case of nipples, open the
water pipe at the other end to flush the air trapped and to ensure that the vaccine solution reach the other
end.
- Walk slowly through the building and make sure that all the birds are drinking the vaccine solution.
- Finally, open the stopcock and return to normal watering.
- All the equipment used for the preparation of the vaccine solution should be clean without trace of
disinfectant.
- Water quality aspects:
- Should conform to the standards for human consumption without excess minerals.
- pH should be slightly acidic for preference between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Where city water or equipment with traces of chlorine are being used, add 2.5 g of skimmed milk
powder to neutralise the chlorine.
To vaccinate correctly a flock, you need to have at least 90 % of the birds to have properly absorbed a full
dose of vaccine in its fully live state.
Ideally should only be used in birds of more than one week old (in order to get uniform water
consumption/take up).
- Take care to regularly de-scale and clean the pipe system using water under pressure in a contra-flow
direction and then adding organic acids to the drinking water four consecutive days.
- Before vaccination, check if the drinker and nipple are clean and working well. There should be no
disinfection in the lines as this will inactivate vaccination. Ensure all water sanitising systems have been
turned off and the water in the system is clean water only.
- Allow the birds to become thirsty, 30 min to 1 h 30 min or longer (depending on climate and thirst)
before distributing the vaccine solution.
- Completely empty the whole water system. Make sure that all water present is drained out, especially in
the bottom of the tank and in the lowest points of the piping system.
- Always have an area available to make up the vaccine in a hygienic way – disposable gloves should also be
available
- Forecast the quantity of water required, enough to be consumed in about 2 hours. Quantity is about 1/7
of the quantity consumed the previous day.
- Dissolve 2.5 g of skimmed milk powder per litre of water (avoid lumps forming).
- Next, dissolve in a small quantity of commercial mineral water (or distilled water) the number of doses
corresponding at least to the number of birds to be vaccinated according to their age. Mix this vaccine
solution thoroughly (using a plastic stirrer) to the milky water prepared previously. A colour marker may
be used to identify the vaccine solution. Keep the vaccine solution cool, and away from direct sun
exposure.
- Check that all the drinkers and nipples are filled with the milky water. In specific case of nipples, open the
water pipe at the other end to flush the air trapped and to ensure that the vaccine solution reach the other
end.
- Walk slowly through the building and make sure that all the birds are drinking the vaccine solution.
- Finally, open the stopcock and return to normal watering.
- All the equipment used for the preparation of the vaccine solution should be clean without trace of
disinfectant.
- Water quality aspects:
- Should conform to the standards for human consumption without excess minerals.
- pH should be slightly acidic for preference between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Where city water or equipment with traces of chlorine are being used, add 2.5 g of skimmed milk
powder to neutralise the chlorine.
 - Intramuscular and subcutaneous injections

To vaccinate correctly a flock, you need to have at least 90 % of the birds to have properly absorbed a full
dose of vaccine in its fully live state.
 - Vaccination by spraying
ISA Brown Layer Management Guide – 2011
This method consists of spraying a vaccine solution in such a way that droplets contain a sufficient number of
living virus particles to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eye and/or the respiratory
tract so that they can multiply there. The immune response will at first be local, and then general.
Spraying is, therefore, particularly indicated for vaccination with less virulent viruses, with respiratory
connotations (e.g. Hitchener B 1 and La Sota strains against Newcastle Disease, H120 against Infectious
Bronchitis, and the vaccine against Swollen Head Syndrome...). In any case, follow the vaccine manufacturer
instruction.
The effectiveness of spray vaccination and the severity of post-vaccinal respiratory reactions depends mainly
on the size of the droplets in contact with the eye or the respiratory tract of the birds.
According to the equipment used and the atmospheric conditions, the quantity of water should be adjusted so
that :
- the spraying of the group or flock lasts between 15 and 20 minutes
- several passages of spray can be made
- the fogging succeeds in wetting the birds' heads
Examples of
Fogging Atomisation
equipment
Spravac Birchmeier Ulvavac Atomist
Use
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery or
on the farm
Primary vaccination
booster doses on
the farm
Booster doses on
the farm
(> 15 days)
Pressure 3.5 bars 2 to 2.5 bars
Mechanical
propulsion
Aerial propulsion
Droplet size 100 – 150 µ 78 – 80 µ 15 – 50 µ
Quantity of water
for 1000 birds
70 ml / 200 ml 400 to 1200 ml 30 to 60 ml 300 to 600 ml
Atomisation refers exclusively to repeat vaccination against Newcastle disease.
Summary of practical advice :
- Only spray vaccinate when birds are in a good health.
- The equipment should be clean, without traces of chlorine or disinfectant, well maintained, correctly
calibrated and reserved exclusively for vaccination.
- Prepare the vaccine solution immediately before use with water of high biological quality, cool, free from
chlorine or disinfectants, slightly acidic (pH between 5.5 and 6.5), without excessive mineral content.
Taking into account the low volumes needed, use for preference distilled water or commercial mineral
water.
- Gather the birds together quietly into a very restricted area (so that the minimum quantity of droplets fall
on the ground)
- Switch off the lights, the brooders and the ventilation. The flock should be calm, with heads up
- Wear a mask.
- Spray the heads of the birds for 15 to 20 minutes slowly making several passes. By the time the spraying
is finished the heads of all the birds should be thoroughly wet.
- Ventilation could be forced 15 to 30 minutes after spray.
- To encourage multiplication of the vaccine virus in the bucal (mouth) region, make sure that the water
drunk by the birds for a few hours immediately following vaccination is free of chlorine and disinfectants.
If necessary, before vaccination, completely refill the water tank with water into which 2.5 g of skimmed
milk powder per litre of water has been mixed to neutralise the chlorine.
- Rinse the equipment thoroughly in clean water, containing neither chlorine nor disinfectants
instruction.
that :
Examples of
Fogging Atomisation
equipment
Use
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery or
on the farm
Primary vaccination
booster doses on
the farm
Booster doses on
the farm
(> 15 days)
Mechanical
propulsion
Aerial propulsion
Droplet size 100 – 150 µ 78 – 80 µ 15 – 50 µ
Quantity of water
for 1000 birds
water.
on the ground)
- Wear a mask.
Examples of
Fogging Atomisation
equipment
Use
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery or
on the farm
Primary vaccination
booster doses on
the farm
Booster doses on
the farm
(> 15 days)
Mechanical
propulsion
Aerial propulsion
Droplet size 100 – 150 µ 78 – 80 µ 15 – 50 µ
Quantity of water
for 1000 birds
water.
on the ground)
- Wear a mask.
- Rinse the equipment thoroughly in clean water, containing neither chlorine nor disinfectants
instruction.
that :
Examples of
Fogging Atomisation
equipment
Use
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery
Primary vaccination
at the hatchery or
on the farm
Primary vaccination
booster doses on
the farm
Booster doses on
the farm
(> 15 days)
Mechanical
propulsion
Aerial propulsion
Droplet size 100 – 150 µ 78 – 80 µ 15 – 50 µ
Quantity of water
for 1000 birds
water.
on the ground)
- Wear a mask.

Feeding Program for ISA Brown in rearing at 20 °C
Dietary suggestions for general guidance :
• Starter
• Grower
• Pullet
• Pre – lay
2.950 kcal (1340 kcal/lb)/kg as crumbs
2.850 kcal (1295 kcal/lb)/kg as mash or crumbs
2.750 kcal (1250 kcal/lb)/kg as mash
Diet Mean Kcal / day Ration g/d Cumul. cons.
Body
weight
Week Day (1) Cages Floor Cages Floor Cages Floor
Starter – 2.950 Kcal (1340 kcal/lb)/kg From day old to 300 g of Body Weight
20.5 % crude protein
1 1 – 7 65 – 68 30 30 11 11 77 77
2 8 – 14 110 –
–
–
120 49 51 17 17 196 196
3 15 – 21 195 210 73 75 25 25 371 371
4 22 – 28 285 305 93 96 32 33 595 602
Grower – 2.850 Kcal (1295 kcal/lb)/kg From 300 g to 850 g of Body Weight
19 % crude protein
5 29 – 35 380 – 400 106 111 37 39 854 875
6 36 – 42 470 – 500 119 125 42 44 1148 1183
7 43 – 49 560 – 590 132 138 46 48 1470 1519
8 50 – 56 650 – 680 141 149 50 52 1820 1883
9 57 –
–
63 740 –
–
775 151 160 54 56 2198 2275
10 64 70 830 865 161 170 58 60 2604 2695
Pullet – 2.750 Kcal (1250 kcal/lb)/kg After 850 g of Body Weight
16 % crude protein
11 71 – 77 920 – 960 169 179 61 65 3031 3150
12 78 – 84 1010 – 1050 177 187 64 68 3479 3626
13 85 – 91 1095 – 1140 185 195 67 71 3948 4123
14 92 – 98 1180 –
–
–
––
1230 192 203 70 74 4438 4641
15 99 –
–
105 1265 1320 199 211 73 77 4949 5180
16 106 112 1350 1410 207 219 76 80 5481 5740
Pre-lay – 2.750 Kcal (1250 kcal/lb)/kg Transfer between 16 and 17 weeks
17 % crude protein
17 113 119 1430 1505 215 228 80 83 6041 6314
( 1 ) : Body weights above refer to weighing carried out in the rearing house in the afternoon. We stress that
during transport, the pullet can lose 5 to 10 % of its body weight, depending on the time without food and in
transport, and on the temperature. It is very difficult to make an accurate estimate of body weight after
transfer.
Note: The ration should be adjusted so as to control body weight.
Dietary suggestions for general guidance :
• Starter
• Grower
• Pullet
• Pre – lay
2.850 kcal (1295 kcal/lb)/kg as mash or crumbs
Diet Mean Kcal / day Ration g/d Cumul. cons.
Body
weight
Week Day (1) Cages Floor Cages Floor Cages Floor
1 1 – 7 65 – 68 30 30 11 11 77 77
2 8 – 14 110 –
–
–
120 49 51 17 17 196 196
3 15 – 21 195 210 73 75 25 25 371 371
4 22 – 28 285 305 93 96 32 33 595 602
19 % crude protein
5 29 – 35 380 – 400 106 111 37 39 854 875
6 36 – 42 470 – 500 119 125 42 44 1148 1183
7 43 – 49 560 – 590 132 138 46 48 1470 1519
8 50 – 56 650 – 680 141 149 50 52 1820 1883
9 57 –
–
63 740 –
–
775 151 160 54 56 2198 2275
10 64 70 830 865 161 170 58 60 2604 2695
16 % crude protein
11 71 – 77 920 – 960 169 179 61 65 3031 3150
12 78 – 84 1010 – 1050 177 187 64 68 3479 3626
13 85 – 91 1095 – 1140 185 195 67 71 3948 4123
14 92 – 98 1180 –
–
–
––
1230 192 203 70 74 4438 4641
15 99 –
–
105 1265 1320 199 211 73 77 4949 5180
16 106 112 1350 1410 207 219 76 80 5481 5740
17 % crude protein
17 113 119 1430 1505 215 228 80 83 6041 6314
( 1 ) : Body weights above refer to weighing carried out in the rearing house in the afternoon. We stress that
during transport, the pullet can lose 5 to 10 % of its body weight, depending on the time without food and in
transport, and on the temperature. It is very difficult to make an accurate estimate of body weight after
transfer.
Feeding Program for Brown in rearing at 20 °C

Dietary suggestion eneral guidance :
• Pre – lay
r crumbs
.750 kcal (1250 kcal/lb)/kg as mash
s for g
• Starter
• Grower
• Pullet
2.850 kcal (1295 kcal/lb)/kg as mash o
2
Diet Mean Kcal / day Ration g/d Cumul con .s
Bodyweight
Week Day (1) Floor Floor Floor
1 30 11 77
2 51 17 196
3 73 25 371
4 92 31 588
5 380 – 400 105 36 840
6 118 41 1127
7 129 45 1442
8 139 49 1785
9 148 52 2149
10 157 55 2534
11 163 59 2947
12 171 62 3381
13 178 65 3836
14 184 67 4305
15 191 69 4830
16 198 72 5292
17 113 119 20 75 58175
( 1 ) : Body weights above refer to weighing carried out in the rearing house in the afternoon. We stress that during
e pullet can lose 5 to 10 % of its body weight, depending on the time without food in transptransport, th ort and on the
body weight after transfer.
Note
temperature. It is very difficult to make an accurate estimate of
: The ration should be adjusted so as to control body weight.
1 – 7 65 – 68
8 – 14 110 –
–
–
120
15 – 21 195 210
22 – 28
29 – 35
285 305
36 – 42 470 – 500
43 – 49 560 – 590
50 – 56 650 – 680
57 –
–
63 740 –
–
775
64 70 830 865
71 – 77 920 – 960
78 – 84 1010 – 1050
85 – 91 1095 – 1140
92 – 98 1180 –
–
–
––
1230
99 –
–
105 1265 1320
106 112 1350 1410
1430 1505
Feeding Program for Brown in rearing at 28 °C

Nutritional specifications for growing diets
Starter Grower Pullet Pre - lay
Units 0 - 4 weeks 4 - 10 weeks 10 - 16 weeks 112 days to
Between
18 & 24 °C 1 - 28 days 28 - 70 days 70 - 112 days 2 % lay
Forecast quantity / bird g 600 2100 3000
Metabolisable energy kcal/kg 2950 2850 2750 2750
kcal/lb 1340 1295 1250 1250
Crude protein % 20.5 19 16 17
Methionine % 0.52 0.45 0.35 0.36
Methionine + Cystine % 0.86 0.76 0.62 0.65
Lysine % 1.16 0.98 0.74 0.80
Threonine % 0.78 0.66 0.50 0.54
Tryptophan % 0.21 0.19 0.16 0.17
Digestible amino acids (1)
Dig. Methionine % 0.48 0.41 0.32 0.33
Dig. Meth. + Cystine % 0.78 0.66 0.55 0.57
Dig. Lysine % 1.00 0.85 0.64 0.69
Dig. Threonine. % 0.67 0.57 0.43 0.46
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.18 0.16 0.14 0.15
Major minerals
Calcium % 1.05 - 1.10 1.0 - 1.20 1.0 - 1.20 2.0 - 2.10
Available Phosphorus % 0.48 0.42 0.40 0.45
Chlorine minimum % 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15
Sodium minimum % 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17
Units 0 - 5 weeks 5 - 10 weeks 10 - 16 weeks 112 days toAbove 24 ° C
1 - 35 days 35 - 70 days 70 - 112 days 2 % lay
Forecast quantity / bird g 850 1700 2800
kcal/lb 1340 1295 1250 1250
Crude protein % 20.5 20.0 16.8 17.5
Methionine % 0.52 0.47 0.36 0.38
Methionine + Cystine % 0.86 0.80 0.63 0.68
Lysine % 1.16 1.03 0.78 0.87
Threonine % 0.78 0.69 0.53 0.56
Tryptophan % 0.22 0.20 0.17 0.18
Dig. Methionine % 0.48 0.43 0.33 0.35
Dig. Meth. + Cystine % 0.78 0.69 0.57 0.60
Dig. Lysine % 1.00 0.89 0.67 0.72
Dig. Threonine. % 0.67 0.61 0.45 0.48
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.19 0.17 0.15 0.16
Major minerals
Calcium % 1.05 - 1.10 1.0 - 1.20 1.0 - 1.20 2.0 - 2.10
Available Phosphorus % 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.47
Sodium minimum % 0.16 0.17 0.17 0.17
Nutritional specifications for growing diets
Units 0 - 4 weeks 4 - 10 weeks 10 - 16 weeks 112 days to
Between
18 & 24 °C 1 - 28 days 28 - 70 days 70 - 112 days 2 % lay
Forecast quantity / bird 600g 2100 3000
Metabolisable energy 2950 2850 2750 2750kcal/kg
kcal/lb 1340 1295 1250 1250
Crude protein % 20.5 19 16 17
Methion e % 0.45 0.35 0.36in 0.52
Methi Cystine % 6 6onine + 0.8 0.7 0.62 0.65
89.061.%enisyL 0.74 0.801
05.06087.%ninoerhT 0.54e 0 .6
Tryptophan % 0.21 0.19 0.16 0.17
Dig. Methionine % .41 20.48 0 0.3 0.33
Dig. Meth. + Cystine .66 5% 0.78 0 0.5 0.57
Dig. syL .85 4ine % 1.00 0 0.6 0.69
Dig. Threonine .57 3% 0.67 0 0.4 0.46
Dig. Tryptophan 16 4% 0.18 0. 0.1 0.15
Major minerals
Calcium % 1.05 - 1.10 1.0 - 1.20 1.0 - 1.20 2.0 - 2.10
Available Phosphor % 0.48 0.42 0.40 0.45us
Chlorine inimum 15 5m % 0.15 0. 0.1 0.15
Sodium nimum 17 7mi % 0.17 0. 0.1 0.17
Units 0 - 5 weeks 5 - 10 weeks 10 - weeks16 11 to2 daysAbove 24 ° C
1 - 35 d say 35 - 70 days 70 - 112 d ysa 2 % lay
F 850orecast quantity / bird g 1700 2800
l/lb 95 0kca 1340 12 125 1250
Crude in .0 8prote % 20.5 20 16. 17.5
oihteM 47 6nine % 0.52 0. 0.3 0.38
Methio + Cystine 80 3nine % 0.86 0. 0.6 0.68
Lysine 03 8% 1.16 1. 0.7 0.87
Threon 69 3ine % 0.78 0. 0.5 0.56
Tryptophan % 0.22 0.20 0.17 0.18
Di )gestible amino acids (1
Dig. Methionine % 0.48 0.43 0.33 0.35
Dig. Me Cystine 69 7th. + % 0.78 0. 0.5 0.60
Dig. Lysine % 1.00 0.89 0.67 0.72
Dig. Threonine % 0.67 0.61 0.45 0.48
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.19 0.17 0.15 0.16
Major minerals
Calcium % 1.05 - 1.10 1.0 - 1.20 1.0 - 1.20 2.0 - 2.10
Ava 0.47ilable Phosphorus % 0.48 0.44 0.40
Sod .17 0.17 0.17ium minimum % 0.16 0
( 1 ) : These recommendations are based on the digestibility tables of RHONE POULENC ANIMAL NUTRITION (nutrition
guide – Ed. 1993).

Daily nutrient requirements in lay
rRequi ements
NUTRIENTS Unit Daily in mg per day In mg per g of egg
IN RAW MATERIALS RPAN (93) NRC (94) RPAN (93) NRC (94)
Crude Protein g/d (19.5) 9.5)(1
Crude Lysine mg/d 900 5900 15,2 15,25
Crude Methionine mg/d 455 455 67, 7,6
Crude Methionine + Cystine mg/d 770 770 ,013 13,0
Crude Tryptophan mg/d 200 208 53,3 3,5
Crude Isoleucine mg/d 820 775 ,913 13,0
Crude Threonine mg/d 655 655 ,011 11,0
Crude Valine mg/d 900 840 ,015 14,2
Crude Arginine mg/d 1160 1130 19,5 18,9
DIGESTIBLE AMINO ACIDS (1)
Digestible Lysine mg/d 810 810 5013, 13,50
Digestible Methionine mg/d 430 430 27, 7,2
Digestible Methionine + Cystine mg/d 690 690 4511, 11,45
Digestible Tryptophan mg/d 171 180 52,8 3,00
Digestible Isoleucine mg/d 740 690 ,312 1 ,51
Diges mg/d 565 565 9,4tible Threonine 9,4
Digestible Valine mg/d 008 760 13,4 12,6
Digestible Arginine mg/d 50 010 102 17,5 17,0
Adde ins an ralsd vitam d mine
REARING PERIOD LAYING PERIOD
Added trace elements 0 – 10 weeks 10 – 2 % LAY
Manganese 060606MPP)nM(
Zinc (Zn) PPM 60 0606
Iron (Fe) 0606PPM 60
Iodine (I) PPM 111
Copper (Cu) PPM 665
Selenium (Se) 2.02.02MPP 0.
Cobalt (Co 2.05.05MPP) 0.
Added vitamins per kg of diet i or mgn IU
Vitamin A IU 13.000 10.000 12.000
Vitamin D3 IU 3.000 2.000 3.000
Vitamin E mg 2 52525
Vitamin K3 mg 222
Vitamin B1 (Thianine) mg 2 2 2
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 5 5mg 5
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 5 5mg 5
Vitamin B12 mg 0.02 0.02 0.02
Nicot mg 60 30 40inic Acid (Niacin)
Calcium Pantothenate mg 15 10 10
Folic Acid mg 0.75 0.75 0.75
Biotin mg 0. 2.02.02
Choline mg 60 060060 0
( 1 ) : These recommendations have been derived from tables of the composition of raw materials RPAN
Daily nutrient requirements in lay
rRequi ements
NUTRIENTS Unit Daily in mg per day In mg per g of egg
IN RAW MATERIALS RPAN (93) NRC (94) RPAN (93) NRC (94)
Crude Protein g/d (19.5) 9.5)(1
Crude Lysine mg/d 900 5900 15,2 15,25
Crude Methionine mg/d 455 455 67, 7,6
Crude Methionine + Cystine mg/d 770 770 ,013 13,0
Crude Tryptophan mg/d 200 208 53,3 3,5
Crude Isoleucine mg/d 820 775 ,913 13,0
Crude Threonine mg/d 655 655 ,011 11,0
Crude Valine mg/d 900 840 ,015 14,2
Crude Arginine mg/d 1160 1130 19,5 18,9
DIGESTIBLE AMINO ACIDS (1)
Digestible Lysine mg/d 810 810 5013, 13,50
Digestible Methionine mg/d 430 430 27, 7,2
Digestible Methionine + Cystine mg/d 690 690 4511, 11,45
Digestible Tryptophan mg/d 171 180 52,8 3,00
Digestible Isoleucine mg/d 740 690 ,312 1 ,51
Diges mg/d 565 565 9,4tible Threonine 9,4
Digestible Valine mg/d 008 760 13,4 12,6
Digestible Arginine mg/d 50 010 102 17,5 17,0
Adde ins an ralsd vitam d mine
REARING PERIOD LAYING PERIOD
Added trace elements 0 – 10 weeks 10 – 2 % LAY
Manganese 060606MPP)nM(
Zinc (Zn) PPM 60 0606
Iron (Fe) 0606PPM 60
Iodine (I) PPM 111
Copper (Cu) PPM 665
Selenium (Se) 2.02.02MPP 0.
Cobalt (Co 2.05.05MPP) 0.
Added vitamins per kg of diet i or mgn IU
Vitamin A IU 13.000 10.000 12.000
Vitamin D3 IU 3.000 2.000 3.000
Vitamin E mg 2 52525
Vitamin K3 mg 222
Vitamin B1 (Thianine) mg 2 2 2
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 5 5mg 5
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 5 5mg 5
Vitamin B12 mg 0.02 0.02 0.02
Nicot mg 60 30 40inic Acid (Niacin)
Calcium Pantothenate mg 15 10 10
Folic Acid mg 0.75 0.75 0.75
Biotin mg 0. 2.02.02
Choline mg 60 060060 0
( 1 ) : These recommendations have been derived from tables of the composition of raw materials RPAN
(1993) and NRC (1994). The recommendations on digestible amino acids are based on the digestibility
coefficients presented in tables in RPAN (1993).
oteN : A minimum of fibre or lignin is required to prevent feather pecking

coefficients presented in tables in RPAN (1993).
Note: A minimum of fibre or lignin is required to prevent feather pecking
Nutritional recommendations for the laying period
( 1 )
Recommended energy :
2 800-2880 kcal / kg FROM 2 % LAY TO 28 WEEKS OLD
1275-1310 kcal /lb
Average food intake in g / day 95 100 105 110 115
Crude Protein (20.5) (19.5) (18.6) (17.7) (17.0)
Crude amino acids % :
Lysine 0.95 0.90 0.86 0.82 0.78
Methionine 0.48 0.46 0.43 0.41 0.40
Methionine + Cystine 0.81 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.67
Tryptophan * 0.210 / 0.219 0.200 / 0.208 0.190 / 0.198 0.182 / 0.189 0.174 / 0.181
Threonine 0.69 0.66 0.62 0.60 0.57
Isoleucine * 0.86 / 0.82 0.82 / 0.78 0.78 / 0.74 0.75 / 0.70 0.71 / 0.67
Valine * 0.95 / 0.88 0.90 / 0.84 0.86 / 0.80 0.82 / 0.76 0.78 / 0.73
Arginine * 1.22 / 1.19 1.16/ 1.13 1.10 / 1.08 1.05 / 1.03 1.03 / 1.00
Digestible amino acids % :
Lysine 0.85 0.81 0.77 0.74 0.70
Methionine 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.37
Tryptophan * 0.180 / 0.189 0.171/ 0.180 0.163 / 0.171 0.155 / 0.164 0.149 / 0.156
Threonine 0.59 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.49
Isoleucine * 0.78 / 0.73 0.74/ 0.69 0.70 / 0.66 0.67 / 0.63 0.64 / 0.60
Valine * 0.84 / 0.80 0.80 / 0.76 0.76 / 0.72 0.73 / 0.69 0.70 / 0.66
Arginine * 1.11 / 1.07 1.05 / 1.02 1.00 / 0.97 0.95 / 0.93 0.91 / 0.89
From 2% lay up to 28 weeks, one should base it on a level of consumption, which is 7 g lower than the intake
observed after 28 weeks.
2 750- 2850 kcal / kg FROM 28 WEEKS TO THE END OF LAY
1250-1295 kcal /lb
Crude Protein (18.6) (17.7) (17.0) (16.3) (15.6)
Lysine 0.86 0.82 0.78 0.75 0.72
Methionine 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.36
Tryptophan * 0.190 / 0.198 0.182 / 0.189 0.174 / 0.181 0.167 / 0.173 0.160 / 0.166
Threonine 0.62 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.52
Isoleucine * 0.78 / 0.74 0.75 / 0.70 0.71 / 0.67 0.68 / 0.65 0.66 / 0.62
Valine * 0.86 / 0.80 0.82 / 0.76 0.78 / 0.73 0.75 / 0.70 0.72 / 0.67
Arginine * 1.10 / 1.08 1.05 / 1.03 1.03 / 1.00 0.97 / 0.94 0.93 / 0.90
Lysine 0.77 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.65
Methionine 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.36 0.34
Tryptophan * 0.163 / 0.171 0.155 / 0.164 0.149 / 0.156 0.142 / 0.150 0.137 / 0.144
Threonine 0.54 0.51 0.49 0.47 0.45
Isoleucine * 0.70 / 0.66 0.67 / 0.63 0.64 / 0.60 0.62 / 0.58 0.59 / 0.55
( 1 )
2800-2880 kcal / kg FROM 2 % LAY TO 28 WEEKS OLD
1275-1310 kcal /lb
Crude Protein 0.5) (19.5) .6) )(2 (18 (17.7 (17.0)
Lysine 0.95 0.90 .86 20 0.8 0.78
Methionine 0.48 0.46 .43 10 0.4 0.40
Methionine + Cystine .81 0.77 .73 00 0 0.7 0.67
Tryptophan * / 0.219 0.200 / 0.208 0.190 / 0.198 0.182 0.189 0.1 1810.210 / 74 / 0.
Threonine .69 0.66 .62 00 0 0.6 0.57
Isoleucine * / 0.82 0.82 / 0.78 0.78 / 0.74 0.75 0.70 0.71 670.86 / / 0.
Valine * / 0.88 0.90 / 0.84 0.86 / 0.80 0.82 0.76 0.78 730.95 / / 0.
Arginine * 1.22 / 1.19 1.16/ 1.13 1.10 / 1.08 1.05 / 1.03 1.03 1.00/
Lysine 0.85 0.81 .770 0.74 0.70
Methionine 0.45 0.43 .410 0.39 0.37
Methionine + Cystine .73 0.69 .66 30 0 0.6 0.60
Tryptophan * / 0.189 0.171/ 0.180 0.163 / 0.171 0.155 0.164 0.1 1560.180 / 4 .9 / 0
Threonine .59 0.56 .54 10 0 0.5 0.49
Isoleucine * / 0.73 0.74/ 0.69 0.70 / 0.66 0.67 0.63 0.64 600.78 / / 0.
Valine * / 0.80 0.80 / 0.76 0.76 / 0.72 0.73 0.69 0.70 660.84 / / 0.
Arginine * 1.07 1.05 / 1.02 1.00 / 0.97 0.95 / 0.93 0.91 / 0.891.11 /
From 2% lay up to 28 weeks, one shoul served
after 28 weeks.
d base it on a level of onsumption, which is 7 g lower than the intake obc
2750- 2850 kcal / kg FROM 28 WEEKS TO THE END OF LAY
1250-1295 kcal /lb
Average food intake in g / d 105 110 1 120 125ay 15
Crude Protein (18.6) (17.7) (17 (16.3) (15.6).0)
Lysine 0.86 0.82 0.78 0.75 0.72
Methionine 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.36
Tryptophan * 0.190 / 0.1 182 / 0.189 0.17 0.167 / 0.173 0.160 / 0.16698 0. 4 / 0.181
Threonine 0.62 0.60 0.57 0.55 520.
Isoleucine * 0.78 / 0.7 0.75 / 0.70 0.71 0.68 / 0.65 0.66 / 0.624 / 0.67
Valine * 0.86 / 0.80 / 0.76 0.78 3 0.75 / 0.70 0.72 / 0.670.82 / .70
Arginine * 1.10 / 1.08 1.05 / 1.03 1.03 00 0.97 / 0.94 0.93 / 0.90/ 1.
Lysine 0.77 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.65
Methionine 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.36 0.34
Tryptophan * 0.163 / 0.17 .155 / 0.164 0.149 6 0.142 / 0.150 0.137 / 0.1441 0 / 0.15
Threonine 0.54 0.51 0.49 0.47 0.45
Isoleucine * 0.70 / 0.66 0.67 / 0.63 0.64 0 0.62 / 0.58 0.59 / 0.55/ 0.6
Valine * 0.76 / 0.72 0.73 / 0.69 0.70 6 0.67 / 0.63 0.64 / 0.61/ .60
Arginine * 1.00 / 0.97 0.95 / 0.93 0.91 / 0.89 0.88 / 0.85 0.84 / 0.82
(*) Th
those
ese recommendations are based on the tables in RPAN (Nutrition guide 1993) and NRC. When the values differ,
of NRC are printed in Italics.

(*) These recommendations are based on the tables in RPAN (Nutrition guide 1993) and NRC. When the values
differ, those of NRC are printed in Italics.
( 2 )
PERIOD OF USE FROM FROM AFTER
17 TO 28 28 TO 50 50
WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS
Available Phosphorus g / d 0.44 0.42 0.38
Calcium g / d 3.9 – 4.1 4.1 – 4.3 4.3 – 4.6
Sodium minimum mg / d 180 180 180
Chlorine minimum / maximum mg / d 170 / 260 170 / 260 170 / 230
Linoleic acid g / d 1.6 min 1.4 min 1 min – 1.25 max
FROM 2 % LAY TO 28 WEEKS
Average food intake recorded g / day 95 100 105 110 115
Available Phosphorus % 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38
Calcium % 4.1 – 4.3 3.9 – 4.1 3.7 – 3.9 3.5 – 3.7 3.4 – 3.6
Sodium minimum % 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.17
Chlorine minimum / maximum % 0.18 –
0.26
0.17 –
0.26
0.16 –
0.25
0.15 –
0.24
0.14 –
0.23
Linoleic acid minimum % 1.70 1.60 1.50 1.40 1.30
FROM 28 WEEKS TO 50 WEEKS
Calcium % 3.9 – 4.1 3.7 – 3.9 3.6 – 3.8 3.4 – 3.6 3.3 – 3.5
Sodium minimum % 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17
0.25
0.15 –
0.24
0.15 –
0.23
0.14 –
0.22
0.14 –
0.21
Linoleic acid minimum % 1.35 1.30 1.25 1.15 1.10
FROM 50 WEEKS TO THE END OF LAY
Calcium % 4.1 – 4.3 3.9 – 4.1 3.8 – 4.0 3.6 – 3.8 3.5 – 3.7
Sodium minimum % 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17
0.22
0.15 –
0.21
0.15 –
0.20
0.14 –
0.19
0.14 –
0.18
Linoleic acid maximum % 1.20 1.15 1.10 1.05 1.00
Note: To avoid egg size becoming too large at the end of lay, we advise reducing the quantity of vegetable oil
being used.
( 2 )
PERIOD OF USE FROM FROM AFTER
17 TO 28 28 TO 50 50
WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS
Available Phosphorus g / d 0.44 0.42 0.38
Calcium g / d 4.1 – 4.3 4.3 – 4.63.9 – 4.1
Sodium g / d 180 180 1minimum m 80
Chlorin mg / d 170 / 260 170 / 230e minimum / maximum 170 / 260
Linoleic acid g / d .6 min 1.4 min 1 min – 1.25 max1
FROM 2 % LAY TO 28 WEEKS
Average foo recorded g / d 9 100 5d intake ay 5 10 110 115
Available % 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38Phosphorus
Calc % 4.1 – 4.3 3.9 – 4.1 – 3.7 3.4 – 3.6ium 3.7 – 3.9 3.5
Sodium minimum % 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.17
Chlorine mini % 0.18 – 0. 17 – 0.26 6 – 0.25 – 0.24 0.14 – 0.23mum / maximum 26 0. 0.1 0.15
Linoleic acid 1.70 1.60 1.50 1.40 1.30minimum %
FROM 28 WE EEEKS TO 50 W KS
Calciu % 3.9 – 4.1 3.3 – 3.5m 3.7 – 3.9 3.6 – 3.8 3.4 – 3.6
Sodium % 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17minimum
Chlorine % 0.16 – 0.25 0.15 – 0.24 0.14 – 0.22 0.14 – 0.21minimum / maximum 0.15 – 0.23
Lin % 1.35 1.30 1.25 1.15 1.10oleic acid minimum
FRO EEKS T END OFM 0 W5 O THE LAY
Average fo corded g / day 105 110 115 20od intake re 1 125
Available 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.30Phosphorus %
Calcium .1 – 4.% 4 – 4. 3.93 4.1 .8 –3 0 – 3.83.6 3 3.7.5 –
Sodium mini 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17mum %
Chlorine mini um .16 – – 0 0.2 .19m imum / max % 0 0.22 0.15 .21 0.15 – 0 0.14 – 0 0.14 – 0.18
Linoleic acid maximum 1.20 1.15 1.10 1.05 1.00%
Note: To avoid becomingegg size too large at the end of lay, duc quantity o table oil b sed.
A minimum of fibre or lignin is required to prevent feath
we advise re ing the f vege eing u
er pecking.

Average Egg Weight
Daily
Egg
Mass
Cumulative
Egg Mass /
Hen Housed
Feed Intake Body Weight
Age in
Weeks
% Hen
Day
Production
%
Mortality
Cumulative
Cumulative
Eggs /
Hen
Housed g /
egg
Oz./Doz.
Lbs.
/
case
grams kg lb.
bird/day
(g)
100/day
(lbs)
grams Lbs
18 2.0 0.0 0 43.0 18.2 34.1 0.9 0.0 0.0 81 17.9 1500 3.31
19 17.2 0.1 1 45.5 19.3 36.1 7.8 0.1 0.1 85 18.7 1580 3.48
20 40.0 0.2 4 49.0 20.7 38.9 19.6 0.2 0.4 95 20.9 1640 3.62
21 65.0 0.2 9 52.0 22.0 41.3 33.8 0.4 1.0 105 23.1 1705 3.76
22 84.0 0.3 15 54.5 23.1 43.3 45.8 0.8 1.7 109 24.0 1755 3.87
23 91.0 0.4 21 56.4 23.9 44.8 51.3 1.1 2.4 111 24.5 1790 3.95
24 93.0 0.5 27 57.7 24.4 45.8 53.7 1.5 3.3 112 24.7 1805 3.98
25 94.0 0.6 34 58.8 24.9 46.7 55.3 1.9 4.1 113 24.9 1818 4.01
26 95.0 0.6 41 59.6 25.2 47.3 56.6 2.3 5.0 114 25.1 1830 4.03
27 95.0 0.7 47 60.2 25.5 47.8 57.2 2.7 5.9 114 25.1 1840 4.06
28 95.0 0.8 54 60.7 25.7 48.2 57.7 3.1 6.7 114 25.1 1850 4.08
29 94.7 0.9 60 61.1 25.9 48.5 57.9 3.5 7.6 114 25.1 1860 4.10
30 94.5 1.0 67 61.5 26.0 48.8 58.1 3.9 8.5 114 25.1 1870 4.12
31 94.3 1.1 73 61.9 26.2 49.1 58.4 4.3 9.4 113 24.9 1878 4.14
32 94.1 1.2 80 62.2 26.3 49.4 58.5 4.7 10.3 113 24.9 1883 4.15
33 93.9 1.3 86 62.4 26.4 49.5 58.6 5.1 11.2 113 24.9 1888 4.16
34 93.6 1.4 93 62.6 26.5 49.7 58.6 5.5 12.1 113 24.9 1893 4.17
35 93.3 1.5 99 62.8 26.6 49.8 58.6 5.9 13.0 113 24.9 1898 4.18
36 93.0 1.6 106 63.0 26.7 50.0 58.6 6.3 13.9 113 24.9 1903 4.20
37 92.7 1.7 112 63.2 26.8 50.2 58.6 6.7 14.8 113 24.9 1908 4.21
38 92.5 1.8 118 63.3 26.8 50.2 58.6 7.1 15.6 113 24.9 1913 4.22
39 92.2 1.9 125 63.4 26.8 50.3 58.5 7.5 16.5 113 24.9 1918 4.23
40 91.9 2.0 131 63.5 26.9 50.4 58.4 7.9 17.4 113 24.9 1925 4.24
41 91.6 2.1 137 63.6 26.9 50.5 58.3 8.3 18.3 113 24.9 1930 4.25
42 91.3 2.2 144 63.7 27.0 50.6 58.2 8.7 19.2 113 24.9 1935 4.27
43 91.0 2.3 150 63.7 27.0 50.6 58.0 9.1 20.0 113 24.9 1935 4.27
44 90.7 2.5 156 63.8 27.0 50.6 57.9 9.5 20.9 113 24.9 1940 4.28
45 90.4 2.6 162 63.9 27.0 50.7 57.8 9.9 21.8 113 24.9 1945 4.29
46 90.0 2.7 168 64.0 27.1 50.8 57.6 10.3 22.6 113 24.9 1945 4.29
47 89.6 2.8 174 64.1 27.1 50.9 57.4 10.7 23.5 113 24.9 1950 4.30
48 89.2 2.9 180 64.2 27.2 51.0 57.3 11.1 24.4 113 24.9 1950 4.30
49 88.8 3.1 186 64.2 27.2 51.0 57.0 11.4 25.2 113 24.9 1950 4.30
50 88.3 3.2 192 64.3 27.2 51.0 56.8 11.8 26.1 112 24.7 1955 4.31
51 87.8 3.3 198 64.4 27.3 51.1 56.5 12.2 26.9 112 24.7 1955 4.31
52 87.3 3.4 204 64.5 27.3 51.2 56.3 12.6 27.8 112 24.7 1960 4.32
53 86.8 3.5 210 64.6 27.3 51.3 56.1 13.0 28.6 112 24.7 1960 4.32
54 86.3 3.7 216 64.7 27.4 51.3 55.8 13.3 29.4 112 24.7 1960 4.32
55 85.8 3.8 222 64.7 27.4 51.3 55.5 13.7 30.2 112 24.7 1965 4.33
56 85.3 3.9 227 64.8 27.4 51.4 55.3 14.1 31.1 112 24.7 1965 4.33
57 84.8 4.0 233 64.8 27.4 51.4 55.0 14.5 31.9 112 24.7 1965 4.33
58 84.3 4.1 239 64.9 27.5 51.5 54.7 14.8 32.7 112 24.7 1965 4.33
59 83.8 4.3 244 64.9 27.5 51.5 54.4 15.2 33.5 112 24.7 1970 4.34
60 83.3 4.4 250 65.0 27.5 51.6 54.1 15.6 34.3 112 24.7 1970 4.34
61 82.7 4.5 256 65.0 27.5 51.6 53.8 15.9 35.1 112 24.7 1970 4.34
62 82.1 4.6 261 65.1 27.6 51.7 53.4 16.3 35.9 112 24.7 1975 4.35
63 81.6 4.7 266 65.1 27.6 51.7 53.1 16.6 36.6 112 24.7 1975 4.35
64 81.0 4.9 272 65.1 27.6 51.7 52.7 17.0 37.4 112 24.7 1975 4.35
65 80.5 5.0 277 65.2 27.6 51.7 52.5 17.3 38.2 112 24.7 1975 4.35
66 79.7 5.1 283 65.2 27.6 51.7 52.0 17.7 39.0 112 24.7 1980 4.37
67 78.9 5.2 288 65.3 27.6 51.8 51.5 18.0 39.7 112 24.7 1980 4.37
68 78.2 5.3 293 65.3 27.6 51.8 51.1 18.3 40.5 112 24.7 1980 4.37
69 77.4 5.5 298 65.4 27.7 51.9 50.6 18.7 41.2 112 24.7 1985 4.38
70 76.6 5.6 303 65.4 27.7 51.9 50.1 19.0 41.9 111 24.5 1985 4.38
71 75.8 5.7 308 65.5 27.7 52.0 49.6 19.3 42.6 111 24.5 1985 4.38
72 75.0 5.8 313 65.5 27.7 52.0 49.1 19.7 43.4 111 24.5 1985 4.38
73 74.3 5.9 318 65.6 27.8 52.1 48.7 20.0 44.1 111 24.5 1985 4.38
74 73.5 6.1 323 65.6 27.8 52.1 48.2 20.3 44.8 111 24.5 1990 4.39
75 72.7 6.2 328 65.6 27.8 52.1 47.7 20.6 45.5 111 24.5 1990 4.39
76 71.9 6.3 332 65.6 27.8 52.1 47.2 20.9 46.1 111 24.5 1995 4.40
77 71.1 6.4 337 65.7 27.8 52.1 46.7 21.2 46.8 111 24.5 1995 4.40
78 70.4 6.5 342 65.7 27.8 52.1 46.3 21.5 47.5 111 24.5 1995 4.40
79 69.6 6.7 346 65.8 27.9 52.2 45.8 21.8 48.1 111 24.5 2000 4.41
80 68.4 6.8 351 65.8 27.9 52.2 45.0 22.1 48.8 111 24.5 2000 4.41
Brown Production Table

evitalumuCylkeeW
Age
in
weeks
Av.
egg
weight,
g
Jumbo
over
70 g
Extra
Large
64-70
g
Large
56-
64 g
Medium
49-56
g
Small
42-
49 g
Peewee
under
42 g
Jumbo
over
70 g
Extra
Large
64-
70 g
Large
56-
64 g
Medium
49-56
g
Small
42-
49 g
Peewee
under
42 g
18 43.0 4.0 57.4 38.6 0.0 4.0 57.4 38.6
19 45.5 0.2 16.6 66.4 16.8 0.2 15.3 65.4 19.1
20 49.0 3.7 46.3 46.3 3.7 2.6 36.2 52.5 8.7
21 52.0 0.2 16.6 59.6 22.7 0.8 0.1 9.9 48.5 36.9 4.6
22 54.5 1.4 35.1 53.1 10.1 0.2 0.6 20.1 50.3 26.1 2.8
23 56.4 0.1 4.5 48.9 41.4 5.0 0.1 1.8 28.8 47.6 19.7 2.0
24 57.7 0.4 8.2 55.8 32.7 2.9 0.1 3.3 35.2 44.1 15.7 1.5
25 58.8 0.9 12.6 59.0 25.7 1.8 0.3 5.1 39.8 40.5 13.1 1.2
26 59.6 1.5 16.3 59.7 21.2 1.3 0.5 6.9 43.0 37.4 11.1 1.0
27 60.2 2.1 19.4 59.3 18.2 1.0 0.7 8.7 45.3 34.7 9.7 0.9
28 60.7 2.8 22.1 58.5 15.9 0.8 0.9 10.3 46.9 32.4 8.6 0.8
29 61.1 3.4 24.2 57.5 14.2 0.7 1.2 11.8 48.1 30.4 7.8 0.7
30 61.5 4.2 26.4 56.3 12.6 0.5 1.5 13.3 48.9 28.7 7.0 0.6
31 61.9 5.1 28.5 54.8 11.2 0.5 1.8 14.6 49.4 27.1 6.5 0.6
32 62.2 5.8 30.0 53.5 10.2 0.4 2.2 15.9 49.7 25.7 6.0 0.5
33 62.4 6.4 31.0 52.6 9.6 0.4 2.5 17.0 50.0 24.5 5.5 0.5
34 62.6 7.0 32.0 51.6 9.0 0.3 2.8 18.1 50.1 23.4 5.2 0.5
35 62.8 7.6 33.0 50.6 8.5 0.3 3.1 19.0 50.1 22.5 4.9 0.4
36 63.0 8.2 33.9 49.6 8.0 0.3 3.4 19.9 50.1 21.6 4.6 0.4
37 63.2 8.9 34.8 48.6 7.5 0.2 3.7 20.8 50.0 20.8 4.3 0.4
38 63.3 9.3 35.2 48.0 7.2 0.2 4.0 21.6 49.9 20.1 4.1 0.4
39 63.4 9.7 35.6 47.5 7.0 0.2 4.3 22.3 49.8 19.4 3.9 0.3
40 63.5 10.0 36.0 46.9 6.8 0.2 4.6 22.9 49.6 18.8 3.7 0.3
41 63.6 10.4 36.4 46.4 6.6 0.2 4.9 23.5 49.5 18.2 3.6 0.3
42 63.7 10.8 36.8 45.8 6.3 0.2 5.1 24.1 49.3 17.7 3.4 0.3
43 63.7 10.8 36.8 45.8 6.3 0.2 5.3 24.7 49.2 17.2 3.3 0.3
44 63.8 11.2 37.2 45.2 6.1 0.2 5.6 25.2 49.0 16.8 3.2 0.3
45 63.9 11.6 37.6 44.7 5.9 0.2 5.8 25.6 48.9 16.4 3.1 0.3
46 64.0 12.1 37.9 44.1 5.7 0.2 6.0 26.1 48.7 16.0 3.0 0.2
47 64.1 12.5 38.3 43.5 5.5 0.2 6.3 26.5 48.5 15.6 2.9 0.2
48 64.2 12.9 38.6 42.9 5.4 0.2 6.5 26.9 48.3 15.3 2.8 0.2
49 64.2 12.9 38.6 42.9 5.4 0.2 6.7 27.3 48.1 15.0 2.7 0.2
50 64.3 13.4 38.9 42.3 5.2 0.1 6.9 27.6 48.0 14.7 2.6 0.2
51 64.4 13.9 39.2 41.8 5.0 0.1 7.1 28.0 47.8 14.4 2.5 0.2
52 64.5 14.3 39.5 41.2 4.8 0.1 7.3 28.3 47.6 14.1 2.5 0.2
53 64.6 14.8 39.8 40.6 4.7 0.1 7.5 28.6 47.4 13.8 2.4 0.2
54 64.7 15.3 40.1 40.0 4.5 0.1 7.7 29.0 47.2 13.6 2.3 0.2
55 64.7 15.3 40.1 40.0 4.5 0.1 7.9 29.2 47.0 13.3 2.3 0.2
56 64.8 15.8 40.3 39.4 4.4 0.1 8.1 29.5 46.8 13.1 2.2 0.2
57 64.8 15.8 40.3 39.4 4.4 0.1 8.3 29.8 46.6 12.9 2.2 0.2
58 64.9 16.3 40.6 38.8 4.2 0.1 8.5 30.0 46.4 12.7 2.1 0.2
59 64.9 16.3 40.6 38.8 4.2 0.1 8.7 30.3 46.3 12.5 2.1 0.2
60 65.0 16.8 40.8 38.2 4.1 0.1 8.9 30.5 46.1 12.3 2.0 0.2
61 65.0 16.8 40.8 38.2 4.1 0.1 9.0 30.7 45.9 12.1 2.0 0.2
62 65.1 17.3 41.0 37.6 3.9 0.1 9.2 31.0 45.7 12.0 2.0 0.2
63 65.1 17.3 41.0 37.6 3.9 0.1 9.4 31.2 45.6 11.8 1.9 0.2
64 65.1 17.3 41.0 37.6 3.9 0.1 9.5 31.4 45.4 11.6 1.9 0.2
65 65.2 17.9 41.2 37.0 3.8 0.1 9.7 31.6 45.3 11.5 1.8 0.2
66 65.2 17.9 41.2 37.0 3.8 0.1 9.9 31.7 45.1 11.4 1.8 0.1
67 65.3 18.4 41.4 36.4 3.7 0.1 10.0 31.9 44.9 11.2 1.8 0.1
68 65.3 18.4 41.4 36.4 3.7 0.1 10.2 32.1 44.8 11.1 1.7 0.1
69 65.4 19.0 41.6 35.8 3.5 0.1 10.3 32.2 44.6 10.9 1.7 0.1
70 65.4 19.0 41.6 35.8 3.5 0.1 10.5 32.4 44.5 10.8 1.7 0.1
71 65.5 19.5 41.7 35.2 3.4 0.1 10.6 32.6 44.3 10.7 1.7 0.1
72 65.5 19.5 41.7 35.2 3.4 0.1 10.7 32.7 44.2 10.6 1.6 0.1
73 65.6 20.1 41.9 34.7 3.3 0.1 10.9 32.8 44.0 10.5 1.6 0.1
74 65.6 20.1 41.9 34.7 3.3 0.1 11.0 33.0 43.9 10.4 1.6 0.1
75 65.6 20.1 41.9 34.7 3.3 0.1 11.2 33.1 43.8 10.3 1.6 0.1
76 65.6 20.1 41.9 34.7 3.3 0.1 11.3 33.2 43.6 10.2 1.6 0.1
77 65.7 20.7 42.0 34.1 3.2 0.1 11.4 33.3 43.5 10.1 1.5 0.1
78 65.7 20.7 42.0 34.1 3.2 0.1 11.5 33.5 43.4 10.0 1.5 0.1
79 65.8 21.2 42.1 33.5 3.1 0.1 11.7 33.6 43.3 9.9 1.5 0.1
80 65.8 21.2 42.1 33.5 3.1 0.1 11.8 33.7 43.1 9.8 1.5 0.1
Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) – Canadian System

evitalumuCylkeeW
Age
in
weeks
Av. egg
weight,
Lbs/Case
Jumbo
over
30
oz/doz
Extra
Large
27-30
oz/doz
Large
24-27
oz/doz
Medium
21-24
oz/doz
Small
18-21
oz/doz
Peewee
under
18
oz/doz
Jumbo
over
30
oz/doz
Extra
Large
27-30
oz/doz
Large
24-27
oz/doz
Medium
21-24
oz/doz
Small
18-21
oz/doz
Peewee
under
18
oz/doz
18 34.1 2.7 53.0 44.2 2.7 53.0 44.2
19 36.1 0.1 12.9 66.5 20.5 0.1 11.8 65.1 23.0
20 38.9 2.5 41.4 51.2 4.9 1.7 31.8 55.7 10.7
21 41.3 0.2 12.7 58.9 27.1 1.1 0.1 7.5 46.0 40.7 5.7
22 43.3 1.6 29.0 56.3 12.8 0.3 0.7 16.2 50.1 29.5 3.5
23 44.8 0.1 5.0 42.3 46.1 6.5 0.1 2.0 24.1 48.9 22.5 2.5
24 45.8 0.2 9.1 49.3 37.5 3.9 0.1 3.7 30.1 46.2 18.1 1.9
25 46.7 0.5 13.9 52.8 30.2 2.5 0.2 5.7 34.5 43.1 15.1 1.5
26 47.3 0.9 18.0 53.9 25.4 1.8 0.3 7.7 37.6 40.2 12.9 1.3
27 47.8 1.3 21.4 53.9 22.0 1.4 0.4 9.6 39.9 37.7 11.3 1.1
28 48.2 1.8 24.4 53.3 19.4 1.1 0.6 11.4 41.6 35.4 10.0 1.0
29 48.5 2.2 26.8 52.6 17.5 0.9 0.8 13.1 42.8 33.5 9.0 0.9
30 48.8 2.8 29.2 51.5 15.7 0.8 1.0 14.7 43.6 31.7 8.2 0.8
31 49.1 3.5 31.6 50.3 14.0 0.6 1.2 16.2 44.2 30.1 7.6 0.7
32 49.4 4.0 33.4 49.2 12.9 0.6 1.4 17.6 44.6 28.7 7.0 0.7
33 49.5 4.4 34.5 48.4 12.2 0.5 1.6 18.9 44.9 27.5 6.5 0.6
34 49.7 4.9 35.7 47.5 11.5 0.5 1.9 20.0 45.1 26.4 6.1 0.6
35 49.8 5.3 36.8 46.7 10.8 0.4 2.1 21.1 45.2 25.4 5.7 0.5
36 50.0 5.9 37.8 45.7 10.2 0.4 2.3 22.1 45.2 24.4 5.4 0.5
37 50.2 6.4 38.9 44.8 9.6 0.4 2.6 23.1 45.2 23.6 5.1 0.5
38 50.2 6.7 39.4 44.3 9.3 0.3 2.8 24.0 45.1 22.8 4.9 0.4
39 50.3 7.0 39.9 43.8 9.0 0.3 3.0 24.8 45.1 22.1 4.6 0.4
40 50.4 7.3 40.4 43.3 8.7 0.3 3.2 25.5 45.0 21.5 4.4 0.4
41 50.5 7.6 40.9 42.8 8.5 0.3 3.4 26.2 44.9 20.9 4.2 0.4
42 50.6 7.9 41.3 42.3 8.2 0.3 3.6 26.9 44.8 20.3 4.1 0.4
43 50.6 7.9 41.3 42.3 8.2 0.3 3.8 27.5 44.7 19.8 3.9 0.4
44 50.6 8.2 41.8 41.8 7.9 0.3 3.9 28.0 44.6 19.4 3.8 0.3
45 50.7 8.5 42.2 41.3 7.7 0.3 4.1 28.6 44.4 18.9 3.6 0.3
46 50.8 8.9 42.7 40.7 7.5 0.2 4.3 29.1 44.3 18.5 3.5 0.3
47 50.9 9.2 43.1 40.2 7.2 0.2 4.5 29.6 44.2 18.1 3.4 0.3
48 51.0 9.6 43.5 39.7 7.0 0.2 4.6 30.1 44.0 17.7 3.3 0.3
49 51.0 9.6 43.5 39.7 7.0 0.2 4.8 30.5 43.9 17.4 3.2 0.3
50 51.0 10.0 43.9 39.2 6.8 0.2 5.0 30.9 43.7 17.1 3.1 0.3
51 51.1 10.4 44.3 38.6 6.5 0.2 5.1 31.3 43.6 16.7 3.0 0.3
52 51.2 10.7 44.7 38.1 6.3 0.2 5.3 31.7 43.4 16.4 2.9 0.3
53 51.3 11.1 45.0 37.5 6.1 0.2 5.4 32.1 43.2 16.1 2.8 0.3
54 51.3 11.5 45.4 37.0 5.9 0.2 5.6 32.4 43.1 15.9 2.8 0.2
55 51.3 11.5 45.4 37.0 5.9 0.2 5.8 32.8 42.9 15.6 2.7 0.2
56 51.4 12.0 45.7 36.4 5.7 0.2 5.9 33.1 42.8 15.4 2.6 0.2
57 51.4 12.0 45.7 36.4 5.7 0.2 6.1 33.4 42.6 15.1 2.6 0.2
58 51.5 12.4 46.0 35.9 5.6 0.2 6.2 33.7 42.4 14.9 2.5 0.2
59 51.5 12.4 46.0 35.9 5.6 0.2 6.4 34.0 42.3 14.7 2.5 0.2
60 51.6 12.8 46.3 35.4 5.4 0.2 6.5 34.2 42.1 14.5 2.4 0.2
61 51.6 12.8 46.3 35.4 5.4 0.2 6.6 34.5 42.0 14.3 2.4 0.2
62 51.7 13.3 46.6 34.8 5.2 0.1 6.8 34.8 41.8 14.1 2.3 0.2
63 51.7 13.3 46.6 34.8 5.2 0.1 6.9 35.0 41.7 13.9 2.3 0.2
64 51.7 13.3 46.6 34.8 5.2 0.1 7.0 35.2 41.6 13.7 2.2 0.2
65 51.7 13.7 46.9 34.3 5.0 0.1 7.2 35.5 41.4 13.6 2.2 0.2
66 51.7 13.7 46.9 34.3 5.0 0.1 7.3 35.7 41.3 13.4 2.2 0.2
67 51.8 14.2 47.1 33.7 4.9 0.1 7.4 35.9 41.1 13.3 2.1 0.2
68 51.8 14.2 47.1 33.7 4.9 0.1 7.5 36.1 41.0 13.1 2.1 0.2
69 51.9 14.7 47.4 33.2 4.7 0.1 7.7 36.3 40.9 13.0 2.0 0.2
70 51.9 14.7 47.4 33.2 4.7 0.1 7.8 36.5 40.8 12.8 2.0 0.2
71 52.0 15.1 47.6 32.6 4.5 0.1 7.9 36.6 40.6 12.7 2.0 0.2
72 52.0 15.1 47.6 32.6 4.5 0.1 8.0 36.8 40.5 12.6 2.0 0.2
73 52.1 15.6 47.8 32.1 4.4 0.1 8.1 37.0 40.4 12.4 1.9 0.2
74 52.1 15.6 47.8 32.1 4.4 0.1 8.2 37.1 40.2 12.3 1.9 0.2
75 52.1 15.6 47.8 32.1 4.4 0.1 8.3 37.3 40.1 12.2 1.9 0.2
76 52.1 15.6 47.8 32.1 4.4 0.1 8.5 37.4 40.0 12.1 1.8 0.2
77 52.1 16.1 48.0 31.5 4.2 0.1 8.6 37.6 39.9 12.0 1.8 0.2
78 52.1 16.1 48.0 31.5 4.2 0.1 8.7 37.7 39.8 11.9 1.8 0.2
79 52.2 16.6 48.2 31.0 4.1 0.1 8.8 37.9 39.7 11.8 1.8 0.2
80 52.2 16.6 48.2 31.0 4.1 0.1 8.9 38.0 39.6 11.7 1.8 0.2
Brown Egg Weight Distribution (%) – USA System

Brown Layer Poultry Farming Guide

Brown Layer Poultry Farming Guide

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