BONUS SPRING SUMMER 2025

(see Figure 3). This will lead to substandard production, which will impact the weight and quality of the eggs. It has been suggested Figure 3: A typical reaction of a laying hen to heat stress. High stocking density is recommended for triggering competitiveness of the birds within the flock to stimulate feed and water intake. However, the bigger-sized birds will always get priority on feeding, and uniformity deteriorates under high-stocking conditions. In this way, birds will lay varying sizes of eggs, which affects the egg weight. Figure 4 shows birds panting in a highly stocked shed, which is the combination of more than two laying hen stressors. Conclusion Apart from genetics, the egg weight can be influenced by a wide range of factors which can not only be controlled at laying. Most egg producers who are financially stable opt to rear their pullets to ensure full control over all the aspects that influence egg weight. For more information on how to influence egg weight in laying hens, please contact your De Heus technical advisor – https://www.deheus.co.za/ meet-our-team. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com that vitamin C is applied to reduce the effects of heat stress in poultry. www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS 17