Bonus Tydskrif AUTUMN 2024

Not achieving the target bodyweights during rearing and poor uniformity at sexual maturity can be the cause of several problems in the laying flock: • An increased risk of vent prolapses from 18 to 30 weeks of age, during the peak laying • Taking longer to achieve the desired mature bodyweights. • A shorter laying peak. • Failure to sustain high peak laying rates post-peak laying persistency. • More smaller eggs laid during the early part of the laying period. • Egg size will be smaller over the entire laying period. The De Heus recommendation is to rear the pullets to be 5% heavier than the bodyweight target recommended by the breed company up to point-of-lay. They usually recommend a bodyweight target band between a lower and upper target weight; this can be achieved by growing the birds on the upper target weight. Factors that contribute to the proper growth and development of the pullet are: Nutrition Proper nutrition is important in the early development of pullets. Balanced nutrition is required to support muscle growth, skeletal development, and fat deposition. Adequate protein levels, vitamins, and minerals are essential in laying the foundation for future egg production. Feed structure Very fine feed will reduce feed intake which can affect the supply of some nutrients to the bird. Crumbled feed and mash feed should have a coarse structure to encourage the development of the crop and gizzard for good villi development in the small intestine. Management Proper housing, ventilation, lighting, hygiene, water quality, vaccinations and stocking density are essential to reduce stress and the risk of diseases, and to allow the birds to grow and develop to their potential. . Monitoring and data management The bodyweights of the flock should be monitored weekly to check the development of the flock. As soon as deviations from the target weights are seen, adjustments can be made to keep them on track. . Summary and conclusions • Low bodyweights at point-of-lay will affect the total egg mass that produced. • The rearing period is considered the ‘investment phase’. It is the key developmental time for the future success of the laying period. The bodyweight of the flock is a factor of flock management as it has a direct influence on the future performance during the laying period. It should be monitored throughout the life of the flock. Nutrition and lighting programmes can be used to manage bodyweight and allow the birds to achieve their genetic potential. . If you have any questions on rearing pullets for productivity, robustness, and longevity, please feel free to contact your De Heus technical advisor. Visit www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com www.agribonus.co.za Autumn / Herfs 2024 BONUS 51