HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

All hens will experience the same microclimate and respond well to changes in environment, and feather pecking and bullying will be reduced. Disease detection can also be improved. It is not uncommon for the lighter underdeveloped hen, experiencing more stress, to be more vulnerable to disease; thus, a lack of uniformity can mask early disease signs as the “weak links” are taken out first, and these mortalities are not seen as unusual. As discussed, uniformity affects several factors, but how do we achieve good uniformity? Achieving a good uniformity starts with good chick quality. Starting with higher uniformity is always better than trying to improve uniformity later. Figure 8 shows an example of size variation seen between chicks at placing. In the rearing period, maintaining a high uniformity is dependent on early and equal access to feed and water as well as the correct temperatures, humidity, and air quality. While farmers who buy in point of lay hens do not have much control over flock uniformity, there are a few management practices that can help maintain and even improve uniformity. Disease control, a good vaccination programme, and good intestinal health management can help to maintain uniformity by reducing disease pressure and challenges that could affect only a portion of the flock and decrease uniformity. Regular weighing of hens will identify issues with uniformity, so that corrective steps can be taken early on. If uniformity is found to be low with a large proportion of the flock being under the target weight, photo-stimulation should be delayed until the majority of the hens are at the target weight. At the point of lay, hens can be weighed and placed based on weight to ensure that within a cage, hens are more uniform and bullying is reduced. Routine monitoring of feed distribution, water supply and house climate will aid in maintaining uniformity by ensuring all cages or areas in the house experience the same set of conditions, i.e. all hens have the same access to resources. Uniformity may also be improved through reduced stocking densities to allow more equal access to feed and water during the laying period. Conclusion Laying hen uniformity affects a range of factors, and it is also affected by a range of factors. Good uniformity is essential for efficient feed usage and conversion, egg production and management, as well as good hen welfare. A uniform flock is easier to manage and to feed. Birds with similar body weights and physiological development will all respond in a similar way to the same feed management, light stimulation and climate. Bullying will be reduced when flock uniformity is higher, while welfare and disease control will be improved. High uniformity results in more consistent, sustained egg production with increased egg quality, and strong peak production. Laying hen uniformity is a crucial factor in determining the success of a laying operation. Should you requiremore information relating to the importance of uniformity in laying hens, please contact your nearest De Heus technical specialist – https://www.deheus.co.za/meet-our- team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com Figure 8: Variation in chick size www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 131