HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Egg production The peak production across the three breeds is similar, ranging from 95% (Lohmann Silver) to 98% (Hy-Line Silver). It is important to remember that these breed standards are the peaks achievable in environmentally controlled conditions and will vary between production systems and be affected by management and environmental conditions. When looking at the breed lines, the silver lines of the Hy-Line and Amberlink peak slightly higher than their brown lines, while the opposite is true for the Lohmann. A good indicator of production potential (with good rearing practices) is the age at which 50% of the laying population is in lay. The sooner a flock comes into lay, the sooner they begin generating income. While achieving 50% production at a younger age is desirable, it is not advised to try and achieve this through earlier light stimulation. Stimulating layers too early or when they are not at the desired body weight can lead to increased mortalities, complications such as prolapses, and poorer production later in life. Graph 4: Peak production per breed Graph 5: Age at which the flock reaches 50% production per breed www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 83