Management Guide

MANAGEMENT: THE KEY TO PROFIT

The H&N genetics and health research staffs have worked for many
years to produce a layer with excellent production rate, livability, feed
conversion, shell quality and egg weight. These traits are the primary
factors determining profit for the producer. The goal is to achieve the
genetic potential that has been bred into the H&N Brown Nick layer.

The purpose of this manual is to outline those management practices

that experience has shown are important to attain optimum perfor-
mance from the H&N Brown Nick under most conditions. Manage-
ment recommendations are provided, and, if followed, the producer
should achieve the performance goals stated in this manual. Good
poultry management is the key to success with H&N Brown Nick
layer flocks.

One should never accept average or below average performance.

Obtaining optimum performance from each of the birds in the flock
helps produce maximum results. Good flock husbandry requires a little
extra effort, but it pays high dividends. Good poultry management is
not complicated; it simply requires attention to all of the details of the
flocks needs, common sense and proper decision making throughout
the flocks lifetime. This management guide will aid you in making
correct decisions.
1
 Figure 1: H&N Brown Nick Commercial Layer
Performance Specifications

Livability: 0-18 weeks - 96-98%

18-80 weeks - 93-96%
Egg Production
First Cycle Age at 50% Hen-Day Production 142-152 days
4 Week Peak 94-95%
Hen-Housed Performance to 60 weeks 250-255 eggs
Hen-Housed Performance to 80 weeks 350-360 eggs
Period Over 90% 24-28 weeks
Period Over 80% 42-46 weeks
Feed Period FCR Consumption
(weeks) (kg/kg) (g/bird/day)
21-60 2.00 - 2.05 105-115
21-80 2.05 - 2.10 105-115
Body Size Age (Weeks) Weight (kg)
18 1.48
60 2.00
80 2.05
Egg Weight Cumulative
Age (wk) g/egg Egg Mass (kg)
25 57-58 1.73
30 61-62 3.71
35 62-63 5.74
40 63-64 7.78
60 66-67 15.69
80 67-68 22.50
18-80 63-64 22.50

The above data is based on research and field test information compiled
by the H&N research staff. These specifications represent performance
objectives obtainable under good evironmental and management
conditions. This is not a warranty or guarantee of performance.

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Management: The Key to Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Figure 1: Brown Nick Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Brooding and Rearing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Goals of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Isolation and Sanitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Getting Chicks Off to a Good Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Before the Chicks Arrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Electrolytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Signs of Distress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Table 1: Water Consumption of Pullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Intermittent Lighting Program
in Rearing for Day Old Chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Floor Brooding and Rearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Brooder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Floor Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Built-Up Litter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Feed and Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chick Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Coccidiosis Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cage Brooding and Rearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 2: Drinker Space Requirements
in the Brooding and Growing Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 3: Feeder Space Requirements in the Brooding
and Growing Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Floor (Cage) Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 4: Floor Space Requirements
in the Brooding and Growing Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 5: Temperature Requirements
in the Brooding and Growing Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3
 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Air/Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Beak Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7-10 Day Beak Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Feeding Pullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Brood/Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Table 2: Recommended Nutrient Density
for the Brood/Grow/Pre-lay Diets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Pre-lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Table 3: Recommended Vitamin and
Mineral Additions to the Finished Diets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Table 4: Pullet Feed Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Feed Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Feed Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Feeding 0-6 Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Feeding Week 7-Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Body Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Uniformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Changing Diets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Body Weight Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 5: Recommended Brown Nick Body Weight
during the Brooding and Growing Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vaccination and Disease Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
General Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Serological Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 6: Sample Vaccination Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vaccination Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Growing Cycle Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Lighting Program to 18 Weeks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
First Two Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Brooding and Growing in Closed Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Table 6: Minimum Light Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Brooding and Growing in Open or Brownout Type Housing . . . . . . . 27
Brooding Latitude 30 Degrees and Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Brooding Latitude 0 to 30 Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4
Light Control During Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Table 7: Hours Between Sunrise and Sunset
in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Table 8: Step Down Lighting Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Table 9: Lighting During Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Light Intensity During Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Moving to Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Caging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Laying Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Housing Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Feeding in the Lay Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Feeding at Onset of Production and Through Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Feeding after Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Table 10: Nutrient Levels of Diets for Production
above 90% at Various Feed Intakes to Provide
the Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table 11: Nutrient Levels of Diets for Production
between 85 and 90% at Various Feed Intakes
to Provide the Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake . . . . . 35
Table 12: Nutrient Levels of Diets for Production
between 80 and 85% at Various Feed Intakes
to Provide the Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake . . . . . 36
Table 13: Nutrient Levels of Diets for Production
between 75 and 80% at Various Feed Intakes
to Provide the Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake . . . . . 37
Table 14: Nutrient Levels of Diets for Production
between 70 and 75% at Various Feed Intakes
to Provide the Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake . . . . . 38
Calcium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Table 15: Adjusting Protein Intake to Daily Feed Consumption . . . . 39
Feed Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Feed Restriction in the Lay Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5
 Energy Requirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The Emmans Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Table 16: Energy Intake (kcal M.E.) of Individual Hens
Under Various Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Calculating the Energy in the Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Available Phosphorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Post-Peak Body Weights, Production and Egg Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Performance in the Lay Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Laying Cycle Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Table 17: Performance of the H&N Brown Nick Layer
to 80 Weeks of Age under Good Management
and Moderate Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-44
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Brown Nick Laying Performance Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Brown Nick Egg Weight Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Brown Nick Bodyweight Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

The data contained in this manual is based on our most recent research and
field information. The specifications (page 2) for the Brown Nick are obtain-
able under proper management and environmental conditions. This is not a
warranty or guarantee of performance.

6
 Brooding And Rearing Program
Goals of Management
The goal of management is to produce pullets which, at 18 weeks of
age, are properly conditioned to make the transition to excellent layers.
Proper condition is defined as:
1400-1550 gram average body weight
Minimum uniformity of 85%
Healthy and alert
High resistance to disease as shown by antibody levels

General Preparation
Thoroughly clean equipment and facilities by removing all debris
and dust left by the previous flock and by washing with a high pressure
washer. Manure should not be stored closer than 300 m from the
brooder houses and should not be located upwind. Eliminate rodents,
wild birds and other vermin. Make any necessary repairs, and clean
and disinfect water lines and tanks. Feed bins, fill systems and feeders
must be emptied, cleaned and disinfected. Do not place chicks until
the house and all equipment in it have been allowed to dry for 10 to
12 days.

Isolation and Sanitation

Isolation and restricted access to the brood/grow area are of prime
importance for the control and prevention of poultry disease. The all-
in all-out brood/grow program is recommended as it provides an
excellent means for isolation and allows for proper cleanup in the
event of a disease outbreak. Traffic between the brood/grow area and
lay houses should be avoided.
An important part of isolation is keeping poultry houses free of
outside birds, rodents and other wildlife because they can be a major
source of disease causing agents and parasites. Houses for adult and
growing flocks should be separated by a minimum distance of 100 m.
Caretakers should be assigned to one house and should not go back
and forth between houses. Managers inspecting flocks should visit the
7
 youngest flock first and the oldest last. A foot bath containing fresh,
clean disinfectant should be placed at the entrance to each house. The
disinfectant solution needs to be checked at least once a day and
changed frequently. Allow only essential personnel in and around the
poultry houses. Do not allow drivers of off-farm vehicles to enter any
poultry houses.

Humidity
Humidity is an important aspect of successful brooding. The relative
humidity (determined with a wet bulb thermometer) should be main-
tained between 60 and 70%. Humidity is usually not a problem after
six weeks of age because it is easier to maintain a satisfactory moisture
level at lower temperatures and the older, larger bird exhales a con-
siderable amount of moisture into the atmosphere.

Getting Chicks Off to a Good Start

Before the Chicks Arrive:
1. Make sure the correct temperature is being maintained uniformly
inside the building.
2. Check the settings of the time clocks and dimmers for the lights.
3. Have automatic feed and water systems checked for proper
settings and uniform distribution of feed and water.
4. Trigger nipples and cups to ensure proper working condition and
to stimulate drinking by the chicks.
5. Coordinate time of arrival with the hatchery and confirm the
number and condition of chicks being delivered.

Electrolytes:
Some producers have found that the addition of electrolytes to the
drinking water has improved chick performance. The choice should
be made after consulting with a qualified veterinarian who is familiar
with local conditions.

8
Signs of Distress
Be alert to distress signals produced by the chicks. React appropri-
ately to the following chick behavior:
a. Listless and prostrate chicks which indicates excessive heat.
b. Loud chirping indicates hunger or cold.
c. Grouping (huddling) together indicates excessive cold or drafts.
d. Pasted vents which may indicate excessive heat or cold.

Water
Chicks must have access to plenty of clean, fresh, cool water. This
is necessary for flocks to get off to a good start. Water intake must not
be restricted under any conditions.
Water consumption rises dramatically with increasing ambient
temperature as illustrated in Table 1. If sufficient watering space is
not available, or if the watering system or supply is insufficient to
meet maximum demand, the growth rate and health of the flock will
be impaired.
Table 1: Water Consumption of Pullets*
Water Consumed/1000 birds/day
21 C 32 C
Age (Week) Liter Liter
2 30 35
4 77 118
6 101 169
8 118 196
10 125 216
12 134 224
14 139 232
16 144 240
18 148 246
* M. O. North and D. D. Bell, Commercial Chicken Production Manual,
4th Ed., 1990, pg. 262.
9
 Feed
Use a high quality diet. Crumbles are better than mash for early
growth. Provide plenty of feeder space.

Intermittent Lighting Program in Rearing for Day Old

Chicks
When the Day Old Chicks arrive on the farm, they have been inten-
sively handled in the hatchery and often had a long transport to their
final destination. Common practice is to give them in the first 2 or 3
days after arrival, 24 hours light to help them to recover and to provide
those chicks enough time to eat and to drink. In practice it can be observed
that after arrival and housing some chicks continue to sleep, others are
looking for feed and water. The activity of the flock will always be
irregular. Especially in this phase, poultrymen have difficulties inter-
preting the chicks behaviour and their condition.
There is a practically proved principal in splitting the day into phases
of resting and activity using a special designed intermittent lighting
program. The target is to synchronise the chicks activities. The farmer
gets a better impression on the flocks condition, the birds are pushed by
the groups behaviour to search for water and feed.
Therefore H & N International advise to give chicks a rest after they
arrive at the rearing farm and then start with periodically four hours of
light and two hours of darkness.

Lighting program after arrival

4 hours light
2 hours darkness
4 hours light
2 hours darkness
4 hours light
2 hours darkness
4 hours light
10 2 hours darkness
 This program can be used for up to 7 or 10 days after arrival. Then
switch back to the reqular step down lighting program.
The usage of the following lighting program brings about advan-
tages as follows:
The chicks are resting or sleeping at the same time. That means
that the behaviour of the chicks will be synchronised.
The weak chicks will be stimulated by stronger ones to move as
well as to eat and drink.
The behaviour of the flock is more uniform and the assessment of
the birds is easier.
The mortality will decrease.

Floor Brooding And Rearing

Brooder
Get the chicks off to a good start by using good quality, clean litter.
Have the brooder house ready and start the heating system 24 hours
prior to the arrival of the chicks.

Floor Space
Because of todays high energy costs, some egg-type birds in colder
climates are being brooded in half-house brooding. This is done by
partitioning the brooder house with a temporary barrier at one-half the
length of the house and having all chicks brooded in the smaller area
until supplementary heat can be shut off. The other half of the house
is then opened to the chicks. Be sure to provide the floor space recom-
mended.

Built-up Litter
The use of old litter is not recommended. With old litter, the disease
load can be increased and may cause the chicks to have increased
morbidity or mortality. 11
 Feed and Water
Supplemental feeder trays should be provided within the brooder
ring for a few days until all chicks are eating from the regular feed
system. Insoluble grit should be fed if the chicks are on a type of litter
(e.g. shavings) that will be eaten by the chicks.
Automatic watering systems vary in their ability to provide adequate
water for day-old chicks. Almost all systems should be supplemented
with water jugs until the chicks are drinking from the regular water
system.
It is important that birds are grown on exactly the same type
water system as they will use in the laying house. This will help
prevent dehydration at housing time.
Chick Guards
When using canopy type brooders, use chick guards (new card-
board, or other material to stop drafts). Start with about a 2 meter
diameter in cool weather and about 4 meter diameter in hot weather.
Enlarge the ring every couple of days and remove by six or seven days
of age.
Coccidiosis Control
Good litter management will aid in the prevention of an outbreak
of coccidiosis. If the birds will go to cages, the use of a coccidiostat
for prevention is recommended. If the birds are to go to the floor, then
a program must be used that creates immunity in the birds.
Coccidiostats will generally not be used during the lay cycle.

Cage Brooding And Rearing

Water
The proper drinker space (Figure 2) must be provided. Water cups
must be full when chicks arrive. For the first few days, the cups or
nipples should be checked and triggered several times each day. Too
often chicks depend on one cup or nipple for their water supply and
when it is not working, dehydration sets in fast. The water system
12 should be the same in both the growing and laying houses.
Feed
Start the day-old chicks on crinkled paper or newspaper, not slick
colored advertisement sheets, laid over the wire floor. Place it so chicks
can walk right up to the feed and water. A small amount of high quality
feed placed on the paper floor or feed trays and having the feed trough
as full as possible will also help get the chicks off to a good start. Be
sure that there is sufficient feeder space (Figure 3) to assure proper
growth and uniformity.

Figure 2: Drinker Space Requirements In The Brooding

And Growing Periods

Birds per Cups Birds Nipples Birds

hanging per per per per Amount of
fount Cage Cup Cage Nipple trough per bird
Cage
Brood 2 20-24 2 20-24 1.25 cm*
Grow 2 10-12 2 10-12 1.25 cm*
Floor
Brood 100 25 24 2.5 cm*
Grow 100 15 25 2.5 cm*
* Linear length - length accessible to a bird, one side of trough.

Figure 3: Feeder Space Requirements In The Brooding

And Growing Periods
Cage
Brood/Grow 5 cm/bird
Floor
Brood/Grow 7.5 cm/bird
Brood/Grow 25 birds/pan feeder

13
 Floor (Cage) Space
Most cage systems are designed so that one-third to one-half of the
cage area is used for brooding. In order to assure uniformly grown
pullets, it is important that the birds be moved into the empty cages
at the appropriate time and proper cage density (Figure 4).

Temperature
The day before chicks arrive, heat the building to the temperature
specified in this guide (Figure 5).

Figure 4: Floor Space Requirements In The Brooding

And Growing Periods

Cage
Brood 142 square cm/bird
Grow 284 square cm/bird
Floor
Open-Type Housing
Brood 13.4 birds/square meter
Grow 7.2 birds/square meter
Controlled Environment
Brood 21.5 birds/square meter
Grow 10.8 birds/square meter

Figure 5: Temperature Requirements In The Brooding

And Growing Periods

Start
Cage 34 - 35 C* Reduce 3 C each week until
supplementary heat is no longer needed
Floor 35 - 36 C* Reduce 3 C each week until
supplementary heat is no longer needed
* At chick level
14
Light
Be sure sufficient light intensity (10-20 Lux) is provided the first
week so that the chicks can easily locate the feed and water.

Air/Ventilation
Supply sufficient volumes of fresh air to remove dust and undesir-
able gases. Provide movement of air even on cool days. Adequate
ventilation is especially important in hot weather.

Beak Treatment
Beak treatment is one of the most important aspects of poultry
management, especially in open-type houses with high levels of light.
While various methods of beak treatment may be used, the objective
is to treat the beak in a uniform manner that will permanently retard
future beak growth. Improper beak treatment procedures may result
in permanent damage to overall flock performance.
Since pullets are reaching sexual maturity at an earlier age, it is best
to beak treat at a young age. This will allow sufficient time for the
pullets to recover from any body weight loss that may occur. For this
reason any beak treatment after 10 days is not recommended. Later
beak treatment in extremely hot weather may result in excessive
bleeding. Add Vitamin K to the diet or drinking water a few days
before and after the beaks are treated to help prevent excessive bleeding.

7-10 Day Beak Treatment

Beak treatment should be done between seven and 10 days of age.
A precision beak treatment guide with three different sized holes (3.5,
4.0 and 4.3 mm) is attached to the beak treatment machine. The upper
and lower beaks are treated at the same time using the guide hole that
will result in the beak being treated and cauterized to 2 mm from the
end of the nostril. It may be necessary to increase the hole sizes slightly,
15
 especially on older chicks, to ensure the correct beak length. The beak
should be treated carefully and precisely and cauterized for one second.
The beak will not be cut and cauterized properly unless the blade is
heated to a dull red (approximately 590 - 595 C).
Prior to the beak treatment operation, all equipment, including the
beak treatment machine, should be thoroughly cleaned and desin-
fected. It is important that the beak treatment machines be properly
adjusted and working correctly. Blades should be changed as necessary.
Dull blades will crush and tear the beak rather than cutting cleanly
through it. The quality of the beak treatment operation will depend on
the care and maintenance of the equipment used. Correct maintenance
of beak treatment equipment is as important as monitoring the
treatment procedures.

Feeding Pullets
The H&N Brown Nick will grow and develop properly on feeding
programs and rations provided by various feed suppliers. The recom-
mended nutrient levels in Table 2 are necessary to produce a pullet
with good skeletal and muscular development. The birds should carry
a minimum of fat since excess fat may be detrimental to the perform-
ance of the pullets. Birds reared in cages may require a slightly different
feeding program than birds grown on the floor. Pullets in cages get
less exercise and are, therefore, generally heavier than floor-raised
birds.

Brood/Grow
Three diets (starter, grower, developer in Table 2) during the
brood/grow period are very adequate for the H&N Brown Nick.
Each diet should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals as indi-
cated in Table 3. Each diet should be fed until the appropriate target
weight listed in this guide is achieved. At that point the next diet should
be fed.
16
Table 2: Recommended Nutrient Density In The
Brood/Grow/Pre-Lay Diets

Starter* Grower* Developer Pre-lay

Until Until Until (optional)
Bodyweight (kg): 0.13 0.68 1.40 17 wk until
Approximate age: 0-2 wk 3-8 wk 9-17 wk 1% prod.
Energy (kcal/kg**) 2900 2750-2800 2750-2800 2750-2800
Energy (MJ) 12.0 11.4 11.4 11.4
Protein (%) 21.0 18.5 14.5 17.5
Calcium (%) 1.05 1.00 0.90 2.00
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.45
Sodium (%) 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16
Chlorine (%) 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.18
Lysine (%) 1.20 1.00 0.65 0.85
Methionine (%) 0.48 0.38 0.33 0.36
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.83 0.67 0.57 0.68
Arginine (%) 1.26 1.05 0.74 0.92
Tryptophan (%) 0.23 0.21 0.16 0.20
Threonin (%) 0.80 0.70 0.50 0.60
Leucine (%) 1.55 1.30 0.90 1.05
Isoleucine (%) 1.00 0.83 0.65 0.77
Linoleic Acid (%) 1.40 1.40 1.00 1.00
* Chick Starter should be supplied if the bodyweight standard cant be achieved by
feeding grower or the feed intake is expected to be low.
** rounded to nearest 5 kcal

Pre-lay
The birds will benefit from a pre-lay diet (Table 2). This diet can
be a developer with additional calcium or the first layer diet (e.g.
peaking diet) with lower calcium. If used, the pre-lay diet containing
2% calcium should be fed at 18 weeks (126 days) of age. The
calcium source should be small particle limestone so that calcium
intake is mandatory.
17
 Table 3: Recommended Vitamin And Mineral
Additions To The Finished Diets

Supplements Starter/ Developer Pre-Layer/

per kg Feed Grower Layer
Vitamin A IU 12000 12000 10000
Vitamin D3 IU 2000 2000 2500
Vitamin E IU 20 - 30* 20 - 30* 15 - 30*
Vitamin K3 mg 3** 3** 3**
Vitamin B1 mg 1 1 1
Vitamin B2 mg 6 6 4
Vitamin B6 mg 3 3 3
Vitamin B12 mcg 15 15 15
Pantothenic Acid mg 8 8 8
Nicotinic Acid mg 30 30 30
Folic Acid mg 1.0 1.0 0.5
Biotin mcg 50 50 25
Cholin mg 300 300 400
Antioxydant mg 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150*
Coccidiostat as required as required -
Manganese mg 100 100 100
Zinc mg 60 60 60
Iron mg 25 25 25
Copper mg 5 5 5
Cobalt mg 0.1 0.1 0.1
Iodine mg 0.5 0.5 0.5
Selenium mg 0.2 0.2 0.2

* according to fat addition

** double in case of heat treated feed
The above values should be reviewed by a nutritionist who is knowledge-
able of local conditions (e.g. chemical composition of available
inedients).

18
Table 4: Pullet Feed Consumption

Daily Cumulative
Wk of Life Diet g/bird kg/bird
1 Starter 10 0.07
2 16 0.18
3 22 0.34
4 28 0.53
5 34 0.77
6 40 1.05
7 Grower 46 1.37
8 52 1.74
9 57 2.14
10 61 2.56
11 64 3.01
12 Developer 66 3.47
13 67 3.94
14 68 4.42
15 70 4.91
16 72 5.41
17 74 5.93
18 76 6.46

Feed Consumption
The data of Table 4 show expected feed consumption. Of course,
these values will differ slightly due to the variation in the feed consump-
tion because of environmental conditions.

Feed Quality
Use only fresh feed that is free from chemical and microbial contam-
inants. Take an appropriate sample of every load of each ingredient if
the operation has its own feed mill. If the operation does not have its
own feed mill a sample of each load of mixed feed should be taken.
Store these samples for several weeks and then discard them if a labo-
ratory analysis is not necessary. 19
 Feeding 0 - 6 Weeks (0 - 42 days)
Research has shown that the Brown Nick will grow properly the
first 6 weeks on a starter feed that meets the nutrient specifications in
Table 2.

Feeding Week 7 - Housing (43 - 126 days)

The Brown Nick will develop and mature satisfactorily on a variety
of feeding programs, but our research indicates that a change to grower
ration at 6 weeks of age and a developer ration at 12 weeks of age
works best in temperate climates. In tropical climates, feeding a starter
ration to 8 weeks of age or longer may be necessary in order to achieve
target body weights (see Table 5, Body Weight Goal Chart).
It is essential that the body weight of the Brown Nick has to be
checked weekly. Maintaining the proper body weight during the grow
period will help the Brown Nick perform to its genetic potential.

Body Weight
Monitor body weight every one to two weeks during the four to 18
week age range so, that feeding programs can be altered if flocks are
not maturing properly. A ten gram increment scale is suggested. A
representative sample of one percent of the flock, or a minimum of
about 100 birds taken throughout the house, should be weighed each
time flock weights are checked. This should be done by weighing each
pullet caught in a catching panel from several areas of the house, or
by weighing all birds individually in a cage from several areas of the
house. Reweigh the pullets immediately if the average body weight
is suspect (e.g. higher or lower than expected).
Check the average weight of the sample against the Brown Nick
body weight guide (Table 5). If optimum performance is to be reached,
pullet body weight must closely conform to the H&N guide. It is impor-
tant with the Brown Nick that the average body weight at 18 weeks
be 1400 - 1550 grams. The growth pattern should follow that shown in
Table 5. This lower body weight will show improved performance in
the lay house.
20
Uniformity
A uniformity value should be calculated after each weighing. The
proper procedure for determining flock uniformity is as follows:
1. Calculate the average body weight.
2. Calculate 10 percent of the average weight of the sample.
3. Add and subtract this figure from the average weight to deter-
mine the upper and lower values of the uniformity range.
4. Count the number of birds that fall within the range.
5. Divide this number by the total number weighed and multiply
by 100. This equals the percent uniformity.
Example:
1. 95 pullets weighed a total of 86260 grams. 86260 divided by 95
equals 908 grams per bird.
2. 908 x 10 % = 91
3. 908 + 91 = 999 (Upper value) 908 - 91 = 817 (Lower value)
4. 81 birds weighed within the 817-999 range.
5. 81 divided by 95 times 100 = 85% uniformity.
Standard:
85% or more of the birds weighed should fall within this range at
18 weeks of age. Values greater than 85% are possible and are much
more desirable. Scales that measure in 20 gram increments or in ounces
are less accurate. Unless the standard is increased the use of such scales
may provide a false indication of high uniformity.

Changing Diets
If the pullets body weight is on target for their age then change
diets as specified in Tables 2 and 4. If the flock is underweight, post-
pone any scheduled diet changes (e.g. from starter to grower) until the
flock reaches its correct weight for its age. Measures to increase growth
rate may be needed. For example, birds can remain on the starter diet
for a longer period of time to achieve the desired body weight.

Body Weight Gain

If a flock is not reaching target body weights, check the feed and
water consumption rate as well as feeder, drinker and floor space. 21
 Table 5: Recommended Brown Nick Body Weight
During The Brooding And Growing Period

Body Weight Goal

Age (g)

(Wk) (Day) Low High Average

1 7 67 74 70
2 14 119 132 126
3 21 181 200 191
4 28 257 285 272
5 35 344 382 364
6 42 447 496 473
7 49 551 612 584
8 56 646 717 684
9 63 739 821 783
10 70 827 918 875
11 77 907 1008 961
12 84 988 1097 1046
13 91 1064 1182 1127
14 98 1132 1258 1199
15 105 1197 1329 1269
16 112 1254 1398 1333
17 119 1325 1472 1404
18 126 1397 1551 1479

Inadequate cage or floor space can cause a reduction in feed consump-

tion. If the problem persists, do not rule out the possibility of an error
in feed delivery. If the water is contaminated or has off flavors, water
consumption will decrease followed by a decrease in feed consumption.
Disease may also be an important factor in reduced body weight.
If a disease problem is suspected, get an accurate diagnosis of the
problem as soon as possible. Always use experienced crews to beak
treat birds. Improper beak treatment is very detrimental to the main-
tenance of correct body weights. Maintain temperatures in which the
22 birds will be comfortable - generally 18 to 24 C if possible.
 Vaccination And Disease Prevention
Vaccination programs vary with the area, disease exposure, strain and
virulence of the pathogen involved and must be designed to meet the
needs of the particular local conditions. Competent poultry veterinar-
ians should be consulted regularly for revisions of vaccination and
medication programs as well as for disease preventive management
practices. Medication practices such as the use of antibiotics and
coccidiostats in the feed should also be under the direction of a veteri-
narian with special training and experience in avian pathology.

General Principles
Some helpful tips for vaccination programs in any location are:
1. Record the following information for permanent flock
records: the vaccine manufacturer, the serial number, the date
of vaccination, method, reaction observed (if any) and any
medication currently in use.
2. Vaccinate only healthy chickens. If the flock is unhealthy or
under stress from any cause, delay the vaccination until the flock
has recovered.
3. Dont dilute or cut the vaccine. The weakened vaccine may
fail to stimulate adequate immune response in the birds. Be sure
that vaccines are not out-dated, that they have been stored and
handled properly and that all vaccinating equipment has been
thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing.
4. For water vaccination, add powdered skim milk to the water
at the rate of 2.4 kg/1000 liters or 2.4 g/liter before adding the
vaccine. This will help to neutralize chlorine, heavy metals,
acidity or alkalinity in the water supply which might destroy the
virus in the vaccine and reduce potency. When vaccine is to be
administered via a proportioner, the quantity of milk must be
adjusted to facilitate trouble-free functioning of the proportioner
and good distribution of vaccine to all birds.
5. Follow manufacturers directions regarding the administra-
tion of vaccines. Although many vaccines can be given through 23
 the drinking water or by spray, specific recommendations vary
among companies. Considerations regarding spray particle size,
mixing of vaccines, combining of different vaccines, strains and
environmental vaccination constraints are viewed differently
among the various manufacturers. Typically, the vaccine compa-
nies are the best source of information regarding their products.
6. Avoid the use of medications and antibiotics for three days
preceding and at least one week after vaccination, so as not to
interfere with the immune response.
7. Depriving the birds of water for one to two hours prior to water
vaccination will help ensure all birds get exposure to the vaccine.
Ideally vaccination should be done in the morning to avoid water
deprivation during the warmer parts of the day.
8. Water lines should be drained prior to water vaccination to
ensure uniform distribution of vaccine to all birds. Dyes are
commonly added to trace the vaccine through the water system
and help mark the birds and assess the vaccination process. Dyes
are sometimes supplied by the vaccine companies upon request.

Serological Monitoring
Serological data obtained after the bulk of the vaccination program
is complete by 17 or 18 weeks of age is a good method for evaluating
the immune status of a flock of pullets prior to production. Such data
also serves as an immune status baseline for determining whether a
field infection has occurred when production drops are observed. It is
recommended that the flock owner submit 25 good serum samples to
a laboratory one or two weeks prior to the pullets being placed in the
lay house to establish freedom from certain diseases such as
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) and Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) prior
to onset of production. Serological data can give valuable informa-
tion on the immune titer levels for a number of disease causing agents.
Working with a poultry laboratory to set up a profiling system will
make better evaluations of vaccination programs and flock conditions
possible.

24
Figure 6: Sample Vaccination Program

Age Type
Hatch Day Mareks Disease
14 - 28 days Infectious Bursal Disease
(2 - 4 weeks) (Gumboro) (IBD)
Newcastle Disease (NCD)
Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
56 - 84 days Fowl Pox
(8 - 12 weeks) Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE)
(Epidemic Tremors)
Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
Newcastle Disease (NCD)
119-126 days
(17 - 18 weeks) Submit Serum Samples

Vaccination Programs
Specific recommendations for individual farms are not possible, but
the sample vaccination program (Figure 6) is intended as a very
general guideline for vaccinations which are needed on most farms
worldwide. Additional vaccinations for coccidiosis, infectious laryn-
gotrachitis, Mg, coryza, and the variant strains of other disease causing
agents may also be needed. These decisions, however, need to be made
on a farm-by-farm basis after careful consideration of risk factors
involved which include but are not limited to: previous exposure,
geographic location, vaccination and exposure of neighboring flocks,
state regulations and endemic disease causing factors.

Growing Cycle Records

Good growing flock records will allow you to instantly evaluate the
condition and progress of each flock. Therefore, good record keeping
is a very valuable management tool. Figures for mortality, feed 25
 consumption and water intake should be recorded daily and summa-
rized weekly. Body weights and body weight uniformity percentages
should also be included in the records of each flock.
All results should be graphed. Use of graphs will improve analyses
of flock growth and mortality trends. Notes indicating vaccinations,
beak treatment, medication, lighting changes and other significant
events should be included in your growing records. Always keep in
mind that accurate cage and/or pen counts of the number of birds
present in the flock are very important.

Lighting Program To 18 Weeks

Light control is an extremely important aspect of overall grow and
lay flock management. Through control of the daily photo period with
artificial light, the egg producer can place flocks and bring them into
production at the proper age at any time of the year. Proper light
management is a valuable tool for the control of sexual maturity, body
weight and egg weight.
The Brown Nick will perform under many different lighting
programs and the best one depends on the exact needs of each egg
producer (e.g. early eggs, early housing, late housing, egg size
demands). However, the program that has been found to give the most
consistent results is the constant daylength program. Some of the
successful lighting programs that are now in use are described below.
First Two Weeks
The lighting program for all flocks in all types of housing is the
same the first two weeks. The first two days, chicks should be given 24
hours of light each day and the intensity should be 10 Lux. On day 3,
reduce the duration of the light to 16 hours per day and maintain the
intensity at 10 Lux.
Brooding and Growing in Closed Housing (Light Tight)
At the beginning of the third week (15 days of age), reduce the dura-
tion of light to nine or ten hours. The intensity should be 5-7.5 Lux.
Retain this duration until 18 weeks (126 days of age). Light intensity
26 should be as shown in Table 6.
Table 6: Minimum Light Intensity

Age
(Week) (Days) Lux
0-2 1 - 14 10
2 - 18 15 - 126 5 - 7.5
18 - End of Lay 126 - End of Lay 10

Brooding and Growing in Open or Brownout Type

Housing
Brooding Latitude 30 Degrees and Up
(Brooding Latitude greater than 30N or 30S)
Tailoring the lighting scheme to a specific flock depends on the type
of housing and the month when the chicks were hatched.
In open houses, or in houses that have light infiltrating around vents,
the lighting program from 15 days of age to housing is dependent on
the hatch date. Flocks hatched between February 15 and May 15 need
to be given artificial light so that the natural daylength (Table 7) plus
the artificial light gives a total daily duration equivalent to the longest
natural day from 15 days of age to June 21. This daily light interval
is maintained from day 15 until June 21. On June 21, the artificial
daylength needs to be changed to the length of the natural day at the
time the flock reaches 18 weeks of age (Table 8). At 15 days of age, the
artificial daylength for flocks hatched between May 16 and February
14, needs to be set equal to the natural daylength at 18 weeks of age.
When determining the daily length of natural light from sunrise and
sunset tables, be sure to add an amount (e.g. one hour) to include
twilight at dawn and dusk.
For open houses in the southern hemisphere, the above mentioned
calendar dates need to be shifted six months.
Lights should go off at the same time in the evening, if physically
possible, throughout the growing period - approximately one-half hour
after sunset. Such a program provides additional light during the coolest 27
 part of the day in order to stimulate feed consumption. At the same
time, it provides greater control of sexual maturity that comes from
decreasing daylength.
Brooding Latitudes 0 to 30 Degrees
(Brooding Between 30N and 30S)
Latitudes within 30 degrees of the equator have nearly equal periods
of daylight and darkness throughout the year and may have small
seasonal variations in high ambient temperatures. These present a
special problem for the light control program. Managers in such areas
need to consider the amount of natural daylight and the amount of
light needed to produce maximum production, and they also need to
consider adding light during the coolest part of the day to stimulate
feed consumption.
The program H&N recommends for flocks placed in latitudes
between 0 and 30 degrees north or south regardless of the type of
housing, combines both constant and step-down programs.
At 15 days of age, the total daylength needs to be adjusted to 14
hours of light. Most of the artificial light should be given during the
early morning hours. Between 9 and 11 weeks of age, the step-down
phase of the lighting program needs to be initiated if the natural
daylength at 18 weeks of age is less than 14 hours. The change in arti-
ficial daylength is dependent on the natural daylength at 18 weeks of
age. The objective is to reduce the total hours at nine weeks of age
(14 hours) to the natural daylength at 18 weeks of age in a manner
that will delay sexual maturity. The recommended changes are outlined
in Table 8.

Light Control During Lay

Pullets grown under good light control require a sharp increase in
light to stimulate rapid reproductive development. When the flock is
18 weeks of age and at the proper body weight, the length of day needs
to be increased by at least one hour (Table 9). The result must be 13
hours or more. Additional stimulations of one-half hour per week need
28 to be given to increase the total hours of light to 16 hours.
Table 7: Hours Between Sunrise and Sunset in The
Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Northern 0 10 20 30 40 50 Southern
Date H M H M H M H M H M H M Date
5-Jan 12 7 11 34 10 59 10 17 9 27 8 14 5-Jul
20-Jan 12 7 11 38 11 5 10 31 9 47 8 45 20-Jul
5-Feb 12 7 11 44 11 19 10 52 10 19 9 32 5-Aug
20-Feb 12 6 11 50 11 35 11 16 10 55 10 23 20-Aug
5-Mar 12 6 11 58 11 49 11 38 11 28 11 11 5-Sep
20-Mar 12 6 12 7 12 6 12 6 12 7 12 9 20-Sep
5-Apr 12 6 12 14 12 25 12 35 12 49 13 8 5-Oct
20-Apr 12 6 12 24 12 41 13 2 13 27 14 3 20-Oct
5-May 12 7 12 31 12 56 13 26 14 2 14 54 5-Nov
20-May 22 7 12 37 13 8 13 45 14 32 15 37 20-Nov
5-Jun 12 7 12 41 13 17 14 0 14 53 16 9 5-Dec
20-Jun 12 7 12 42 13 20 14 5 15 1 16 22 20-Dec
5-Jul 12 7 12 41 13 19 14 1 14 55 16 14 5-Jan
20-Jul 12 7 12 37 13 11 13 49 14 38 15 46 2-Jan
5-Aug 12 7 12 32 12 59 13 29 14 9 15 2 5-Feb
20-Aug 12 6 12 25 12 44 13 6 13 35 14 14 20-Feb
5-Sep 12 6 12 17 12 26 12 40 12 55 13 16 5-Mar
20-Sep 12 6 12 8 12 10 12 13 12 16 12 22 20-Mar
5-Oct 12 7 12 1 11 53 11 46 11 37 11 26 5-Apr
20-Oct 12 7 11 52 11 36 11 20 10 59 10 31 20-Apr
5-Nov 12 7 11 44 11 20 10 55 10 21 9 36 5-May
20-Nov 12 7 11 38 11 7 10 34 9 51 8 51 20-May
5-Dec 12 7 11 35 10 59 10 19 9 29 8 18 5-Jun
20-Dec 12 7 11 33 10 55 10 13 9 20 8 5 20-Jun

Due to the normal high ambient temperatures in some regions, the

lights for the lay period should be set to come on at 3:30 a.m. (03.30
hours) and to go off at 7:30 p.m. (19.30 hours). This schedule allows
for feed consumption in the coolest hours of the day, even during the
warmest times of the year. 29
 Table 8: Step Down Lighting Schedule

Natural Incremental Starting Step-Down

Daylength Decrease Age Frequency
at 18 Weeks of Age of Change
(hr) (min) (wk) (day)
10 30 10 7
11 30 12 7
12 15 10 7
13 15 10 14
14 None

Table 9: Lighting During Lay

Age Light
(Week) (Days) (Hours)
18 126 13 or more
19 133 13 1/2 or more
20 140 14 or more
21 147 14 1/2 or more
22 154 15 or mere
23 161 15 1/2 or more
24 168 16 or more

Use of intermittent lighting programs is acceptable for flocks over

40 weeks of age in light tight houses.
Giving a dark period between the first artificial light in the morning
and natural light will allow maximum performance in open-sided
houses. The same is true in the evening when a period of darkness can
be allowed before the final artificial light is given.

30
 Light Intensity During Lay
Light intensity is an important aspect of a lighting program. With
the proper types of controls, light intensity can be adjusted. Low inten-
sity lights reduce power consumption.
Little or no harm will be done if light intensity is increased for short
periods of time when the caretaker needs bright light in the houses.
H&N Brown Nicks also react very well to the stimulation of the
increase in light intensity at 18 weeks of age. A minimum of 10 Lux
should be maintained in the lay house. When the flock is moved to
the lay house, the light intensity should be at least equal to the light
intensity in the brooder house (Table 6).

Moving To Lay
Preparation
Remove feed for a few hours but continue to provide water. Have
clean, disinfected trucks, crates and other equipment. The people who
move the birds should wear clean clothing and footwear that have not
been exposed to poultry. Be sure all equipment is in good condition so
that nothing such as protruding wires or sharp edges will injure the birds.

Loading
Load at a rate that does not force personnel to take short cuts.
Continue to ventilate the house. Do not overstuff the carts. Catch and
hold the birds by both shanks not the wings.

Transport
The flock should be moved to the lay house as quickly as possible
with no unnecessary stops. Keep the sides of the trucks completely
open in warm weather and do not completely close in cold weather.

Caging
As the birds are moved from the truck to the lay cages the birds
should be carried by both shanks. Ensure that the flock is distributed
evenly throughout the house. 31
 Laying Program
Housing Birds
The all-in all-out housing system is recommended because it helps
break the disease cycles which so often accompany a continuous
multiple age replacement system. Pullets should be moved to thor-
oughly cleaned and disinfected laying houses before 18 weeks of age.

Equipment
Each pullet should be provided with at least 400 square cm of cage
space at 18 weeks of age and throughout the lay cycle.
Maximum egg production and egg size require that ample feed and
water space be provided. Cages should be designed to allow each bird
a minimum of 10 cm of access to the feed trough. Provide a minimum
of one cup or nipple waterer at the cage partition or 2.5 cm of water
trough per bird.

Temperature Control
Laying hens perform well over a wide range of temperatures.
Temperature changes between 21 C and 27 C have a minimal effect
on egg production, egg size and shell quality. Feed conversion improves
with higher house temperatures, and maximum efficiency is attained
in the 21-27 C range. As temperature rises, however, feed consump-
tion decreases and it is necessary to provide a properly fortified diet to
achieve adequate daily nutrient intake in a warm house (see section -
Feeding In The Lay Cycle).
In environmentally controlled houses, warm temperatures may be
maintained during cold weather by utilizing the body heat produced
by the birds. Proper management of the ventilation system will conserve
heat and eliminate moisture. A proper blending of air intake and
exchange rates is needed.

Water Quality
Fresh, clean, potable water must be available at all times for the
layers. Adequate consumption must be assured.
32
 Feeding In The Lay Cycle
H&N Brown Nicks can achieve their genetic performance poten-
tial using many different feeding programs. However, there are some
precautions with regard to the lay diet that should be kept in mind. All
layers require a minimum quantity of daily nutrients regardless of their
consumption rate, but their actual intake is primarily governed by their
energy requirements. Energy requirements are in turn determined by
body weight, production rate, egg size, ambient temperature, air move-
ment and feathering.

Feeding at Onset of Production and Through Peak

At 1% production a peaking diet should be fed if a pre-lay diet has
been used. If a pre-lay diet is not used, begin the use of the peaking diet
at 18 weeks of age. The peaking diet can be a special diet which is
designed for those layers at 100% production (such as Lay 90, Table 10).
Recommended vitamin and trace mineral levels are found in Table 3.
Flocks in hot climates may not be able to consume normal amounts
of feed. Such flocks should be fed diets denser (higher in nutrient
concentration) as a means of compensating for low feed consumption.

Feeding after Peak

Adjustments in the feed formula for laying hens must be made,
depending upon the quantity of feed consumed and rate of lay, to assure
adequate nutrient intake for maximum production and egg size. Review
the information in Tables 10 through 14. After peak (about 36 weeks
of age) change the diet a couple weeks after production has gone below
the next 5% production level.

33
 Table 10: Nutrient Levels Of Diets For Production Above
90% At Various Feed Intakes To Provide The
Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
G/bird/day: 100 105 110 115 120
Energy (kcal/kg)* 3000 2800 2750
Energy (MJ) 12.4 11.6 11.4
Protein (%) 19.60 18.67 17.82 17.04 16.33
Calcium (%) 4.10 3.90 3.73 3.57 3.42
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35
Sodium (%) 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.14
Chlorine (%) 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.16
Lysine (%) 0.87 0.83 0.79 0.76 0.73
Dig. Lysine (%) 0.72 0.69 0.65 0.63 0.60
Methionine (%) 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.80 0.76 0.73 0.70 0.67
Dig. Met + Cys. (%) 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55
Arginine (%) 1.04 0.99 0.95 0.90 0.87
Tryptophan (%) 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.18
Threonin (%) 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.56 0.53
Isoleucine (%) 0.52 0.50 0.47 0.45 0.43
Linoleic acid (%) 2.00 1.90 1.82 1.74 1.67

* A nutritionist should be consulted if the energy level is below 2600 kcal or

above 3000 kcal.

34
Table 11: Nutrient Levels Of Diets For Production Between
85 And 90 % At Various Feed Intakes To Provide
The Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
G/bird/day: 100 105 110 115 120
Energy (kcal/kg)* 3000 2800 2750
Energy (MJ) 12.4 11.6 11.4
Protein (%) 19.04 18.13 17.31 16.56 15.87
Calcium (%) 4.10 3.90 3.73 3.57 3.42
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.35 0.34
Sodium (%) 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14
Chlorine (%) 0.18 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15
Lysine (%) 0.85 0.80 0.77 0.73 0.70
Dig. Lysine (%) 0.70 0.67 0.64 0.61 0.58
Methionine (%) 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.36
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.78 0.74 0.71 0.68 0.65
Dig. Met + Cys. (%) 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.56 0.53
Arginine (%) 1.01 0.96 0.92 0.88 0.84
Tryptophan (%) 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.18 0.17
Threonin (%) 0.62 0.59 0.57 0.54 0.52
Isoleucine (%) 0.51 0.48 0.46 0.44 0.42
Linoleic acid (%) 1.94 1.85 1.77 1.69 1.62

* A nutritionist should be consulted if the energy level is below 2600 kcal or

above 3000 kcal.

35
 Table 12: Nutrient Levels Of Diets For Production Between
80 And 85 % At Various Feed Intakes To Provide
The Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
G/bird/day: 100 105 110 115 120
Energy (kcal/kg)* 3000 2800 2750
Energy (MJ) 12.4 11.6 11.4
Protein (%) 18.48 17.60 16.80 16.07 15.40
Calcium (%) 4.20 4.00 3.82 3.65 3.50
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.33
Sodium (%) 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.13
Chlorine (%) 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15
Lysine (%) 0.82 0.78 0.75 0.71 0.68
Dig. Lysine (%) 0.68 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.57
Methionine (%) 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.35
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.66 0.63
Dig. Met + Cys. (%) 0.62 0.59 0.57 0.54 0.52
Arginine (%) 0.98 0.93 0.89 0.85 0.82
Tryptophan (%) 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16
Threonin (%) 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.50
Isoleucine (%) 0.49 0.47 0.45 0.43 0.41
Linoleic acid (%) 1.89 1.80 1.71 1.64 1.57

* A nutritionist should be consulted if the energy level is below 2600 kcal or

above 3000 kcal.

36
Table 13: Nutrient Levels Of Diets For Production Between
75 And 80 % At Various Feed Intakes To Provide
The Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
G/bird/day: 100 105 110 115 120
Energy (kcal/kg)* 3000 2800 2750
Energy (MJ) 12.4 11.6 11.4
Protein (%) 17.92 17.07 16.29 15.58 14.93
Calcium (%) 4.20 4.00 3.82 3.65 3.50
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.33 0.32
Sodium (%) 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.13
Chlorine (%) 0.17 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14
Lysine (%) 0.80 0.76 0.72 0.69 0.66
Dig. Lysine (%) 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55
Methionine (%) 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.34
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.73 0.70 0.66 0.64 0.61
Dig. Met + Cys. (%) 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.50
Arginine (%) 0.95 0.91 0.86 0.83 0.79
Tryptophan (%) 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.16
Threonin (%) 0.59 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.49
Isoleucine (%) 0.48 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.40
Linoleic acid (%) 1.83 1.74 1.66 1.59 1.52

* A nutritionist should be consulted if the energy level is below 2600 kcal or

above 3000 kcal.

37
 Table 14: Nutrient Levels Of Diets For Production Between
70 And 75 % At Various Feed Intakes To Provide
The Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
G/bird/day: 100 105 110 115 120
Energy (kcal/kg)* 3000 2800 2750
Energy (MJ) 12.4 11.6 11.4
Protein (%) 17.36 16.53 15.78 15.10 14.47
Calcium (%) 4.30 4.10 3.91 3.74 3.58
Av. Phosphorus (%) 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.31
Sodium (%) 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.13
Chlorine (%) 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.14
Lysine (%) 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.67 0.64
Dig. Lysine (%) 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.55 0.53
Methionine (%) 0.39 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.32
Met. + Cys. (%) 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.62 0.59
Dig. Met + Cys. (%) 0.58 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.49
Arginine (%) 0.92 0.88 0.84 0.80 0.77
Tryptophan (%) 0.19 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15
Threonin (%) 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.49 0.47
Isoleucine (%) 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38
Linoleic acid (%) 1.77 1.69 1.61 1.54 1.48

* A nutritionist should be consulted if the energy level is below 2600 kcal or

above 3000 kcal.

Calcium
Laying hens need adequate calcium in their diets for eggshell forma-
tion. Layers will have more available calcium if the dietary calcium
sources are in two different forms. One form may be finely ground
such as limestone. The other should be fed as large particle size such
as oyster shell or hen-size limestone.
The birds system is not as efficient at utilizing calcium sources
after 40 weeks of age. Also, older flocks produce larger eggs and more
calcium is needed to produce a strong shell on these bigger eggs. For
these reasons higher levels of calcium should be formulated into the diet
38 as the flock ages.
Table 15: Supply of Fine and Coarse Limestone

Feedtype Fine Limestone Coarse Limestone*

Layer Phase 1 35 % 65 %
Layer Phase 2 30 % 70 %
Layer Phase 3 25 % 75 %
Layer Phase 4 + 5 15 % 85 %
* can be partly replaced by oystershells

Feed Quality
Always maintain high feed quality. The basics include proper
sampling of feed ingredients and mixed feed and the chemical analysis
of those samples.

Feed Restriction in the Lay Cycle

H&N Brown Nicks are not normally prone to put on fat with
correctly formulated feeds. Therefore, feed restriction is seldom recom-
mended during the lay period. If a restriction program is used, watch
egg size, body weight and percent production very closely. These traits
will decline first if birds are being under fed.

Energy Requirement
The energy requirement of adult laying birds depends upon several
factors, such as growth, maintenance, production and environmental
temperatures. Under normal conditions layers eat mainly to satisfy
their energy requirement. The daily energy requirement can be fairly
well predicted by the use of the Emmans equation. The nutrient density
of the feed can, therefore, be adjusted as needed to meet the require-
ment. 39
 The Emmans Equation:
ME/Hen/Day = ((140 - 2.0 x T) x BW) + (2 x EM) + (5 x BWG)
where:
T = Temperature (Degrees Celsius)
BW = Body Weight (Kilograms)
EM = Egg Mass (Grams) = egg weight x production rate
BWG = Body Weight Gain/Day (Grams)
The Emmans equation may be modified using a feather score. A feather
loss of about 20% has been assumed in the creation of the values in
Table 16. It is difficult to determine the feather score in an objective
manner. The user should review the literature in regards to this subject.
An example of the use of the Emmans equation, for a 40 week-old
flock, is as follows:
Temperature 26.67 C
Body Weight 2.14 kg/bird
Egg Production 90.9%
Egg Weight 63.2 g
Body Weight Gain 1.4 g/day

(140 - (2.0 x 26.67)) x 2.14 = 185.5 kcal/day for maintenance

2 x (90.9% x 63.2 g) = 114.9 kcal/day for egg production
5 x (1.4) = 7.0 kcal/day for body wt. change
Total/day = 307.4 kcal

Additional examples are shown in Table 16.

It is possible to estimate the needs of the individual layers by using

the values in Table 16 rather than making the exact calculations.
Prediction formulas of this type are usually less accurate at temper-
ature extremes and are more accurate in a temperature range of 16-
27 C. Due to these variables, and others such as air velocity, humidity,
feather cover, etc., metabolizeable energy intakes can fluctuate between
325-375 kcal per bird daily. The Emmans equation should not be used
under abnormal conditions and at the onset of production when feed
intake is low.
40
Table 16: Energy Intake (kcal M.E.*) Of Individual
Hens Under Various Conditions.
Egg Egg
Prod. Wt. 15.5 C 22.2 C 29.4 C
% Body Wt./g 2041 2132 2223 g 2041 2132 2223 g 2041 2132 2223 g
95 57 350 360 370 320 330 340 290 300 305
59 350 360 370 325 335 340 295 305 310
90 62 340 350 355 325 335 340 295 305 310
64 340 350 360 330 335 345 300 305 315
85 64 335 345 355 320 330 340 290 300 305
66 340 350 360 325 335 345 295 305 310
80 66 330 340 350 320 325 335 290 295 305
68 330 345 355 320 330 340 290 300 305
75 67 325 335 345 315 320 330 285 290 300
69 325 340 350 315 325 335 285 295 300
70 67 315 330 340 305 315 325 275 285 290
69 320 335 340 310 320 325 280 290 295
* Estimated energy needs are based on the Emmans equation.
Estimated energy needs are rounded to the nearest 5 kcal.

Calculating the Energy in the Feed

The following is the formula for calculating the quantity of metab-
olizeable energy that should be in each kilogram of mixed feed:
(Desired daily energy intake per hen divided by consumption/bird/day
in g) x 1000 g/kg.
Example: (325 kcal / 113 g) x 1000 g/kg 2876 kcal/kg.

Available Phosphorus
There is little change in the available phosphorus requirements
during the life of the flock. Be careful to provide only the level of
available phosphorus intake necessary (about a half gram per bird per
day). Too little or too much available phosphorus consumption can
lead to shell quality problems. There is considerable research that indi-
cates that available phosphorus intakes as low as 350 mg at the end
of the production cycle will improve shell quality but there is a great 41
 risk of accidentally feeding less than 350 mg; therefore, this low level
is not recommended.

Post-Peak Body Weights, Production and Egg Weight

Body weight change, especially early in lay, is an indicator of proper
or improper nutrient intake and should be considered as a part of the
feeding program of the layer. From 18 weeks of age to about 27 weeks
of age (first week of peak) the taking of body weights may not give
meaningful data because of the variable degree of sexual maturity
between individuals. After about 27 weeks of age body weights should
be taken every two weeks and compared to the goals (Table 16). The
objective is for continued increases in egg weight and body weight.
If body weight does not increase slightly, production and egg weight
may suffer. After a flock is 36 weeks old, the body weight average
should be relatively stable with only a very gradual increase. A slight
gain in body weight indicates that sufficient nutrients are being
consumed for maximum performance.
Excessive gains indicate excess amounts of nutrients. Adjust nutrient
intake if excessive weight gain is present. If the body weight average
should drop, the cause should be found immediately to avoid losses
in production and egg mass.

Performance In The Lay Cycle

If the above management recommendations are followed the Brown
Nick flock should obtain the performance in Table 17. However,
because of the large variation in feed quality, water quality, housing,
weather and various other conditions, many flocks will deviate these
parameters.

Laying Cycle Records

In order to evaluate performance and profitability, detailed laying
cycle records are necessary. Daily figures for hen-day production, egg
weight, feed and water consumption and mortality are necessary. This
42 information will allow you to calculate very important data including
Table 17: Performance of the H&N Brown Nick Layer
to 80 Weeks of Age Under Good Management
and Moderate Environment

Age Liva- Hen Eggs/ Egg Wt. Egg Mass Body Feed Cons. Feed Conv.
(wk) bility % Day % HH (g/egg) (kg) Wt.(g) (g/bird/day) (kg/kg)
19 100,0 15,0 1,1 45,0 0,05 1559 80 11,85
20 99,9 40,0 3,9 47,5 0,18 1645 90 4,84
21 99,8 60,1 8,1 50,0 0,39 1716 95 3,17
22 99,7 75,2 13,3 52,0 0,66 1796 99 2,49
23 99,6 88,4 19,5 54,0 1,00 1836 101 2,10
24 99,5 92,5 25,9 56,0 1,36 1876 103 2,00
25 99,4 94,1 32,4 57,4 1,73 1891 105 1,96
26 99,3 95,2 39,1 58,5 2,12 1906 108 1,95
27 99,2 95,3 45,7 59,2 2,51 1911 110 1,97
28 99,1 95,3 52,3 59,9 2,91 1917 112 1,98
29 99,0 95,3 58,9 60,5 3,31 1921 114 2,00
30 98,9 95,1 65,5 61,0 3,71 1926 114 1,99
31 98,8 95,0 72,0 61,4 4,11 1929 114 1,98
32 98,7 94,9 78,6 61,8 4,52 1931 114 1,97
33 98,6 94,8 85,1 62,2 4,92 1934 114 1,96
34 98,5 94,6 91,7 62,5 5,33 1937 114 1,96
35 98,4 94,4 98,2 62,8 5,74 1939 114 1,95
36 98,3 94,2 104,7 63,1 6,15 1941 114 1,95
37 98,2 94,0 111,1 63,3 6,56 1944 114 1,95
38 98,1 93,8 117,6 63,5 6,97 1946 114 1,95
39 98,0 93,6 124,0 63,7 7,38 1949 114 1,95
40 97,9 93,3 130,4 63,9 7,78 1951 114 1,95
41 97,8 92,9 136,7 64,1 8,19 1954 114 1,96
42 97,7 92,6 143,1 64,3 8,60 1957 114 1,96
43 97,6 92,3 149,4 64,5 9,01 1959 114 1,96
44 97,5 92,0 155,7 64,7 9,41 1961 114 1,96
45 97,4 91,7 161,9 64,9 9,82 1964 115 1,99
46 97,3 91,3 168,1 65,0 10,22 1966 115 1,99
47 97,2 90,8 174,3 65,2 10,62 1969 115 2,00
48 97,1 90,4 180,4 65,3 11,03 1971 115 2,01
49 97,0 90,0 186,6 65,5 11,43 1974 115 2,01
43
 Age Liva- Hen Eggs/ Egg Wt. Egg Mass Body Feed Cons. Feed Conv.
(wk) bility % Day % HH (g/egg) (kg) Wt.(g) (g/bird/day) (kg/kg)
50 96,9 89,6 192,6 65,6 11,82 1977 115 2,02
51 96,8 89,2 198,7 65,8 12,22 1979 115 2,03
52 96,7 88,6 204,7 65,9 12,62 1981 115 2,04
53 96,6 88,1 210,6 66,0 13,01 1984 115 2,05
54 96,5 87,6 216,5 66,1 13,40 1986 115 2,06
55 96,4 86,9 222,4 66,2 13,79 1990 115 2,07
56 96,3 86,3 228,2 66,3 14,18 1991 115 2,09
57 96,2 85,7 234,0 66,4 14,56 1995 115 2,10
58 96,1 85,0 239,7 66,5 14,94 1997 115 2,12
59 96,0 84,4 245,4 66,6 15,32 1999 115 2,13
60 95,9 83,7 251,0 66,7 15,69 2001 115 2,15
61 95,8 83,1 256,6 66,8 16,06 2004 115 2,16
62 95,7 82,4 262,1 66,9 16,43 2006 115 2,18
63 95,6 81,7 267,6 67,0 16,80 2009 115 2,20
64 95,5 80,9 273,0 67,1 17,16 2011 115 2,22
65 95,4 80,2 278,3 67,2 17,52 2014 115 2,24
66 95,3 79,4 283,6 67,3 17,88 2017 115 2,26
67 95,2 78,7 288,9 67,4 18,23 2019 115 2,28
68 95,1 77,9 294,1 67,5 18,58 2021 115 2,30
69 95,0 77,2 299,2 67,6 18,93 2024 115 2,32
70 94,9 76,4 304,3 67,7 19,27 2026 115 2,34
71 94,8 75,5 309,3 67,8 19,61 2029 115 2,37
72 94,7 74,7 314,2 67,9 19,95 2031 115 2,40
73 94,6 73,8 319,1 68,0 20,28 2034 115 2,42
74 94,5 72,9 323,9 68,1 20,61 2037 115 2,45
75 94,4 72,0 328,7 68,2 20,93 2039 115 2,48
76 94,3 71,2 333,4 68,3 21,25 2041 115 2,51
77 94,2 70,3 338,0 68,4 21,57 2044 115 2,54
78 94,1 69,4 342,6 68,5 21,88 2046 115 2,57
79 94,0 68,5 347,1 68,6 22,19 2049 115 2,60
80 93,9 67,6 351,6 68,7 22,50 2051 115 2,64

44
daily egg mass, accumulative egg mass and feed conversion. All results
should be graphed. Use of graphs will improve analyses of flock
performance trends. As with growing records, accurate cage and/or
pen counts are very important.

Summary
Sound management practices, based on successful field layer
programs, have been outlined in this booklet. Followed carefully, they
will help in the attainment of the maximum performance capabilities
bred into your H&N Brown Nick.

The above performance data are based on traditional cage management.

Different management systems or poor environmental, feeding or manage-
ment conditions could lead to considerable deviations in performance.

45
 Brown Nick Laying Performance
100
90
80
70
Performance HH in %

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79
Week of Production

46
 47
Brown Nick Egg Weight
70
60
Weight in Gram

50
40
19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79
Week of Production
 Brown Nick Bodyweight
2000
1500
Bodyweight in Gram

1000
500
0
1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56 61 66 71 76
Age in Weeks

48
 How H & N International is calculating
the energy content of feed and raw materials
(International WPSA formula):

ME MJ/kg = g crude protein x 0,01551

+ g crude fat x 0,03431
+ g crude starch x 0,01669
+ g sugar x 0,01301 (as Saccharose)

ME = metabolizable energy in MJ/kg

1 Kcal = 4,187 kJ
 Am Seedeich 9 27472 Cuxhaven
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Phone +49 (0) 4721 564-0 Fax +49 (0)4721 564-111
Email [email protected]

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321 Burnett - Avenue South, Suite 307
Renton, WA 98057-2570 U.S.A.
01/08

Phone +1 425 277-2885 Fax +1 425 277-3479

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