EGG PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Factors Affecting Egg Production Typically, a layer’ s production cycle lasts just over a year( 52-56 weeks). During the production cycle many factors influence egg production; therefore, the cycle must be managed effectively and efficiently in order to provide maximum output and profitability. The following factors influence egg production.( a) Breed: The breed of the laying bird influences egg production.( b) Mortality rate: Mortality rate may rise due to disease, predation or high temperature. The mortality rate of small chicks( up to eight weeks of age) is about 4 percent; that of growers( between eight and 20 weeks of age) is about 15 percent; and that of layers( between 20 and 72 weeks of age) is about 12 percent. The average mortality rate of a flock is from 20 to 25 percent per year.
( c) Age: Birds typically begin producing eggs in their twentieth or twenty-first week and continue for slightly over a year. This is the best laying period and eggs tend to increase in size until the end of the egg production cycle.
( d) Body weight: In general, optimum body weight during the laying period should be around 1.5 kg, although this varies according to breed. Underweight as well as overweight birds lay eggs at a lower rate. Proper management and the correct amount of feed are necessary in order to achieve optimum body weight.
( e) Laying house: The laying house should be built according to local climatic conditions and the farmer’ s finances. A good house protects laying birds from theft, predation, direct sunlight, rain,
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