THE REALITIES ABOUT POULTRY The Modern Farm - The Realities About Poultry_Seco | Page 125

excessive wind, heat and cold, as well as sudden changes in temperature and excessive dust. If
the climate is hot and humid, for example, the use of an open house construction will enable
ventilation. The inside of the house should be arranged so that it requires minimum labour and
time to care for the birds.
(f) Lighting schedule: Egg production is stimulated by daylight; therefore, as the days grow longer
production increases. In open houses, found commonly in the tropics, artificial lighting may be
used to increase the laying period. When darkness falls artificial lighting can be introduced for
two to three hours, which may increase egg production by 20 to 30 percent. In closed houses,
where layers are not exposed to natural light, the length of the artificial day should be increased
either in one step, or in a number of steps until the artificial day reaches 16 to 17 hours, which
will ensure constant and maximized egg production. Effective day length should never decrease
during the laying period.
(g) Feed: Free-range hens will produce more meat and eggs with supplemental feed, but only if they
are improved breeds or crossbreeds. The selection of local hens is done on the basis of
resistance and other criteria rather than feed utilization for production. Fresh and clean water
should always be provided, as a layer can consume up to one-quarter of a liter a day.
(h) Climate:The optimal laying temperature is between 11° and 26° C. A humidity level above 75
percent will cause a reduction in egg laying.
Temperature and its Effect on Egg Production
Temperature
Effects
( 0 C)
11–26 Good production.
26–28 Some reduction in feed intake.
28–32 Feed consumption reduced and water intake increased; eggs of reduced size and thin shell.
32–35 Slight panting.
35 –40 Heat prostration sets in, measures to cool the house must be taken.
40 and above
Mortality due to heat stress.
When the temperature rises above 28°C the production and quality of eggs decrease. Seasonal
temperature increases can reduce egg production by about 10 percent.
Page 124 of 163