TECHNICAL COLUMN
Breeding strategies explained Different opinions exist when it is about selecting chicken breeds for egg production. Our strategy has always been to select for the highest number of 1st quality eggs per hen housed. This strategy fits perfectly in line with our philosophy that laying hens that can maintain their egg production at high levels at older age (i.e. egg laying persistency) are in better conditions (positive for animal welfare), and therefore contribute towards a more sustainable egg production.
It all starts during the rearing period
By Teun van de Braak, Product Manager Layers, Hendrix Genetics
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Selecting the lifelong layer, i.e. a laying hen that can be kept for prolonged egg laying cycles, already starts during the rearing period. The objective is to select for chicks that develop according to the body-weight curves. Up-to 5 weeks of age, it is essential that the chicks grow quickly, as during this period the chicks invest a lot of their growth in organ, skeletal (frame), and muscle development. 17 weeks of age is another crucial period in which we are selecting the birds for their bodyweight profiles and uniformity. The reproductive tract develops around this age, as well as the medullary bone, both are essential to facilitate the production of many 1st quality eggs. Limiting the birds during the rearing period for feed intake is never advised. The goal of the rearing period should be opposite, it is key to apply feed strategies via which the pullets can develop a good appetite that will improve the crop development. The rearing period of laying hens should be seen as an investment for later life performance, not just as an expense.
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