Management of Growers and Layers in Poultry Farming

Proper management of growers (young pullets) and layers (mature egg-laying hens) is essential for achieving optimum growth, high egg production, and overall profitability in poultry farming. Different stages of poultry require specific housing, feeding, lighting, health care, and disease prevention to ensure productivity and efficiency.

1. Management of Growers (Pullets)

Who Are Growers?

• Growers are young pullets aged 9 to 20 weeks before they reach the egg-laying stage.
• This stage is critical for bone development, weight gain, and reproductive organ maturity.
• Poor management can lead to delayed egg-laying, weak hens, and low production in the layer phase.

Housing Management for Growers

1. Space Requirement

• Floor space: 2-3 sq. ft. per bird (Deep litter system).
• Cage system: 450-500 cm² per bird.
• Overcrowding can lead to stress, stunted growth, and disease outbreaks.

2. Ventilation and Temperature

• Good airflow prevents respiratory diseases and maintains the required temperature.
• Optimum temperature:
  • Summer: Provide cooling (fans, sprinklers).
  • Winter: Avoid excess cold using curtains or heating systems.

3. Lighting Management for Growers

• Light exposure is crucial for growth and reproductive maturity.
• Light duration:
  • 9-12 weeks: 10 hours of light per day.
  • 13-18 weeks: Gradually increase to 13 hours per day.
  • Avoid excess light as it may lead to early sexual maturity and low egg production later.

4. Litter Management

• Maintain 4-6 inches of dry litter (wood shavings, sawdust, rice husk).
• Wet litter leads to ammonia buildup, causing respiratory diseases.
• Stir the litter regularly to keep it dry and free from mold.

Feeding Management for Growers

Proper feeding ensures healthy body weight and better egg production in adulthood.

1. Grower Feed Components

• Protein (14-16%): For muscle and tissue development.
• Calcium (1%): Prevents weak bones.
• Phosphorus & Vitamin D3: Ensures skeletal strength.
• Grit (small stones): Helps in digestion.

2. Feed Restriction

• Overfeeding can cause obesity and early maturity, leading to low egg production.
• Feed restriction should be scientifically managed to maintain an ideal body weight.

Health and Disease Management for Growers

1. Vaccination Schedule

A proper vaccination schedule helps prevent major poultry diseases.

2. Deworming

• Administer dewormers every 6 weeks to prevent intestinal parasites.
• Common worms: Roundworms, tapeworms, and threadworms.

3. Biosecurity Measures

• Restricted entry to farm to prevent disease spread.
• Disinfect equipment and water sources regularly.
• Proper disposal of dead birds to prevent disease outbreaks.

Transition to Layer House

• At 18-20 weeks, birds are transferred to the layer house.
• Avoid stress by providing the same feed one week before and after shifting.

Management of Layers (Egg-Laying Hens)

Who Are Layers?

• Layers are hens aged 20+ weeks that start laying eggs.
• A well-managed flock ensures high egg yield and good eggshell quality.

Housing Management for Layers

1. Space Requirement Deep Litter System: 1.5-2 sq. ft. per bird. Battery Cage System: 450 cm² per bird (efficient space usage).

2. Nesting Boxes Provide 1 nest box per 5 hens. Use straw or sawdust for egg protection.

3. Lighting for Maximum Egg Production: 16 hours of light per day is essential for high egg yield. If daylight is less, artificial lighting (LED, CFL) should be used.

Feeding Management for Layers

Proper nutrition is key to sustaining egg production.

1. Essential Nutrients in Layer Feed

• Protein (16-18%): For egg mass and body maintenance.
• Calcium (3.5-4%): For eggshell formation.
• Vitamin D3 & Phosphorus: Prevents soft-shelled eggs.

2. Water Management

• Each bird needs 250-300 ml water/day.
• In summer, increase water supply by 1.5 times.

Egg Collection and Handling

• Collect eggs 3-4 times daily to prevent breakage.
• Store eggs at 12-15°C with 70-80% humidity.

Health and Disease Management for Layers

1. Common Diseases in Layers

2. Culling of Unproductive Hens

Culling means removing non-layers or sick hens to improve farm efficiency.

Signs of non-laying hens:

• Dry and shrunken comb/wattle.
• Small vent (not moist and expanded).
• Poor body weight and inactive behavior.

3. Molting and Second Production Cycle

• Molting is a natural resting phase where hens shed feathers and stop laying eggs.
• Occurs after 72 weeks of production.
• Controlled molting (feed restriction, light reduction) can help restart egg production.