Doubts about the magical world of poultry? #ASK THE EXPERT!

a new chapter with our expert Maurizio Arduin - Centro Studi Règia Stazione Sperimentale di Pollicoltura

Today we are going to talk about fertility thanks to Salvatore's question:

"is there any way to increase egg production in hens?"

"The quantity of eggs produced depends mainly on genetic factors. The breeder's task is to ensure that he creates the conditions for a hen to reach its full productive potential.
First of all, the way in which the future hen is reared in the first 10 weeks of life is very important. During this period, it is necessary to feed an adequate diet that leads to fattening but promotes proper development and internal organs such as heart, liver, oviduct, etc.
After the first 10 weeks of life and until the beginning of laying, the future hen must be reared outdoors, ensuring grazing and abundant 'sunbathing'.
When the pullet starts laying, it is necessary to rear it in a correctly sized hen house and to distribute the correct feed.
Also important is the photoperiod, i.e. the hours of light within the day. To increase egg production in hens, it is necessary to ensure a photoperiod of at least 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness for night rest.
The health status should not be forgotten: a sick or weak hen will certainly lay less than a healthy hen.
Last but not least, the level of inbreeding. The hen must be born of unrelated breeding stock: the distance between the parents must be at least five generations."

Retrieved here the last chapter of #CHIEDILOALLESPERTO!

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