13 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT SPACE EQUIPMENT VENTILATION BEHAVIOUR SPACE FOR FEED & WATER NUMBER OF NEST BOXES DISEASE TRANSFERENCE FEED COMPETITION BODY WEIGHT & UNIFORMITY The relationship between stocking density and the performance of our hens is something we should not ignore. Often there is a tendency to assume more hens equals more profit, but this isn’t the case. In fact, this can be the exact opposite. Higher stocking density has long reaching implications on all aspects of animal husbandry, from ventilation, behavioural responses, body weight and uniformity influences to feed competition and disease transference. Balancing the stocking density of our hens and the equipment we provide is essential both in rear and in production. In rear, we must be mindful of the fact that our hens are continuously growing so the space available to our hens on day one is not the same as what’s available at the end of rearing period. The same goes for availability of feed and water space. As we move into production, we need to be mindful of the environmental influences and changes in requirements such as adequate nest box allocation and space to allow natural and comfort behaviours to be carried out unhindered. As always, we should be mindful of local regulations both welfare and legislative. Alongside manufacturers recommendations based on each system and environmental influences such as hot climates. FACTORS THAT ARE INFLUENCED BY STOCKING DENSITY STOCKING DENSITY Adhere to recognised Stocking density regulations to achieve the full genetic potential of the hens.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg2OTc2