HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 35 35 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHICK DEVELOPMENT Understanding early development and its dietary needs is crucial for effective management decisions during this critical phase. By carefully creating and maintaining optimal housing and brooding conditions within the poultry house, and applying best rearing management practices, producers lay the groundwork for excellent pullet quality. This period lays the groundwork for a successful production cycle, ensuring strong reproductive performance and long-term productivity. Week 1–3: INITIAL DEVELOPMENT Organs form and the immune system develops rapidly in the first three weeks. Week 3–6: SKELETAL AND MUSCULAR GROWTH Weeks three to six focus on skeleton and muscle development. Proper weight during this time is crucial for high-quality parent stock; growth delays can reduce later performance. Week 6–15: GROWTH DECELERATION Growth slows from week six to fifteen, with increases in size and mass becoming more gradual. Week 15 Onwards: REPRODUCTIVE MATURATION After week fifteen, birds experience rapid reproductive organ growth and hormonal changes, leading to sexual maturity and readiness for breeding. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718 192021 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 gram per day Main organs Muscles & Skeleton Medullary bone Reproductive system PROTEIN BONES FAT DEVELOPMENT OF
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