37 37 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE Rearing Starter / Pre-starter phase Growing phase Developer phase Stocking density, housing condition, temperature variation and feather cover in combination with a higher energy demand due to the bird’s movement, all have a bearing on the nutritional demands of the pullet. It is a fact that management within these systems plays a bigger role than in conventional production systems. Therefore, the nutrient supply must be adjusted accordingly in order to achieve the correct body weight development (weight and condition), uniformity and feed intake capacity. Monitoring the pullet’s body weight, from day old to at least week 32, is advisable to facilitate nutritional and management decisions according to each phase. Day old till week 5 is a critical period where the development of the main organs, bone and immune system take place. It’s very important to achieve and maintain the target body weight during this period. Any reduction in nutrient and feed intake at this time will have a pronounced negative effect on persistence and mortality later in production. The starter/pre-starter diet should include a relatively high energy density (_> 2850kcal / kg; 11,90 MJ / kg). During this period, the protein/amino acid levels are relatively high due to their strong influence on early skeletal development and growth (Leeson & Summers, 1989). Regarding feed format, micro-pellets (0 –2 weeks) or crumbs (0 –4 weeks) can be an option to enhance a good start to the flock, as it can encourage feed intake and ensure that all pullets have access to same nutrients. However, it is always recommended to feed a homogenous mash feed. Between weeks 5 and 10, the emphasis is now on bone and muscle development as we head towards the full development of the skeletal frame. Therefore, it is critical to achieve the correct body weight according to our production target. Changing from the starter diet should only be considered when the body weight target is achieved. Recommendations for Nutrient Levels for LOHMANN Pullets From week 10 till week 16, the nutrient density may be reduced due to a lower nutrient demand. During this period, gastrointestinal tract and feed intake capacity development takes place. It is essential to develop this capacity early to prepare for the onset of lay when the demand for nutrients is diverted to egg production alongside continued growth. Pullet and layer nutrition is a continuous process ensuring diets meet all nutritional requirements. Feeding pullets and hens in alternative systems is not only related with supplying feed nutrients but is also a compromise between feed format and presentation, feed management and equipment, stocking density and feeding space, light programs and light intensity plus environmental conditions. The interaction between these factors plus the cost of ingredients, should be considered in the decision-making process when looking at the nutrient density for each phase of the feeding programs. From a nutritional point of view, the main difference in alternative production is a higher energy requirement due to increased movement. Feeding & Nutrition Feed presentation
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