39 39 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE Production Vitamin & Mineral supplements The main target of production is to adjust the nutrient requirements in order to optimise the egg output while maintaining body weight. Since egg output is influenced by energy, protein/amino acid levels and body weight, it’s advisable to monitor the birds’ weight on a regular basis as well as measuring parameters like feed and water intake, egg weight, and egg numbers. This allows you to detect if the hens are producing to their full potential and if the nutrient specifica-tions are appropriate. Once nutrient specifications are established, any further switch in diets should be made based on the parameters mentioned above. To achieve the full productive potential of LOHMANN hens, maximizing feed intake is a must. Feed intake capacity must be developed through training, which starts in rear, and by using a feed with an appropriate nutrient density and an adequate supply of fibre alongside a homogenous feed format and feed distribution program. All LOHMANN breeds should be fed ad libitum. Any feed restriction will impact on productivity exacerbate any health issues and potentially lead to increased mortality. Recommendation for Nutrient Levels for Production – Brown Hens Recommendation for Nutrient Levels for Production – White Hens As raw materials alone are unable to meet the vitamin and mineral requirements of the hen they should be added as supplements (premix) to the feed. These supplements are susceptible to oxidation and/or degradation, so inclusion of antioxidants may be advisable. When manufacturing feed, it’s also important to consider the inclusion rate of the supplements to guarantee an optimal distribution of all the ingredients and nutrients. Adding thepremixat a rateno less than 2 kg per tonne of feed is advisable. Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification for Hens and Pullets In those situations where it has not been possible to achieve an adequate feed intake development, a pre-peak diet is advised. This can be provided to the hens until they achieve an intake of 105 gpb/ day for brown hens and 110 gpb/day for white hens. Once this has been achieved the hens can be moved onto the diet designed for a > 59 grams daily egg mass output. Recommendation for Nutrient Levels for Onset of Lay Grit In nature, birds consume grit (insoluble stones) that improve the grinding activity of the gizzard. Grit stimulates the development of the crop and the gizzard during the rearing period, which in turn has a positive effect on feed intake capacity. Amount and Granulation of Grit dependent on age Week Allowance Particle size 1 – 3 1 g/bird/week 1 – 2 mm 4 – 9 2 g/bird/week 3 – 4 mm 9 – 13 3 g/bird/week 3 – 4 mm _> 14 4 g/bird/week 3 – 4 mm Lay 4 g/bird/month 3 – 4 mm Grit
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