40 40 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE Energy The energy requirement for hens in alternative systems are higher due to a higher level of physical activity, variable environmental and housing conditions. It can also be influenced by feather condition as poor feather condition may require higher energy intake to thermoregulate. When daily energy intake requirement increases, hens will attempt to meet this demand by increasing feed intake. If by any reason this can’t be achieved, a production drop (due to nutrients diverted from egg production) or health problems can be expected. Aviary Free range Barn + 10 % Maintenance energy uplift + 12 % Maintenance energy uplift + 15 % Maintenance energy uplift Maintenance energy requirements in alternative systems have being calculated, under optimal management conditions, being + 10 % for floor hens and + 15 % for free range hens. Energy becomes the most limiting nutrient for alternative egg production. Energy requirements in alternative systems Plumage condition › FEEDING & NUTRITION 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 12 °C 100 % 50 % 0 % E. maintenance (kcal /kg0.75 /day) 177 136 92 158 117 94 139 89 97 18 °C 24 °C Source: Neme R. at al, 2005
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