CAGE HOUSING

24 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE 24 NUTRITION Laying Period Aiming at an optimal start of production with feed intake around 90–100 g/day, it is recommendable to use a phase 1 feed with 11.6 ME MJ/kg for a duration of 5–6 weeks. At around 26 weeks a normal phase- feeding programme with 11.4 ME MJ/kg should be introduced. The basis for the feed Age at transfer Feeding program Developer Feed followed by Pre-Layer Feed week days kg feed ➔ kg feed 15 105 1.0 ➔ 1.0 16 112 0.5 ➔ 1.0 17 119 – ➔ 1.0 18 126 – ➔ 0.5 after 18 after 126 immediately supply start lay feed or layer phase 1 feed bird starting to produce eggs. From a nutri- tional point of view, it’s therefore considered a compromise and never as “optimal” feed. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile to use pre-layer feed for a short period of time. Correct use can enhance the uniformity of a pullet flock. It’s especially beneficial for flocks with very low uniformity and also aids the develop- ment of Ca-metabolism in medullar bones. Since pre-layer feed is a compromise feed for the short transition period, it cannot supply a bird in full lay sufficiently. Therefore, it cannot be used when feed logistics and correct tim- ing do not work. Please consider the following recommenda- tions while using pre-layer feed: › Start using pre-layer feed dependent on to the birds sexual maturity, age and their standard body weights. › Use pre-layer feed for about 10 days with a maximum of 1 kg per bird. › The wrong way to use pre-layer feed is ei- ther to start using it too early and/or use it too long. For example if the onset of lay is scheduled for the 19 th weeks of age, you may start feeding the birds with pre-layer feed only after they are 17 weeks old. In case of an earlier or later production, adjust this schedule accordingly. formulation in terms of nutrient and mineral content in each phase is the daily nutrient requirement and actual feed consumption. The diet for phase 1 is designed to cover the requirement for maximum egg mass. The recommended nutrient allowances (phase 1–3) assume a dietary energy concen-