LAYER

MANAGEMENT GUIDE

LO H M A N N B R O W N - C L A S S I C
 P R O D U C T S O F LO H M A N N T I E R Z U C H T

• LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC
• LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC
• LOHMANN LSL-LITE
• LOHMANN BROWN-LITE
• LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA
• LOHMANN BROWN-EXTRA
• LOHMANN TRADITION
• LOHMANN SANDY
• LOHMANN SILVER

Increasing world wide concentration and growing competition in the poultry industry
requires efficient layers to satisfy specific market requirements.
Lohmann Tierzucht, offers a wider range of high quality layer strains ”bred in Germany“
to meet these demands.

The mainstream products are LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC and LOHMANN BROWN-

CLASSIC, well known for their efficient production of quality white and brown eggs,
respectively.
LOHMANN LSL-LITE and LOHMANN BROWN-LITE are two new products, designed
for markets which prefer smaller eggs and measure efficiency in g feed per egg. For
markets requiring more XL-size eggs LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA and LOHMANN BROWN-
EXTRA are the ideal white and brown layers.
LOHMANN TRADITION, a new brown egg layer with high early egg weight is being
developed mainly for alternative management systems.
LOHMANN SANDY is a white feathering layer for the production of cream coloured
eggs. The pullet has an outstanding food conversion.
LOHMANN SILVER is a predominately white feathering layer for the production of
uniform brown eggs with reduced egg weight. Her special advantage is the excellent
feathering.
Lohmann LSL hens, too, adapt well to non cage systems and usually do not require beak
trimming.
The intensive monitoring program of all breeding farms and hatchery by our veterinary
laboratory assures the highest possible health status of chicks supplied by Lohmann
Tierzucht.
CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Top Performance by Systematic Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3

Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Growth Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Breeding Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Body Weight, Feed Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 11

General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 - 12

Housing Chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13

Floor Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 14

Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 18

Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Performance Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 - 20

Egg Grading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Egg Production Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Beak Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23

Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 24

1
 INTRODUCTION

Why should you study this

management guide?
Most people who are involved in commercial egg production have seen management
guides for different strains of layers before and may think ‘if you have seen one, you`ve
seen all’. Others take the contents more seriously and expect frequent up-dates to find
specific data which apply to the current generation of layers and current management
practices. Newcomers in the business may need more detailed explanations than can be
presented in this compact format.
We hope that each reader will find some useful information, to confirm proven manage-
ment practices or to stimulate improvements.

T O P P E R F O R M A N C E B Y S Y S T E M AT I C
SELECTION

In recent decades advanced methods have greatly improved

breeding quality.
Due to the development of powerful electronic data processing
systems it has become possible to put the theory of selection
systematically into practice - thus turning modern quantitative
genetics into reality.
Very early on Lohmann Tierzucht used these new techniques
and so can offer an extensive range of experience and know-
how. A highly qualified team of specialists guarantees prompt
utilization of the latest research results. The market’s changing
demands can be met quickly and effectively.
Moreover, nationally and internationally Lohmann Tierzucht is ranked as first class on
questions of poultry health - which is one of the decisive factors for performance and
profitability.
Intensive research in our own veterinary lab, besides increasing resistance to disease by
genetic means and ensuring the strictest conditions of hygiene, is fundamental to the
quality of Lohmann Tierzucht products.
In addition, Lohmann Tierzucht has expertise on all questions of feeds and nutrition.
Practice profits from this extensive expertise in all aspects of poultry management: With
Lohmann Tierzucht products eggs are produced in top quality and at competitive costs.

2
Results of performance comparisons in the field and in independent institutes are the
proof.
Lohmann Tierzucht products are often the winners and they are always among the few at
the top, world-wide.
Lohmann Tierzucht - the right partner for progressive, successful poultry management.

P E R F O R M A N C E D ATA

Egg Production Age at 50 % Production 140 - 150 days

Peak Production 92 - 94 %
Eggs per Hen Housed
in 12 months of Lay 295 - 305
in 14 months of Lay 335 - 345
Eggs Mass per Hen Housed
in 12 months of Lay 18.8- 19.8 kg
in 14 months of Lay 21.4- 22.4 kg
Average Egg Weight
in 12 months of Lay 63.5 - 64.5 g
in 14 months of Lay 64.0 - 65.0 g
Egg Shell Colour attractive brown
Caracteristics Shell Strength over 35 Newton
Feed 1 - 20 Weeks 7.4 - 7.8 kg
Consumption Production 110 - 120 g/day
Feed Conversion 2.1 - 2.2 kg/kg Egg mass

Body Weight at 20 Weeks 1.6 - 1.7 kg

at End of Production 1.9 - 2.1 kg
Liveability Rearing 97 - 98 %
Laying Period 94 - 96 %
B 901
3
 GROWTH CURVE

Weight Development of LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layers

Weight/g

Age in weeks

B 901

Age Weight Range Age Weight Range Age Weight Range

Weeks Gram Weeks Gram Weeks Gram
4 265 - 285 30 1824 - 2016 56 1886 - 2084
6 458 - 492 32 1829 - 2021 58 1891 - 2090
8 661 - 709 34 1834 - 2027 60 1895 - 2095
10 843 - 905 36 1838 - 2032 62 1900 - 2100
12 1006 - 1080 38 1843 - 2037 64 1905 - 2105
14 1155 - 1239 40 1848 - 2042 66 1910 - 2111
16 1283 - 1377 42 1853 - 2048 68 1914 - 2116
18 1423 - 1527 44 1857 - 2053 70 1919 - 2121
20 1583 - 1697 46 1862 - 2058 72 1924 - 2126
22 1727 - 1853 48 1867 - 2063 74 1929 - 2132
24 1786 - 1954 50 1872 - 2069 76 1933 - 2137
26 1805 - 1995 52 1876 - 2074 78 1938 - 2142
28 1815 - 2006 54 1881 - 2079 80 1943 - 2147

4
BREEDING SCHEME

Pure Lines

A A B B C C D D

Grandparents

A B C D

Parents

AB CD

Commercials

ABCD ABCD ABCD

5
 B O DY W E I G H T, F E E D C O N S U M P T I O N

LOHMANN Brown-Classic Pullets

Bodyweight development with standard lighting programme A*

Age in Body Weight (g) KJ** Feed Consumption Feed

Weeks Average Range Bird/Day g/Bird/Day Cumulative
1 75 72 78 125 11 77
2 130 125 135 195 17 196
3 195 188 202 250 22 350
4 275 265 285 320 28 546 Grower*
5 367 354 380 400 35 791
6 475 458 492 465 41 1078
7 583 563 603 535 47 1407
8 685 661 709 580 51 1764
9 782 755 809 625 55 2149
10 874 843 905 660 58 2555
11 961 927 995 685 60 2975
12 1043 1006 1080 730 64 3423
13 1123 1084 1162 740 65 3878 Developer
14 1197 1155 1239 775 68 4354
15 1264 1220 1308 800 70 4844
16 1330 1283 1377 810 71 5341
17 1400 1351 1449 820 72 5845
18 1475 1423 1527 855 75 6370 Pre Lay
19 1555 1501 1609 925 81 6937
20 1640 1583 1697 1080 93 7588 Start Lay

* If birds are under-weight change to developer after reaching target. B 901

** 1 Kcal = 4.187 KJ

NUTRITION

General
To get the best out of the genetic performance potential of LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC
layers all mash feed with full nutritive value is a must. Such nutrition can best be guar-
anteed by a complete feed adapted to the performance potential. In our recommenda-
tions the essential nutrient levels for each stage of development are listed.

6
Feed Consumption
Feed consumption is affected by:
• Body weight
• Performance
• House temperature
Low temperatures increase the maintenance requirements of the hens, especially in
case of poor feathering
• Feed texture
Coarse texture increases while fine texture decreases feed intake
• Energy level
The higher the energy level the lower the feed intake and vice versa
• Nutrient imbalances
The hen will try to compensate for any nutrient deficits by increasing consumption.

Nutrition and Egg Weight

Within certain limits egg weight can be adapted to farm specific requirements by adjusting
rations. The following nutritional factors should be noted:
• Growing
Feeding for higher body weight at the onset of lay increases the egg weight throughout
the whole laying period.
• Feed composition
- crude protein and methionine
- linoleic acid
• Feeding technique
- feed texture
- feeding time
- feed level in troughs
- controlled feeding
- frequency of feeding
Where possible, adjust house temperature in the opposite direction of desired egg weight
and feed intake. By stimulating feed intake egg weight can be increased, and limited by
controlled feeding.
Contact your Lohmann Tierzucht specialist for programmes with specific recommenda-
tions for nutrition and management to suit your specific requirements.

Rearing
For rearing either a 3 - or a 4-Phase feed programme is recommended depending on the
lighting programme used.

7
 Rearing programme "A" is the standard programme for flocks reared in dark houses with
the lighting programme "A" (page 17). With this programme 10 % production can be
expected at 20 weeks of age. If an earlier start of lay is desired, the feeding/ lighting
schedule "B" is to be used. This programme is also recommended for flocks reared under
open house conditions with long day light and high light intensity. The application of a high
density "Chick starter" for the first 3 - 4 weeks of life helps to achieve higher body weights
for early maturing flocks.
A ”Prelay“ diet should not be offered too early and used only for a short time. The deci-
sion for its application has to be made at the time when weekly growth per pullet changes
from a declining to an increasing tendency, caused by development of the laying tract. The
”Prelay“ diet will safeguard the required nutrient supply of early maturing pullets in the
flock without inhibiting feed consumption of later maturing birds. After reaching 4 - 5 %
production a change to the first layer diet, the ”Start-Lay“ feed is essential.

LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layers

Recommendations for Nutrient Levels

Starter Grower Developer Pre-Lay Start-

Lay
Progr. “A“ Standard 1. - 8. 9. - 16. 17. Wk. -
Week Week 5 % Prod. ~ 28.
Progr. “B“ Early 1. - 3. Wk. 4. - 8. Wk. 9. - 15. Wk. 16. Wk. - Wk.
5 % Prod.
Metabol. Energy kcal 2900 2750 - 2800 2750 - 2800 2750 - 2800 2800
minimum MJ 12.0 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.6
Rohprotein % 21.0 18.5 14.5 17.5 18.0
Methionine % 0.48 0.38 0.33 0.36 0.40
Meth./Cyst. % 0.83 0.67 0.57 0.68 0.73
Dig. M/C % 0.68 0.55 0.47 0.56 0.60
Lysine % 1.20 1.00 0.65 0.85 0.80
Dig. Lysine % 0.98 0.82 0.53 0.70 0.66
Tryptophan % 0.23 0.21 0.16 0.20 0.18
Threonine % 0.80 0.70 0.50 0.60 0.59
Calcium % 1.05 1.00 0.90 2.00 3.50
Phosphor, total % 0.75 0.70 0.58 0.65 0.55
Phosphor, avail. % 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.45 0.40
Sodium % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15
Chlorine % 0.20 0.19 0.16 0.16 0.15
Linoleic Acid % 1.40 1.40 1.00 1.00 2.00
B 901
8
Laying Period
The ”Start-Lay“ diet has to be a crude structured layer feed with enriched nutrient and
energy content where calcium is limited to 3.5 %. This diet is recommended to be used
during the time of increasing production till peak production is reached (about 28 weeks
of age), when all hens of a healthy flock are in lay. Then it is time to change to a phase-
feeding programme with nutrient contents based on feed intake and egg mass output.
”Phase 1“ feed covers the nutrient requirement of the hens for maximum egg mass
production (above 57.5 g daily egg mass per hen). Nutrient concentration is compa-
rable to the ”Start-lay“ diet except a higher calcium level and an energy level of 11.4
MJ/kg (2720 kcal/kg). Nutrient requirement figures in the tables are based on this
energy level, a temperature of 22 °C and good plumage condition. Under these condi-
tions LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC will consume 110 - 120 g of feed per day.
The nutrient profile of the ”Phase 2“ and ”Phase 3“ diet meets the declining demand of
the hens for organic nutrients as well as the higher demand for calcium. Time of transi-
tion from one phase to the next should be guided by production and not by age!

Supplements
Supplements ensure the necessary supply of essential vitamins, trace elements and
substances such as anti-oxidants or carotenoids.

Recommended Nutrient Levels per kg of Feed for different daily Feed

Consumption in Phase 1 (29 to approx. 45 week ≅ above 57.5 g Egg
Mass/Hen/Day)

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumtion

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Crude Protein 19.60 18.70 % 17.80 % 17.00 % 16.30 %
Methionine 0.44 0.42 % 0.40 % 0.38 % 0.36 %
Meth./Cyst. 0.80 0.76 % 0.73 % 0.70 % 0.67 %
Dig. M/C 0.66 0.63 % 0.60 % 0.57 % 0.55 %
Lysine 0.87 0.83 % 0.79 % 0.76 % 0.73 %
Dig. Lysine 0.71 0.68 % 0.65 % 0.62 % 0.59 %
Tryptophan 0.21 0.20 % 0.19 % 0.18 % 0.18 %
Threonine 0.64 0.61 % 0.58 % 0.56 % 0.53 %
Calcium 4.10 3.90 % 3.75 % 3.60 % 3.45 %
Phosphor, total 0.60 0.57 % 0.55 % 0.52 % 0.50 %
Phosphor, avail. 0.42 0.40 % 0.38 % 0.36 % 0.35 %
Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Linoleic Acid 2.00 1.90 % 1.80 % 1.75 % 1.70 %
B 901
9
 in Phase 2 (approx. week 46 to 65 ≅ above 55.5 g Egg Mass/Hen/Day)

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumtion

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Crude Protein 18.40 17.50 % 16.70 % 17.00 % 15.50 %
Methionine 0.38 0.36 % 0.35 % 0.33 % 0.32 %
Meth./Cyst. 0.71 0.68 % 0.65 % 0.62 % 0.59 %
Dig. M/C 0.59 0.56 % 0.54 % 0.51 % 0.49 %
Lysine 0.83 0.79 % 0.75 % 0.72 % 0.69 %
Dig. Lysin 0.68 0.65 % 0.62 % 0.59 % 0.57 %
Tryptophan 0.20 0.19 % 0.18 % 0.17 % 0.17 %
Threonine 0.58 0.55 % 0.53 % 0.50 % 0.48 %
Calcium 4.30 4.10 % 3.90 % 3.75 % 3.60 %
Phosphor, total 0.54 0.51 % 0.49 % 0.47 % 0.45 %
Phosphor, avail. 0.38 0.36 % 0.34 % 0.33 % 0.32 %
Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Linoleic Acid 1.60 1.50 % 1.45 % 1.40 % 1.35 %
B 901

after week 65

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumtion

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Crude Protein 17.80 17.00 % 16.20 % 15.50 % 15.00 %
Methionine 0.36 0.34 % 0.33 % 0.31 % 0.30 %
Meth./Cyst. 0.67 0.64 % 0.61 % 0.58 % 0.56 %
Dig. M/C 0.55 0.52 % 0.50 % 0.48 % 0.46 %
Lysine 0.78 0.74 % 0.71 % 0.68 % 0.65 %
Dig. Lysin 0.64 0.61 % 0.58 % 0.56 % 0.53 %
Tryptophan 0.19 0.18 % 0.17 % 0.17 % 0.16 %
Threonine 0.55 0.52 % 0.50 % 0.48 % 0.46 %
Calcium 4.40 4.20 % 4.00 % 3.85 % 3.70 %
Phosphor, total 0.47 0.45 % 0.43 % 0.41 % 0.39 %
Phosphor, avail. 0.33 0.31 % 0.30 % 0.29 % 0.27 %
Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.14 %
Linoleic Acid 1.20 1.15 % 1.10 % 1.05 % 1.00 %
B 901

Suitable supplementation can compensate for the varying contents of raw materials and
safeguard the supply of all necessary nutrients.

10
Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification

Supplements Starter/ Deve- Pre- Layer

per kg Feed Grower loper Lay

Vitamin A I.U. 12000 8000 10000 10000

Vitamin D3 I.U. 2000 2000 2500 2500
Vitamin E mg 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30*
Vitamin K3 mg 3** 3** 3** 3**
Vitamin B1 mg 1 1 1 1
Vitamin B2 mg 6 6 4 4
Vitamin B6 mg 3 2 3 3
Vitamin B12 mcg 15 10 15 15
Pantothenic Acid mg 8 7 8 8
Nicotinic Acid mg 30 30 30 30
Folic Acid mg 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
Biotin mcg 50 50 25 25
Cholin-Chloride mg 300 300 400 400
Antioxydans mg 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150*
Coccidiostat as required as required - -
Manganese mg 100 100 100 100
Zinc mg 60 60 60 60
Iron mg 25 25 25 25
Copper mg 5 5 5 5
Cobalt mg 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Iodine mg 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Selenium mg 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
* according to fat addition B 901
** double in case of heat treated feed

G E N E R A L R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S

Daily Control
Check at least once a day:
• health status • temperature
• ventilation • feed and water consumption
• lighting • mortality

When assessing the state of health, do not just go by the general impression and mortality
rate, but also take note of feed and water consumption and the condition of droppings.

11
 Water Supply
Clean water is just as important as good feed for top performance. If you are using your
own water supply, have the quality checked regularly. Excessive salt levels in drinking-
water can cause persistent damage to shell quality.

Egg Quality
LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC layers produce eggs of excellent quality. To preserve the
quality the following points should be observed:
• collect eggs at least once a day
• store eggs at temperatures between 5° and 10° C with a relative humidity between
80 - 85 %.

Storing at higher temperatures and lower humidity leads to rapid loss of weight and
impairs the quality of the egg white due to increased gas exchange.

HOUSING CHICKS

Before Arrival of Chicks

1. Before bringing in the chicks check that everything is in good working order.
2. Warm up the house in good time. In summer start heating at least 24 hours and in
winter at least 48 hours before the chicks arrive.
3. Distribute feed and water. The water should have room temperature by the time the
chicks arrive.
4. In the case of cage rearing adjust the cage floors and feeding grids according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

On Arrival of Chicks
1. Unload all chick boxes and distribute them in the house. Remove lids and put them
loosely on top of the boxes.
2. Quickly place the chicks near feeders and drinkers. For cage rearing distribute the
chicks evenly among the cages starting at the far end of the house.
3. After placing the chicks, again check the working order of equipment and the temper-
ature.
4. After a few hours check whether the chicks have settled down well. The chicks’ beha-
viour is the best indicator of their well-being:

12
 • If the chicks are evenly spread out and moving freely, temperature and ventilation
are all right.
• If the chicks are crowding together or avoiding certain areas within the house,
temperature is too low or there is a draught.
• If the chicks are lying about on the floor with outspread wings and gasping for air,
temperature is too high.

At first signs that the chicks are not feeling well determine the reason, correct
the situation and check more frequently.

F LO O R M A N A G E M E N T

Birds kept on floor during production must also be reared on floor.

An important aspect of floor rearing is to develop immunity against coccidiosis. We recom-
mend vaccination as the most reliable method to achieve this goal. Never use coccidiostats
in the feed when pullets are vaccinated.

Stocking Density
The optimal bird density/m2 depends on management conditions and to which extent
climate can be controlled. 6 - 8 birds/m2 can be taken as a general guide. Take note of
deviating regulations for stocking density and declaration of eggs.

Grit
Feeding grit is not absolutely necessary but can be recommended when the rations are
supplemented by grain.

Guide
Week 1 - 2 once a week 1 g/bird (size 1 - 2 mm)
Week 3 - 8 once a week 2 g/bird (size 3 - 4 mm)
From week 9 once a month 3 g/bird (size 4 - 6 mm)

Litter
Softwood shavings or straw make suitable litter. Use shavings from untreated wood only
in order to avoid poisonings and residues in the egg. Provide sufficient ventilation to
ensure good litter condition and remove wet litter, if necessary.

13
 Nests and Egg Collecting
Quality of nests is also a factor which affects egg quality. Regularly renew the litter in
litter-type nests and keep them clean. Provide individual nests at a rate of one nest for 4
hens. Collect floor eggs frequently to keep their rate as low as possible. In addition to
sufficient nesting space in family type nests, the following factors are important for a low
rate of floor eggs:
• clean, dry litter or soft nest lining
• easy access
• even distribution of the nests within the shed
• only one type of nest in the shed.
For optimum egg quality, rollaway nests in combination with slats are better than litter-type
nests or family type nests.

Equipment for Rearing

Age in Weeks
Chick founts 1 1 fount (4 - 5 l) for 100 chicks
Round drinkers to 20 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birds
Linear drinkers to 20 1 running m for 100 birds
Nipple drinkers to 20 6 - 8 birds per nipple
Chick feeding trays 1- 2 1 tray for 60 chicks
Cut off chick cartons 1- 2 1 carton for 100 chicks
Round feeders 3 - 10 2 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds
11 - 20 3 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds
Chain feeders 3 - 10 2,5 - 3,5 lin. m for 100 birds
11 - 20 4,5 lin. m for 100 birds

Equipment for Production

Round drinkers 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birds

Linear drinkers 1 running m for 80 - 100 birds
Nipple drinkers 4 - 6 birds per nipple
Round feeders 4 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds
Single nests 1 nest (26 x 30 cm) for 4 birds

Further details in the Lohmann Management guide for floor/free range housing.

14
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental conditions affect the well-being and performance of the birds. Important
environmental factors are temperature, humidity and level of toxic gases in the air. The
optimal temperature depends on the age of the birds. The following table is a guide to
the correct temperature at bird level. The birds’ behaviour is the best indicator for correct
temperature!
Always reduce temperature gradually, and avoid sudden changes. The best temperature
for optimal feed conversion in the production period is from 22° - 24° C.
If the ventilation system is used to regulate temperature, take care that the necessary
fresh air is supplied.
The air quality should meet the following minimum requirements:

Age Temperature °C Age Temperature °C

day 1 - 2 34 week 3 27-26
day 3 - 4 32 week 4 24-22
day 5 - 7 30 week 5 20-18
week 2 29-28 week 6 18-20

O2 over 16 % NH3 under 20 ppm

CO2 under 0,3 % H2S under 5 ppm
CO under 40 ppm

The relative humidity inside the house should be 60 - 70 %.

LIGHTING

General
The lighting programme controls onset of lay and affects the performance during the
production period. Within certain limits, performance can be adapted to farm specific
requirements by adjusting the lighting scheme.
Easiest to follow are the lighting programmes in closed houses. In this case the hours of
light and light intensity can be adjusted to changing needs.
Rearing in an open house and then changing to a closed house for the production period
should be avoided at all costs. Sudden drop in light intensity can depress performance.

15
 Rearing in a closed house and then moving to an open house for production is possible
- but needs great care and attention. If the period of natural day-light is long and light inten-
sity is high at the time of re-housing, it is difficult to control point of lay. Moreover, moving
the birds to a brighter production house can lead to increased nervousness. To minimize
the stress of moving from light-controlled rearing to an uncontrolled laying house, keep
light intensity and day length during rearing closer to conditions in the laying house and
move the pullets as late as possible.

Lighting Programmes for windowless houses

(LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC)

Age in Light in hours Light Intensity

weeks Progr. A Progr. B A B
Standard Early W/m2 Lux W/m2 Lux
Day 1 - 2 24 24 3 20 - 40 3 20 - 40
Day 3 - 6 16 16 3 20 - 30 3 20 - 30
2 14 14 2 10 - 20 2 10 - 20
3 12 12 2 10 - 20 2 10 - 20
4 10 10 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
5 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
6 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
7 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
8 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
9 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
10 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
11 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
12 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
13 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
14 9 8 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
15 9 8 1 4- 6 2 5- 7
16 9 10 1 4- 6 2 5- 7
17 10 11 2 5- 7 2 5- 7
18 11 12 2 5- 7 3 10 - 15
19 12 13 2 5- 7 3 10 - 15
20 13 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
21 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
22 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
23 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
24 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
25* 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
* until the end of produktion B 901

16
Lighting Programmes for Closed Houses
In closed houses the basic principles of lighting programmes for layers are:
• never increase hours of light during the growing period
• never decrease hours of light during the production period

To what degree lighting hours are reduced during the growing period, and the time when
stimulation is started by increasing the lighting hours, are means by which performance
can be adapted to farm specific requirements.
The lighting programme in example A is designed for longer utilization and aims at high
egg weight. It should be combined with feed programme ”A“ on page 8. Depending on
weight development of the pullets according to page 6 it may be accompanied by
controlled feeding between 10 - 15 weeks of age.
Recommendations for intermittent lighting programmes are available on request.

Lighting Programmes for Open Houses

If natural light enters the building throughout the day or if the hens have free access to
covered outdoor areas or runs, the effect of the natural daylight must be considered
when designing lighting programmes. Bear in mind that in central Europe the natural
daylength increases in the course of the calendar year to about 17 hours until late June
and then shortens to about 8 hours until late December.
The principle for windowless houses “Do not increase the light period during rearing
and do not reduce the light period during production” also applies to “open” housing,
but it is essential to consider the natural daylength.
If flocks are moved to production housing with windows that cannot be darkened or into
which light enters through ventilation shafts (stray light), or if the hens have free access to
covered outdoor areas or runs, the lighting programme must be adjusted to the natural
daylength at the time of rehousing. We distinguish between two variants:
1. Production starts as the natural daylength decreases
2. Production starts as the natural daylength increases

In both variant 1 and variant 2 the lighting programme at 17 weeks of age should be
set to a light period of at least 10 hours, taking the natural daylength into account, and
increased by one hour every week to 14 hours at 21 weeks of age. Never switch on
the artificial light before 04.00 hours (CE summer time). During the spring months
the lighting programme is affected by the increase in the natural daylength and gradu-
ally extended to about 17 hours. When the natural daylength begins to decrease from
July, the 17-hour light period should be kept constant until the end of the production
period. This can be accomplished very simply as follows:

17
 • 04.00* hours: lights on - dimmer switch off at ≥ 50-60 Lux.
• Dimmer switch on at ≤ 50-60 Lux - 21.00* hours lights off.
* Central European summer time

These times can and should be varied depending on the condition of the flocks, the start
of lay (production, egg size) and the facilities in the building.
If for operational reasons a different diurnal rhythm from the one described above is
applied, it should not differ too much from the dawn/dusk times stated above, having
regard to the diurnal rhythm of the hens.
If the birds are driven indoors before the end of the natural day and if the building can
be darkened completely, the lighting programme for windowless laying houses should
be applied:
The times for darkening the room or opening the windows are determined by the lighting
programme. It is important to follow the correct sequence: in the evening close the
windows first, then switch off the light; in the morning switch on the light first, then open
the windows.

HYGIENE

General Recommendations
1. Set up the farm at a safe distance from other poultry houses and fence in.
2. Keep birds of only one age group on the farm.
3. Keep no other poultry on the farm.
4. Allow no visitors to enter the farm.
5. Wear only the farm’s own protective clothing within the farm area.
6. Provide the farm’s own protective clothing for veterinarians, service and mainte-
nance workers, and consultants.
7. Disinfect boots before entering the houses.
8. Use bulk feed if possible. Do not allow the truck driver to enter the houses.
9. Safeguard the houses against wild birds and vermin. Keep rats and mice under
constant control.
10. Dispose of dead birds hygienically. Follow local laws and regulations.

18
PERFORMANCE GOALS

LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass

Age in per H.H. in % (g) g/H.D. kg/H.H.
weeks cumulative per H.H. per H.D. in the week cumulative in the week cumulative
19 1.1 15.0 15.0 45.0 45.0 6.8 0.05
20 3.9 40.0 40.0 47.5 46.8 19.0 0.18
21 8.1 60.0 60.1 50.0 48.5 30.1 0.39
22 13.3 75.0 75.2 52.5 50.1 39.5 0.67
23 19.3 85.0 85.3 54.7 51.5 46.7 0.99
24 25.6 90.0 90.5 56.5 52.7 51.1 1.35
25 32.0 92.0 92.6 57.9 53.8 53.6 1.72
26 38.5 92.6 93.3 58.9 54.6 54.9 2.10
27 45.0 92.8 93.5 59.7 55.4 55.8 2.49
28 51.5 93.0 93.8 60.4 56.0 56.7 2.88
29 58.0 92.8 93.7 61.0 56.6 57.2 3.28
30 64.5 92.6 93.6 61.4 57.1 57.5 3.68
31 70.9 92.4 93.5 61.7 57.5 57.7 4.08
32 77.4 92.2 93.4 62.0 57.9 57.9 4.48
33 83.8 91.9 93.2 62.3 58.2 58.1 4.88
34 90.2 91.5 92.9 62.6 58.5 58.2 5.28
35 96.6 91.1 92.6 62.9 58.8 58.2 5.68
36 102.9 90.6 92.2 63.2 59.1 58.2 6.08
37 109.2 90.1 91.8 63.4 59.3 58.2 6.48
38 115.5 89.6 91.3 63.6 59.6 58.1 6.88
39 121.8 89.1 90.9 63.8 59.8 58.0 7.28
40 128.0 88.6 90.5 64.0 60.0 57.9 7.67
41 134.1 88.1 90.1 64.2 60.2 57.8 8.07
42 140.3 87.6 89.7 64.4 60.4 57.7 8.46
43 146.3 87.1 89.2 64.6 60.5 57.7 8.86
44 152.4 86.5 88.7 64.8 60.7 57.5 9.25
45 158.4 85.9 88.2 65.0 60.9 57.3 9.64

19
 LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass

Age in per H.H. in % (g) g/H.D. kg/H.H.
weeks cumulative per H.H. per H.D. in the week cumulative in the week cumulative
46 164.4 85.3 87.7 65.2 61.0 57.2 10.03
47 170.3 84.7 87.1 65.4 61.2 57.0 10.42
48 176.2 84.1 86.6 65.6 61.3 56.8 10.80
49 182.0 83.5 86.1 65.8 61.5 56.6 11.19
50 187.9 82.9 85.6 65.9 61.6 56.4 11.57
51 193.6 82.3 85.0 66.0 61.7 56.1 11.95
52 199.3 81.6 84.4 66.1 61.9 55.8 12.33
53 205.0 80.9 83.7 66.2 62.0 55.4 12.70
54 210.6 80.2 83.1 66.3 62.1 55.1 13.08
55 216.2 79.5 82.5 66.4 62.2 54.8 13.45
56 221.7 78.8 81.8 66.5 62.3 54.4 13.81
57 227.2 78.1 81.2 66.6 62.4 54.1 14.18
58 232.6 77.4 80.5 66.7 62.5 53.7 14.54
59 237.9 76.7 79.9 66.8 62.6 53.4 14.90
60 243.3 76.0 79.2 66.9 62.7 53.0 15.25
61 248.5 75.2 78.5 67.0 62.8 52.6 15.61
62 253.7 74.4 77.7 67.1 62.9 52.2 15.96
63 258.9 73.6 77.0 67.2 63.0 51.7 16.30
64 264.0 72.8 76.2 67.3 63.1 51.3 16.64
65 269.0 72.0 75.5 67.4 63.1 50.9 16.98
66 274.0 71.2 74.7 67.5 63.2 50.4 17.32
67 278.9 70.4 73.9 67.6 63.3 50.0 17.65
68 283.8 69.6 73.2 67.7 63.4 49.5 17.98
69 288.6 68.8 72.4 67.8 63.4 49.1 18.31
70 293.4 68.0 71.7 67.9 63.5 48.7 18.63
71 298.1 67.1 70.8 68.0 63.6 48.1 18.95
72 302.7 66.2 69.9 68.1 63.7 47.6 19.27
73 307.3 65.3 69.0 68.2 63.7 47.1 19.58
74 311.8 64.4 68.1 68.3 63.8 46.5 19.89
75 316.2 63.5 67.3 68.4 63.9 46.0 20.19
76 320.6 62.6 66.4 68.5 63.9 45.5 20.49
77 324.9 61.7 65.5 68.6 64.0 44.9 20.79
78 329.2 60.8 64.6 68.7 64.0 44.4 21.08
79 333.4 59.9 63.7 68.8 64.1 43.8 21.37
80 337.5 59.0 62.8 68.9 64.2 43.3 21.65
B 901

20
EGG GRADING

Expected Egg Grades (%) for different Egg Weights*

Egg Weight (g) XL L M S

(Flock Average) above 73 g 63 – 72.9 g 53 – 62.9 g below 53 g
46 0.0 0.0 1.5 98.5
47 0.0 0.0 3.4 96.6
48 0.0 0.0 6.8 93.2
49 0.0 0.0 12.2 87.8
50 0.0 0.0 19.6 80.4
51 0.0 0.0 28.7 71.2
52 0.0 0.1 39.1 60.8
53 0.0 0.4 49.6 50.0
54 0.0 0.9 59.6 39.6
55 0.0 1.9 67.9 30.2
56 0.0 3.7 74.1 22.2
57 0.0 6.6 77.6 15.8
58 0.0 10.9 78.2 10.9
59 0.0 16.6 76.0 7.3
60 0.1 23.7 71.5 4.8
61 0.2 31.7 65.0 3.0
62 0.6 40.3 57.2 1.9
63 1.2 48.8 48.8 1.2
64 2.2 56.6 40.5 0.7
65 3.9 63.1 32.6 0.4
66 6.5 67.7 25.6 0.2
67 10.0 70.3 19.5 0.1
68 14.7 70.6 14.6 0.1
69 20.4 68.9 10.7 0.0
70 27.0 65.3 7.6 0.0
Week Expected Egg Grades of total Eggs
70 2.1 45.9 45.8 6.2
72 2.2 46.6 45.1 6.0
74 2.4 47.3 44.4 5.8
76 2.6 48.0 43.7 5.7
78 2.8 48.6 43.1 5.5
80 3.0 49.2 42.5 5.4
*) excluding double-yolk eggs B 901

21
 EGG PRODUCTION CURVE

LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layers

Egg production (%) per Hen Housed

Age in weeks

B 901

BEAK TRIMMING

Under optimal conditions beak trimming should not be necessary. In practise, it is widely
used as an efficient precaution to cannibalism and feather pecking. Such behaviour may
develop at any age as a result of excessive light intensity, unbalanced feed, poor ventilation,
overstocking or boredom.
In closed houses with cage management, it should be possible to control cannibalism and
feather pecking with appropriate lighting programmes.
For floor management and/or open houses with uncontrollable light intensity, we recom-
mend beak trimming subject to local animal welfare regulations.

22
Observe the following precautions:
• Trim only healthy, unstressed birds, at the age of 7 - 10 days
• Allow only experienced personnel to do the work
• Work slowly and carefully
• Use only equipment and blades in perfect working order; adjust the blade tempera-
ture so that cauterisation is guaranteed and the beak is not damaged
• Do not feed for 12 hours before trimming
• Offer free feeding immediately after trimming
• Increase the level of feed in the troughs
• Increase the temperature in the house for a few days after trimming
• For 3 - 5 days after beak trimming provide an extra hour of light and supply feed in
the late evening or at night
• Giving vitamins via the drinking-water can also help to alleviate stress

V A C C I N AT I O N

Vaccination is an important way of preventing disease. Different regional epidemic situ-

ations require suitably adapted vaccination programmes. Please be guided, therefore,
by the advice of your local veterinarian and poultry health service.

Vaccination Methods
Individual vaccinations - injections, eye-drops - are very effective and generally well
tolerated but also very labour intensive.
Drinking water vaccinations are not labour intensive but must be carried out with the
greatest care to be effective. The water used for preparing the vaccine solution must not
contain any disinfectants. During the growing period the birds should be without water for
approximately 2 hours prior to vaccination. During hot weather reduce this time accord-
ingly. The amount of vaccine solution should be calculated to be completely consumed
within 2 - 4 hours. When vaccinating with live vaccines, add 2 g of skim milk powder
per litre of water in order to protect the virus titer.
Spray vaccinations are not labour intensive and are highly effective, but may occa-
sionally have side effects. For chicks up to the age of 3 weeks apply only coarse spray. Use
distilled water for vaccination.

23
 Example of a vaccination LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC Layer

Disease Worldwide Regional Vaccination Comments

methods
Marek x I Single vaccination of
day-old chicks in the hatchery
Coccidiosis x W/F
Newcastle x W / Sp / I Compulsory by law
Gumboro x W
Infectious
bronchitis x W / Sp / I
AE x W Laying hens and parent birds
must be vaccinated
Mycoplasma
gallisepticum x I
Fowlpox x Inj. into wing
Pasteurellosis x I
Coryza x I
Salmonella x W in I Compulsory by law for flocks
of 250 pullets or more
ILT x W / ED
EDS x I
Colibacillosis x I
W Drinking water Sp Spray I Injection F Feed ED Eye drops

General Recommendations
Only healthy flocks should be vaccinated. Check the expiry date. The vaccine must not be
used after this date. Keep records of all vaccinations and vaccine serial numbers.

Special Recommendations
Marek re-vaccinations have proved successful after long transportation and in areas with
high infection risk. Consult your veterinarian and the Lohmann veterinary laboratory for
further information.
Mycoplasmosis vaccinations are only advisable if the farm cannot be kept free of
mycoplasmosis. Infections with virulent mycoplasma species during the production period
lead to performance depression. The best performance is achieved by flocks which are
kept free of mycoplasmosis and are not vaccinated.
Applying vitamins in the first two to three days after vaccination can help to reduce
stress and prevent undesired reactions. How far this is necessary depends on the specific
situation on each farm.

24
 Consultation and diagnostics in all questions of poultry health through:

LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GmbH

Veterinary Laboratory
Abschnede 64, 27472 Cuxhaven, P.O.Box 446, 27454 Cuxhaven, Germany
Phone: 0049 4721 7070, Fax: 0049 4721 63439, e-mail: [email protected]

The above performance data are based on traditional cage management. Different
management systems or poor environmental, feeding or management conditions
could lead to considerable deviations in performance.
 LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GMBH
Am Seedeich 9-11 • 27454 Cuxhaven • Germany
B 103/E

Phone + 49 4721/ 50 50 • Fax + 49 4721/ 3 88 52

e-mail [email protected] • www.ltz.de