Lohmann LSL-Lite

Layers

Management Guide
Cage housing

Breeding for success ... together

Products of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC

LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC

LOHMANN LSL-LITE

LOHMANN BROWN-LITE

LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA
The mainstream products are LOHMANN
LSL-CLASSIC and LOHMANN BROWN-
LOHMANN BROWN-EXTRA CLASSIC, well known for their efficient
production of quality white and brown
eggs, respectively.
LOHMANN TRADITION

LOHMANN SANDY

LOHMANN SILVER

Increasing worldwide concentration

and growing competition in the poultry
industry requires efficient layers to satisfy
specific market requirements.
LOHMANN TIERZUCHT offers a wide
range of high quality layer strains ”bred
in Germany“ to meet these demands.
The intensive monitoring programme LOHMANN LSL-LITE and LOHMANN
of all breeding farms and hatcheries by BROWN-LITE are two products, de-
our Veterinary Laboratory assures the signed for markets which prefer
highest possible health status of chicks smaller eggs and measure efficiency
supplied by LOHMANN TIERZUCHT. in g feed per egg.
Products of LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

For markets requiring more XL-size eggs LOHMANN SANDY is a white feathering
LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA and LOHMANN layer for the production of cream coloured
BROWN-EXTRA are the ideal white and eggs. The layer has an outstanding feed
brown layers. conversion and robustness.

LOHMANN TRADITION, a brown egg LOHMANN SILVER is a predominately

layer with high early egg weight is being white feathering layer for the produc-
developed mainly for markets requiring tion of uniform brown eggs with re-
even bigger egg size. duced egg weight. Her special advan-
tage is the excellent feathering.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

Contents

3 Introduction

4 Top Performance by Systematic Selection

5 Breeding Scheme

6 Performance Data

7 Housing Chicks
7 General Recommendations
7 Cage Systems
7 Floor Systems
8 Body Temperature of the Chicks

9 Environment

10 Vaccination
10 General Recommendations
10 Vaccination Methods
10 Special Recommendations
11 Example of a Vaccination Programme

12 Beak Treatment

13 Nutrition
13 General
13 Feed Consumption
13 Rearing
14 Crude Fibre

1
Contents

15 Body weight Development and Feed Consumption

17 Correct Use of Pre-Layer Feed
17 Laying Period
18 Nutrition and Egg Weight
18 Supplements
20 Recommended Nutrient Levels

23 Lighting
23 General
23 Intermittent Lighting Programme for Day Old Chicks
24 Lighting Programme for Closed Houses
26 Lighting Programme for Open Houses

28 General Recommendations
28 Daily Control
28 Water Supply
29 Grit
29 Litter (Non Cage Housing)
29 Egg Quality and Egg Collection
29 Nests (Non Cage Housing)
30 Stocking Density
30 Equipment Requirements

31 General Information
31 Body Weight Development
33 Growth and Body Weight Development Curve
35 Performance Goals
38 Egg Grading
39 Egg Production Curve

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 2

Introduction

Why should you study this data which apply to the current genera-
management guide? tion of layers and current management
practices. Newcomers in the business
Most people, who are involved in com- may need more detailed explanations
mercial egg production, have seen man- than can be presented in this compact
agement guides for different strains of format.
layers before and may think “if you have We hope that each reader will find some
seen one, you’ve seen them all”. Others useful information, to confirm proven
take the contents more seriously and ex- management practices or to stimulate
pect frequent updates to find specific improvements.

3
Top performance by systematic selection

In recent decades, advanced methods to diseases by genetic means and ensur-

have significantly improved breeding ing the strictest conditions of hygiene, is
quality. Due to the development of pow- fundamental to the quality of LOHMANN
erful electronic data processing systems, TIERZUCHT products.
it has become possible to put the theory
of selection systematically into practice – In addition, LOHMANN TIERZUCHT also
thus turning modern quantitative gene- provides expert advice on all questions of
tics into reality. feed, nutrition and technical service.

From very early on, LOHMANN TIERZUCHT Practice profits from this extensive exper-
used these new techniques and can there- tise in all aspects of poultry management.
fore offer an extensive range of experi- With LOHMANN TIERZUCHT products,
ence and know-how. A highly qualified eggs are produced in top quality and at
team of specialists guarantees prompt competitive costs.
utilization of the latest research results.
The market’s changing demands can Results of performance comparisons in
therefore be met quickly and effectively. the field and in independent institutes
are proof of this success. LOHMANN
Moreover, nationally and internationally, TIERZUCHT products are often the
LOHMANN TIERZUCHT is ranked as first winners and are always among the few
class for questions on poultry health, at the top, worldwide.
which is one of the decisive factors for per-
formance and profitability. LOHMANN TIERZUCHT – the right
partner for progressive, successful
Intensive research in our own Veterinary poultry management.
Laboratory, besides increasing resistance

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 4

Breeding scheme

Pure Lines

A 6 A 1 B 6 B 1 C 6 C 1 D 6 D 1

Grandparents

A 6 B 1 C 6 D 1

Parents

AB 6 CD 1

Commercials

ABCD ABCD ABCD

5
Performance data

LOHMANN LSL-LITE Layer

Egg Production Age at 50 % production 140 – 150 days
Peak production 94 – 96 %
Eggs per Hen Housed
in 12 months of lay 325 – 330
in 14 months of lay 368 – 373
in 16 months of lay 415 – 420
Eggs Mass per Hen Housed
in 12 months of lay 19.5 – 20.0 kg
in 14 months of lay 22.5 – 23.0 kg
in 16 months of lay 25.0 – 26.0 kg
Average Egg Weight
in 12 months of lay 60.5 – 61.5 g
in 14 months of lay 61.0 – 62.0 g
in 16 months of lay 61.5 – 62.5 g

Egg Characteristics Shell colour attractive white

Shell breaking strength > 40 Newton

Feed Consumption 1st – 20th week 7.0 – 7.5 kg

Production 105 – 115 g/day
Feed conversion app. 2.0 – 2.1 kg/kg egg mass

Body Weight at 20 weeks 1.3 – 1.4 kg

at the end of production 1.6 – 1.75 kg

Liveability Rearing 97 – 98 %

Laying period 93 – 95 %

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 6

Housing chicks

General Recommendations • Place sheets of paper on the cage floor

for the first days and distribute a bit of
• Before bringing in the chicks, check that feed on this paper. The papers must be
everything is in good working order. removed by day 7.

• Warm up the house in good time up to • Unload all chick boxes and distribute
35 – 36 °C. In summer start heating at least them in the house. Remove all lids and
24 hours and in winter at least 48 hours place them on the top of the boxes.
before the chicks arrive. When the right
temperature has been achieved, supply • Quickly place the chicks near feeders
minimum ventilation. This will avoid tem- and drinkers. Distribute the chicks evenly
perature differences within the house. among the cages starting at the far end
of the house.
• Maintain the recommended tempera-
tures (35 – 36 °C) during the first 48 – 72 • Trigger nipples/water cups to encourage
hours. birds to drink.

• Relative humidity should be at least 60 %. Floor Systems

• The right height of the drinkers must • Before arrival of the chicks, litter should
be adjusted to allow the chicks to drink be spread only after heating the house,
water without difficulty. when the floor has reached the opti-
mum temperature. Softwood shavings
• Reduce the water pressure of the nipples or straw make suitable litter.
in order to enable the chicks to find water
easily. • After arrival, place chicks under brooders
as soon as possible.
• Keep drinking water temperature be-
tween 20 – 25 °C by temporarily flushing • Measure the brooder temperature by
the nipple drinker lines or renewing the placing the thermometer 8 cm inside
water in the chick founts. the outer edge of the brooder and
8 cm above the litter.
• Follow the recommended lighting
programmes. (refer to page 23) • Dip the beaks of a few chicks into water
and trigger nipple or water cups to help
Cage Systems them start drinking. When drinking water
has been found by all chicks (this will take
• Adjust the cage floors and feeding approx. 2 – 3 hours), they will start to eat.
grids according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
7
Housing chicks

• Supply the chicks with additional feed- • Low humidity level (heat transfer capac-
ing bowls to ensure a better feed intake ity of the air)
in the first few days.
• Missing to pre-warm the house at the
• Chicks should be fully feathered before right time
brooding equipment has to be removed.
After a few hours, check whether the
Body Temperature of the chicks have settled down well.
The chicks behaviour is the best indicator
Chicks of their well-being:

The body temperature of housed chicks • If the chicks are evenly spread out and
is a very useful indicator to adjust house moving freely, temperature and ventila-
temperature in an optimum way. A sim- tion are all right.
ple tool to measure the body temperature
of day old chicks is usage of modern ear • If the chicks are crowding together or
thermometers, known from human medi- avoiding certain areas within the house,
cine. The correct application to measure temperature is too low or there is a
the body temperature is just to touch the draught.
cloaca gently with the thermometer probe.
The optimal body temperature of the • If the chicks are lying about on the floor
chicks is about 40 to 41 °C. with outspread wings and gasping for
Obtain samples of the chicks distributed air, temperature is too high.
in different parts of the house in order to
have reliable results. Proceed in a way you At first signs that the chicks are not
normally do while weighing chicks/pullets feeling well determine the reason,
to check their uniformity. Collect the infor- correct the situation and check more
mation, calculate the average and adjust frequently.
house temperature accordingly to achieve
optimal chick temperatures. For example
increase the house temperature by 0.5 °C,
if the average body temperature of the
chicks is 39.5 °C.
Besides house temperature, there are other
factors which could affect the body tem-
perature of the chicks negatively:

• Insufficient air distribution in the house

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 8

Environment

Environmental conditions have an effect mentioned before, the birds behaviour

on the well-being and performance of is the best indicator for correct tempera-
the birds. Important environmental ture.
factors are temperature, humidity and Always reduce temperature gradually,
level of toxic gases in the air. The optimal and avoid sudden changes.
temperature depends on the age of the If the ventilation system is used to regu-
birds. The following table is a guide to late temperature, take care that the nec-
the correct temperature at bird level. As essary fresh air is supplied.

Table 1: Desired Temperatures at Bird Level Dependent on Age

Age Temperature °C
Day 1 – 2 * 35 – 36

Day 3 – 4 33 – 34

Day 5 – 7 31 – 32

Week 2 28 – 29

Week 3 26 – 27

Week 4 22 – 24

From Week 5 18 – 20

* Body temperatures of 40 – 41 °C are the optimum for the chicks.

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

The air quality should meet the following minimum requirements:

Table 2: Minimum Air Quality Requirements

O ₂ over 20 %

CO ₂ under 0.3 %

CO under 40 ppm

NH ₃ under 20 ppm

H ₂ S under 5 ppm

9
Vaccination

General Recommendations
Spray Vaccinations are not labour
Vaccination is an important way of intensive and are highly effective, but
preventing diseases. Different regional may occasionally have side effects. For
epidemic situations require suitably chicks up to the age of 3 weeks apply
adapted vaccination programmes. only coarse spray. Use distilled water for
Therefore, please be guided, by the vaccination.
advice of your local veterinarian and
poultry health service. Only healthy Special Recommendations
flocks should be vaccinated. Check
the expiration date of the vaccine. The Marek Re-Vaccinations have proved
vaccine must not be used after this date. to be successful after long transporta-
Keep records of all vaccinations and tion and in areas with high infection
vaccine serial numbers. risk. Consult your veterinarian and the
Lohmann Veterinary Laboratory for fur-
Vaccination Methods ther information.

Individual Vaccinations such as injec- Mycoplasmosis Vaccinations are only

tions and eye-drops are very effective advisable if the farm cannot be kept
and generally well tolerated but also free of mycoplasmosis. Infections with
very labour intensive. virulent mycoplasma species during the
production period lead to performance
Drinking Water Vaccinations are depression. The best performance is
not labour intensive but must be car- achieved by flocks which are kept free of
ried out with the greatest care to be mycoplasmosis and are not vaccinated.
effective. The water used for preparing
the vaccine solution must not contain Vaccination against Coccidiosis is
any disinfectants. During the grow- the most reliable method in the floor
ing period, the birds should be with- rearing to develop immunity against this
out water for approximately 2 hours disease. Never use coccidiostats in the
prior to vaccination. During hot weather feed when pullets are vaccinated.
reduce this time accordingly. The
amount of vaccine solution should be Applying Vitamins in the first two to
calculated for complete consumption three days after vaccination can help
within 2 – 4 hours. When vaccinating to reduce stress and prevent undesired
with live vaccines, add 2 g of skim milk reactions. To what extent depends on
powder per litre of water or canned milk the specific situation on each farm.
in order to protect the virus titre, if no
water stabilisator is available.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 10

Vaccination

Table 3: Example of a Vaccination Programme for

LOHMANN LSL-LITE Layers
Disease Occurrence Application Remarks
Methods
World- Locally
wide
Marek SC – IM Day 1 – Hatchery

Newcastle * DW – SP – SC – IM Number of vaccinations ac-

cording to disease pressure
Gumboro DW 2 live vaccinations recom-
mended
Infectious DW – SP – SC – IM Number of vaccinations ac-
Bronchitis * cording to disease pressure

AE DW – SC – WW Vaccination of PS and Com-

mercials is recommended
Mycoplasmosis SP – ED – SC – IM Vaccination before transfer

Fowl Pox WW Vaccination before transfer

Pasteurellosis SC 2 vaccinations approx. at

week 8 and 14
Infectious SC 2 vaccinations approx. at
Coryza week 8 and 14

Salmonella DW – SP – IM Vaccination before transfer

ILT DW – ED 2 vaccinations between

6–14 weeks
EDS SC – IM Vaccination before transfer

DW: Drinking Water  SP: Spray  ED: Eye Drop  WW: Wing Web  IM: Intramuscular Injection

SC: Subcutaneous Injection Vaccination against Coccidiosis is optional for floor rearing systems

* An implementation of early live vaccination for Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
is of high value in order to induce local protection in the respiratory system of the chicks (priming ef-
fect). The right choice of vaccine is crucial. Never vaccinate very young birds with high-virulence live vac-
cine. Depending on infectious pressure, birds are vaccinated with inactivated vaccine during the rearing
and/or prior onset of lay for booster the immunity. Revaccination with live ND and/or IB every
6–8 weeks during production period is beneficial in order to improve the local immunity.

A severe vaccination programme especially intramuscular injections may depress the body weight
development.

11
Beak treatment

Beak treatment is not necessary un- • Use only equipment and blades in
der optimal conditions. In practice, it is perfect working order; adjust the
widely used in environmental controlled blade temperature so that cauterisa-
and light-tight facilities, as an efficient tion is guaranteed and the beak is not
precaution against cannibalism and damaged.
feather pecking. Such behaviour may
develop at any age as a result of exces- • Adjust temperature and duration of
sive light intensity, unbalanced feed, the treatment according to the chicks
poor ventilation, overstocking or bore- beak size, strength and quality.
dom. • Do not feed for 12 hours before treat-
ing.
Especially in floor management and/or
open houses with uncontrollable light • Offer free feeding immediately after
intensity, we recommend beak treat- treating.
ment subject to local animal welfare
regulations. A very gentle and highly • Increase the level of feed in the
recommended method of beak treat- troughs.
ment is the infrared treatment of the
upper and lower beak by means of a • Increase the temperature in the house
special technique, performed shortly for a few days after treating.
after chicks hatch. This procedure can
already be done in the hatchery under • For 3 – 5 days after beak treating pro-
very hygienic conditions by specially vide an extra hour of light and supply
trained personnel. Another method of feed in the late evening or at night.
beak treatment is to treat the beaks with
a hot blade. • Giving vitamins via the drinking water
can also help to alleviate stress.
Observe the following precautions for a
conventional beak treatment:

• Treat only healthy, unstressed birds, at

the age of 7 – 10 days.

• Allow only experienced personnel to

do the work.

• Work slowly and carefully.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 12

Nutrition

General • Nutrient imbalances:

The hen will try to compensate for any
To get the best out of the genetic perfor- nutrient deficits by increasing feed con-
mance potential of LOHMANN LSL-LITE sumption especially in the latest age of
layers, feeding them with a good struc- production.
tured mash feed with full nutritive value is
a must. Such nutrition can best be guaran- Rearing
teed by a complete feed adapted to the
performance potential. A balanced and nutritious diet during the
Our feeding recommendations concen- rearing stage is essential to enable the chick
trate on the essential nutrients and are to develop into a mature pullet. Chicks and
designed to cover the requirements for pullets should be fed a coarse diet (for par-
the best performance in every stage of ticle sizes see table on page 14) of a meal-
development. type consistency. A high proportion of very
fine components or a structure that is too
Feed Consumption coarse can lead to selective feed intake
and an unbalanced nutrient supply. A diet
Feed consumption is mainly affected by: with an extremely fine consistency reduces
the feed intake of the birds and can result
• Body weight in a lacking supply of certain nutrients. If
pelletising of feed is inevitable for hygienic
• Performance reasons the pellets should be crumbled
to the recommended consistency. Dur-
• House temperature: ing the different growth phases of chicks
Low temperature increases the mainte- and pullets, qualitatively different feed vari-
nance requirement for energy. eties should be used in which the nutrient
content meets the birds changing needs.
• Condition of feathering: The diets are matched to the nutrient
Poor feathering condition due to man- requirement and weight development
agement mistakes or malnutrition in- at each stage of growth. The use of chick
creases the maintenance requirement starter is recommended if the standard
for energy. body-weight is not reached by feed-
ing grower feed or if the daily feed in-
• Feed texture: take is expected to be low. The switch
Coarse texture increases while fine to developer should only be made
texture decreases feed intake. when the standard body weight has
been reached. A reduced nutrient den-
• Energy level: sity and an increased content of crude fibre
The higher the energy level of the feed, (5 – 6  %) during this phase is beneficial for
the lower the feed intake and vice versa. improving eating capacity.
13
Nutrition

Table 4: Recommended Particle-Size Distribution for Chick Starter,

Grower, Developer and Layer Feed (MASH)
Sieve Size Passing Part Sieve Size Interval Part of Interval
0.5 mm 19 % 0 – 0.5 mm 19 %
1.0 mm 40 % 0.51 – 1.0 mm 21 %
1.5 mm 75 % 1.01 – 1.5 mm 35 %
2.0 mm 90 % 1.51 – 2.0 mm 15 %
2.5 mm 100 % > 2 mm 10 % *
100 %

* Individual Particles not bigger than

• 3 mm in chick superstarter-/starter diets
• 5 mm in grower, developer and layer
The pre-layer diet has about twice the sufficient enough to meet their nutrient
calcium content of developer as well as demands. The tool has been proven to
higher levels of protein and amino ac- be very beneficial under varying feeding
ids. Feeding such a diet for about 10 days situations in a lot of countries.
prior to the planned start of lay is therefore This is the reason for the implementa-
beneficial. This diet improves flock uniform- tion of a minimum recommendation
ity by providing a better nutrient supply to of crude fibre (5–6 %) in the developer
late maturing birds and by enabling early feed for Lohmann layers.
maturing birds to obtain sufficient calcium Cereals and their by-products (e.g. bran)
for eggshell production of the first eggs. or oil seed by-products (e.g. meal of
sunflowers or rapeseed), can be used
Crude Fibre as a source of crude fibre. DDGS * *
can be used as a source of crude fibre
Crude fibre, sometimes described as in- as well. Other raw materials. which are
soluble NSP  *, may not have nutritional rich of crude fibre, may be used if avail-
values for poultry, but it does have other able, but only as long as their inclusion
benefits for a healthy and stable diges- does not reduce the energy level of the
tive physiology. diet. With a classical corn-soy diet, the
Used in the second half of the rearing recommended crude fibre content can
period, it can positively influence the hardly be achieved. In such cases, other
development of the digestive tract, the feed ingredients must be used. For ad-
crop size and the appetite of pullets. This vice, please contact the technical service
is beneficial for young layers, especially department at LOHMANN TIERZUCHT.
at the start of production, when the * Non-Starch Polysaccharides
appetite of the birds is sometimes not * * Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 14

Nutrition

Table 5: Body Weight Development and Feed Consumption

with Standard Lighting Programme of LOHMANN LSL-LITE
Pullets/Layers
Age in Body Weight (g) kJ ** Feed Consumption Feed*
Weeks Average Range Bird/Day g/Bird/Day Cumulative
1 70 67 – 73 120 10 70

Grower / Starter
2 120 115 – 125 204 17 189

3 185 178 – 192 276 23 350

4 255 245 – 265 331 29 553

5 334 321 – 347 388 34 791

6 425 408 – 442 422 37 1050

7 524 503 – 545 467 41 1337

8 618 593 – 643 513 45 1652

9 712 684 – 740 559 49 1995

10 802 770 – 834 604 53 2366

Developer
11 879 844 – 914 638 56 2758

12 948 910 – 986 684 60 3178

13 1008   968 – 1048 730 64 3626

14 1062 1020 – 1104 764 67 4095

15 1112 1068 – 1156 798 70 4585

16 1156 1110 – 1202 832 73 5096

Pre-Layer

17 1203 1155 – 1251 866 76 5628

18 1253 1203 – 1303 901 79 6181

19 1310 1258 – 1362 958 84 6769

20 1370 1315 – 1425 1021 88 7385

Due to starvation before and during transport, weight losses up to 15% of body weight may occur.

* The basis for switching between diet types is the hens‘ body weight development. The correct time for
changing the diet is determined not by age but by body weight. Chicks and pullets should therefore
be weighed at regular intervals.
** 1 kcal = 4.187 kJ

15
Nutrition

Table 6: Recommendations for Nutrient Levels for

LOHMANN LSL-LITE Pullets/Layers
Diet type* Starter ** Grower Developer Pre-Layer
Nutrient Week 1 – 3 Week 1 – 8 Week 9 – 16 Week 17 –  
5  % prod.
Metabol. Energy kcal 2900 2750 – 2800 2750  – 2800 2750 – 2800
MJ 12.00 11.40 11.40 11.40
Crude Protein % 20.00 18.50 14.50 17.50
Methionine % 0.48 0.40 0.34 0.36
Dig. Methionine % 0.39 0.33 0.28 0.29
Meth. /Cystine % 0.83 0.70 0.60 0.68
Dig. M/C % 0.68 0.57 0.50 0.56
Lysine % 1.20 1.00 0.65 0.85
Dig. Lysine % 0.98 0.82 0.53 0.70
Valine % 0.89 0.75 0.53 0.64
Dig. Valine % 0.76 0.64 0.46 0.55
Tryptophan % 0.23 0.21 0.16 0.20
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.19 0.17 0.13 0.16
Threonine % 0.80 0.70 0.50 0.60
Dig. Threonine % 0.65 0.57 0.40 0.49
Isoleucine % 0.83 0.75 0.60 0.74
Dig. Isoleucine % 0.68 0.62 0.50 0.61
Calcium % 1.05 1.00 0.90 2.00
Phosphor. total % 0.75 0.70 0.58 0.65
Phosphor. avail. % 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.45
Sodium % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16
Chloride % 0.20 0.19 0.16 0.16
Linoleic Acid % 2.00 1.40 1.00 1.00

* The basis for switching between diet types is the hens‘ body weight development. The correct time for
changing the diet is determined not by age, but by body weight. Chicks and pullets, should therefore
be weighed at regular intervals.
** Chicks should be fed starter feed, if the standard body weight is not reached by feeding chick grower
or if the daily feed intake is expected to be low.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 16

Nutrition

Correct Use of Pre-Layer Feed • The wrong way to use pre-layer feed
is either to start using it too early
Pre-layer feed should be used for a short and/or use it too long.
period of time before a flock starts be-
ing supplied with phase 1 layer feed. For example if the onset of lay is sched-
This leads to a smooth transition from uled for the 19th weeks of age. you may
the developer feed (low calcium and start feeding the birds with pre-layer
low nutrient density) to a diet with high feed only after they are 17 weeks old.
calcium and nutrient levels. It helps to In case of an earlier or later production,
avoid the often reduced appetite/daily adjust this schedule accordingly.
feed intake during early production.
Typically, pre-layer feed contains about Laying Period
2.0 – 2.5 % calcium. This is too much for a
typical feed for rearing but not enough Aiming at an optimal start of production
for a bird starting to produce eggs. From with feed intake around 90 – 100  g/day,
a nutritional point of view, it’s therefore it is recommendable to use a phase 1
considered a compromise and never as feed with 11.6 ME MJ/kg for a duration of
“optimal” feed. Nevertheless, it’s worth- 5 – 6 weeks. At around 26 weeks a nor-
while to use pre-layer feed for a short mal phase-feeding programme with
period of time. Correct use can enhance 11.4 ME MJ/kg should be introduced.
the uniformity of a pullet flock. It’s espe- The basis for the feed formulation in
cially beneficial for flocks with very low terms of nutrient and mineral content in
uniformity and also aids the develop- each phase is the daily nutrient re-
ment of Ca-metabolism in medullar quirement and actual feed consumption.
bones. Since pre-layer feed is a compro-
mise feed for the short transition period, The diet for phase 1 is designed to cover
it cannot supply a bird in full lay suffi- the requirement for maximum egg mass
ciently. Therefore, it cannot be used (up to 59.1 g daily egg mass/hen).
when feed logistics and correct timing
do not work. The recommended nutrient allowances
shown in the tables 9–11 (phase 1–3) as-
Please consider the following recom- sume a dietary energy concentration of
mendations while using pre-layer feed: 11.4 MJ/kg (2725 kcal) metabolisable en-
ergy, a house temperature of 20 °C and
• Start using pre-layer feed dependent good plumage.
on to the birds sexual maturity, age
and their standard body weights. Under these conditions the daily
feed consumption of LOHMANN LSL-
• Use pre-layer feed for about 10 days LITE is expected to be 105 – 115 g/day.
with a maximum of 1 kg per bird. The feed formulations for phases 2 – 3
17
Nutrition

cater for the reduced requirement for By stimulating feed intake egg weight
organic nutrients and the increasing re- can be increased and limited by con-
quirement for calcium as the hens age. trolled feeding. In the case of appropri-
The time for switching diets is deter- ate house construction, there’s the pos-
mined more by the level of produc- sibility to adjust the house temperature
tion and the need for calcium rather in the opposite direction of desired egg
than by age. weight and feed intake.

Every 10 weeks throughout the lay- Contact your LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

ing period the composition of the diet specialists for specific programmes with
should be adapted to the level of pro- recommendations for nutrition and
duction and the hens’ nutrient require- management adjusted to your condi-
ment. Major changes in the raw mate- tions and requirements.
rial composition of the various phase
diets or marked changes in feed con- Supplements
sistency should be avoided.
Supplements ensure the necessary sup-
Nutrition and Egg Weight ply of essential vitamins, trace elements
and substances such as anti-oxidants or
Within certain limits egg weight can be carotenoids.
adapted to farm specific requirements
by adjusting rations. The following nutri- Suitable supplementation can com-
tional factors should be noted: pensate for the varying contents of raw
materials and safeguard the supply of all
• Growing necessary nutrients.
Feeding for higher body weight/
frame size increases the egg weight Remark: Vitamin C is synthesised by
throughout the whole laying period. poultry normally. This vitamin is not
considered as essential, but in some cir-
• Feed composition cumstances, like heat stress or hot
– crude protein and methionine climate, it may be important/beneficial
– linoleic acid to add 100 – 200 mg/kg complete feed
during production period.
• Feeding technique
– feed texture
– feeding time
– feed level in troughs
– controlled feeding
– frequency of feeding

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 18

Nutrition

Table 7: Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification

Supplements per kg Feed Starter/Grower Developer Pre-Layer/Layer
Vitamin A I.U. 12000 12000 10000
Vitamin D3 I.U. 2000 2000 2500
Vitamin E mg 20 – 30** 20 – 30** 15 – 30**
Vitamin K3 mg 3*** 3*** 3***
Vitamin B1 mg 1 1 1
Vitamin B2 mg 6 6 4
Vitamin B6 mg 3 3 3
Vitamin B12 mcg 20 20 25
Pantothenic Acid mg 8 8 10
Nicotinic Acid mg 30 30 30
Folic Acid mg 1.0 1.0 0.5
Biotin mcg 50 50 50
Cholin mg 300 300 400
Antioxydant mg 100 –150** 100 –150** 100 –150**
Coccidiostat as required as required –
Manganese* mg 100 100 100
Zinc* mg 60 60 60
Iron mg 25 25 25
Copper* mg 5 5 5
Iodine mg 0.5 0.5 0.5
Selenium* mg 0.2 0.2 0.2

* So called “organic sources” should be considered with higher bioavailability.

** according to fat addition *** double in case of heat treated feed

Table 8: Continuous Supply of Fine and Coarse Limestone

(Recommended Relation in Feed)
Feed type Fine Limestone Coarse Limestone *
0 – 0.5 mm 1.5 – 3.5 mm
Layer Phase 1 30 % 70 %
Layer Phase 2 25 % 75 %
Layer Phase 3 15 % 85 %

* can be partly replaced by oyster shells

19
Nutrition

Table 9: Recommended Nutrient Levels for LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Layers in Phase 1 per kg of Feed for Different Daily Feed
Consumptions
Approx. week 19 – 45 ~ up to 59.1 g Egg Mass/Hen/Day

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumption

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Protein % 18.50 17.62 16.82 16.09 15.42
Calcium % 4.10 3.90 3.73 3.57 3.42
Phosphorus* % 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.50
Av. Phosphorus % 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35
Sodium % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15
Chlorine % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15
Lysine % 0.87 0.82 0.79 0.75 0.72
Dig. Lysine % 0.71 0.68 0.65 0.62 0.59
Methionine % 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37
Dig. Methionine % 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.30
Meth./Cyst. % 0.80 0.76 0.73 0.69 0.67
Dig. M/C % 0.66 0.62 0.60 0.57 0.55
Arginine % 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.80 0.76
Dig. Arginine % 0.75 0.71 0.68 0.65 0.63
Valine % 0.74 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.62
Dig. Valine % 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.53
Tryptophan % 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.16 0.15
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.13
Threonine % 0.61 0.58 0.55 0.53 0.51
Dig. Threonine % 0.50 0.48 0.45 0.43 0.42
Isoleucine % 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.58
Dig. Isoleucine % 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48
Linoleic Acid % 2.20 2.10 2.00 1.91 1.83

* without Phytase

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 20

Nutrition

Table 10: Recommended Nutrient Levels for LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Layers in Phase 2 per kg of Feed for Different Daily Feed
Consumptions
Approx. week 46– 65 ~ up to 58.9 g Egg Mass/Hen/Day

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumption

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Protein % 17.76 16.91 16.15 15.44 14.80
Calcium % 4.40 4.19 4.00 3.83 3.67
Phosphorus * % 0.58 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.48
Av. Phosphorus % 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.34
Sodium % 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.14
Chlorine % 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.14
Lysine % 0.83 0.79 0.76 0.72 0.69
Dig. Lysine % 0.68 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.57
Methionine % 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35
Dig. Methionine % 0.35 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.29
Meth./Cyst. % 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.67 0.64
Dig. M/C % 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.52
Arginine % 0.88 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.73
Dig. Arginine % 0.72 0.69 0.65 0.63 0.60
Valine % 0.71 0.68 0.65 0.62 0.59
Dig. Valine % 0.60 0.58 0.55 0.53 0.50
Tryptophan % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.15
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.12
Threonine % 0.59 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.49
Dig. Threonine % 0.48 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40
Isoleucine % 0.67 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.56
Dig. Isoleucine % 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.48 0.46
Linoleic Acid % 1.60 1.52 1.45 1.39 1.33

* without Phytase

21
Nutrition

Table 11: Recommended Nutrient Levels for LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Layers in Phase 3 per kg of Feed for Different Daily Feed
Consumptions
After Week 65

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumption

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g 120 g
Protein % 16.84 16.03 15.30 14.64 14.03
Calcium % 4.50 4.29 4.09 3.91 3.75
Phosphorus * % 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.47 0.46
Av. Phosphorus % 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.33 0.32
Sodium % 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14
Chlorine % 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14
Lysine % 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.66
Dig. Lysine % 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.56 0.54
Methionine % 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.33
Dig. Methionine % 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.28 0.27
Meth./Cyst. % 0.73 0.69 0.66 0.63 0.61
Dig. M/C % 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50
Arginine % 0.83 0.79 0.76 0.72 0.69
Dig. Arginine % 0.68 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.57
Valine % 0.67 0.64 0.61 0.59 0.56
Dig Valine % 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.48
Tryptophan % 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14
Dig. Tryptophan % 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.11
Threonine % 0.55 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.46
Dig. Threonine % 0.46 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.38
Isoleucine % 0.63 0.60 0.58 0.55 0.53
Dig. Isoleucine % 0.52 0.49 0.47 0.45 0.43
Linoleic Acid % 1.30 1.24 1.18 1.13 1.08

* without Phytase

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 22

Lighting

General Intermittent Lighting Pro-

gramme for Day Old Chicks
The lighting programme controls the
onset of lay and affects the perform- When the day old chicks arrive on the
ance. Within certain limits, perfor- farm, they have already been intensively
mance can be adapted to farm specific handled in the hatchery and often have
requirements by adjusting the lighting a long transport to their final destina-
programme. Easiest to follow are the tion. Common practice is to give them
lighting programmes in closed houses 24 hours of light to help them recover
without the effect of natural daylight. in the first 2 or 3 days after arrival and
In these, the hours of light and light to provide them enough time to eat
intensity can be adjusted to changing and drink. In practice, it can be observed
needs. that after arrival and housing, some
Rearing birds in closed houses and chicks continue to sleep whereas others
producing eggs in light-tight houses en- start to look for feed and water. The ac-
able the producer to maximize perform- tivity of the flock will always be irregular.
ance. Follow the lighting programme Especially in this phase, poultry men
which is recommended for this type of have difficulties interpreting the chicks
housing system and commercial variety. behaviour and their condition.
For open or brown-out houses (houses There is a practically proven principal in
with incidence of daylight), a tailor made splitting the day into phases of resting
programme has to be developed which and activity using a special designed
reflects the season and geographical intermittent lighting programme. The
location where the pullets are being aim is to synchronize the chicks’ activi-
reared and stimulated to lay. ties. The farmer gets a better impression
of the flocks condition and the birds are
In general, the lighting programme encouraged by the groups behaviour to
should follow the basic principles: search for water and feed.

• Never increase hours of light Therefore, LOHMANN TIERZUCHT advis-

during the rearing period until es to give chicks a rest after they arrive at
planned stimulation starts. the rearing farm and then start with four
hours of light followed by two hours of
• Never decrease hours of light dur- darkness.
ing the production period.

• Always keep in mind that natural

daylight can influence the lighting
programme in open or brown-out
houses.
23
Lighting

Lighting Programme Lighting Programme

after Arrival for Closed Houses
2h
darkness 4h To which extent lighting hours are
light reduced during the growing period and
4h the time when stimulation begins by
light
2h increasing the lighting hours are means
darkness by which performance can be adjusted
to specific farm requirements. The fol-
2h lowing Standard Lighting Programme is
4h
darkness
designed as an example for a quick start
light
into production.
4h 2h The light intensity measured in watt/m²,
light
darkness lumen, foot candle or lux depends on
the used light source. Giving advices
concerning this measurement would
This programme can be used for up to rather irritate than help layer farmers.
7 or 10 days after arrival, then switch to Therefore the light intensity is just given
the regular step down lighting pro- in lux unit in the following table.
gramme. The usage of the following
lighting program brings about the fol-
lowing advantages:

• The chicks will rest and/or sleep at

the same time. This means that the
behaviour of the chicks will be syn-
chronized.

• Weak chicks will be stimulated by

stronger ones to move as well as to
eat and drink.

• The behaviour of the flock is more uni-

form and the judgement of the birds
is made easier.

• Mortality will decrease.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 24

Lighting

Table 12: Lighting Programme for Windowless Houses for

LOHMANN LSL-LITE Pullets/Layers
Age (Weeks) Hours of Light (Standard) Light Intensity (Lux)
Day 1 – 2  * 24 20 – 40
Day 3 – 6 * 16 20 – 30
2 14 10 – 20
3 13 10 – 20
4 12 4 – 6
5 11 4 – 6
6 10 4 – 6
7 9 4 – 6
8 8 4 – 6
9 8 4 – 6
10 8 4 – 6
11 8 4 – 6
12 8 4 – 6
13 8 4 – 6
14 8 4 – 6
15 8 4 – 6
16 8 4 – 6
17 8 4 – 6
18 8 10 – 15
19 9 10 – 15
20 10 10 – 15
21 11 10 – 15
22 12 10 – 15
23 13 10 – 15
24 14 10 – 15
25 ** 14 10 – 15

* or run an intermittent Lighting Programme

** until the end of production

25
Lighting

Lighting Programme for Open Houses

The principle for windowless houses 1 hour every week to 14 hours until
“Do not increase the hours of light 21 weeks of age.
during rearing period and do not Never switch on the artificial light
reduce hours of light during pro- before 04.00 o’clock in the morning
duction period” also applies to “open” (CE time).
housing.
During the spring months the lighting
The effect of the natural daylight must programme is affected by the in-
be considered when designing lighting crease of natural day length and
programmes, if natural light enters the gradually extends to about 17 hours.
building throughout the day or if the When the natural day length begins to
hens have free access to open-air runs. decrease in Central Europe from July,
the 17-hour light period should be kept
For example in Central Europe the natu- constantly until the end of the produc-
ral day length increases in the course of tion period.
the calendar year to about 17 hours un-
til late June and then shortens to about This example can be accomplished in
8 hours until late December. Central Europe very simply as follows:

If flocks are moved to an open produc- • 04.00* o’clock in the morning: lights
tion house with windows that cannot be on – dimmer switch off at ≥ 50 – 60 Lux.
darkened, the lighting programme must
be adjusted to the natural day length at • Dimmer switch on at ≤  50 – 60 Lux – 
the time of rehousing. 21.00 *  o’clock in the evening lights
off.
We distinguish between two variants: * Central European time

1. Production starts as the natural day These times should be varied depend-
length decreases. ing on the condition of the flocks, the
start of lay (production, egg size) and
2. Production starts as the natural day the facilities in the building.
length increases.
If for operational reasons a different
In both variations the lighting pro- diurnal rhythm from the one described
gramme at 17 weeks of age should above is applied, it should not differ
be set to a lighting period of at least too much from the dawn/dusk times
10 hours, taking the natural day length stated above, having regard to the
into account, and to be increased by diurnal rhythm of the hens.
ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 26
Lighting

As already mentioned, the lighting pro- • In the evening close the windows
gramme described here is just an exam- first, then switch off the light;
ple adjusted to Central European time.
• In the morning switch on the light
If the birds are driven indoors before the first. then open the windows.
end of the natural day and if the build-
ing can be darkened completely, the Contact your LOHMANN TIERZUCHT
lighting programme for windowless specialists for specific lighting pro-
laying houses should be applied. grammes adjusted to your location,
conditions and requirements.
The times for darkening the room or
opening the windows are determined
by the lighting programme. It is impor-
tant to follow the correct sequence:

An example of a lighting programme for LOHMANN LSL-LITE Layers adjusted to location,

condition and requirements by LOHMANN TIERZUCHT lighting programme tool
Week of Age
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70
24
23
22
21
20
19
18 Adjusted Lighting Programme for Open Houses
17
16
15 Lighting Programme for Dark Houses
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5 Adjusted Lighting Programme for LOHMANN LSL-LITE Layers
4 Hatch Date: December 16th, Location: Berlin
3
2
Closed House Rearing, Open House Production
1 Stimulation / Transfer Age: 19 Weeks
0
52 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15
Week of Year

Lighting-Prgr Lighting Std Twilight Daylight

27
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Hygiene When assessing the state of health, do

not just go by the general impression
• Set up the farm at a safe distance from and mortality rate, but also take note of
other poultry houses and fence in. feed and water consumption as well as
the texture of droppings.
• Keep birds of only one age group and
no other poultry on the farm. Water Supply
• Allow no visitors to enter the farm. Clean water is equally as important as
good feed for top performance. There-
• Wear only the farm’s own protective fore fresh, clean, potable water must be
clothing within the farm area and also available at all times for the layers and an
provide clothing for veterinarians, ser- adequate consumption must be always
vice and maintenance workers, and assured. A water meter is a very useful
consultants. tool to inspect water consumption.
The optimum water temperature is
• Disinfect boots before entering the about 20 °C.
houses. Furthermore feed and water intake are
closely correlated. If the birds don’t drink
• Use bulk feed if possible. Do not allow enough water for any reason, the feed
the truck driver to enter the houses. intake reduces consequently.
The water to feed ratio at comfort tem-
• Safeguard the houses against wild perature is around 1.8 – 2 : 1, but this re-
birds and vermin. Keep rats and mice lation increases up to 5 : 1 at high ambi-
under constant control. ent temperatures above 30 °C. During
exposure to high temperatures, birds
• Dispose of dead birds hygienically. consume less feed, but more water in an
Follow local laws and regulations. effort to cool their body down.

Check the water quality regularly, espe-

Daily Control cially if you use your own water supply
like well water.
Check at least once daily: For example excessive salt levels in
• Health status drinking water can cause persistent
• Temperature damage to shell quality and hard water
• Ventilation with high TDS* levels may cause kidney
• Feed and water consumption damage.
• Lighting * TDS: Total Dissolved Solids
• Mortality

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 28

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Grit
Feeding grit is not a must but is rec- • Collect eggs at least once a day.
ommended when rations are supple- • Store eggs at temperatures between
mented by grains. This stimulates the 5 °C and 10 °C with a relative humidity
development of the crop and the giz- of between 80 – 85 %.
zard during the rearing period, which in
turn has a positive effect on feed intake Storing at higher temperatures and low-
capacity. er humidity leads to rapid loss of weight
and impairs the quality of the egg white
Table 13: Amount and Granula- due to an increase in gas exchange.
tion of Grit Dependent on Age Nests (Non Cage Housing)
Week once a week 1 g /bird
1 – 2 (size 1–2 mm) The quality of nests is also a factor which
Week once a week 2 g/bird affects egg quality. Renew the litter
3 – 8 (size 3–4 mm) in litter-type nests regularly and keep
them clean. Provide individual nests at a
From once a month 3 g/bird
rate of one nest for 4 hens. Collect floor
week 9 (size 4– 6 mm)
eggs frequently to keep their rate as low
as possible.
Litter (Non Cage Housing) In addition to sufficient nesting space
in family type nests, the following fac-
Only use shavings from untreated wood tors are important for a low rate of floor
in order to avoid poisoning and residues eggs:
in the egg.
Provide sufficient ventilation to ensure • Clean, dry litter or soft nest lining
good litter condition and remove wet
litter, if necessary. • Easy access

Egg Quality and Egg • Even distribution of the nests within

the barn
Collection
• Only one type of nest in the barn
LOHMANN LSL-LITE layers produce eggs
of excellent quality. To preserve the For optimum egg quality, rollaway nests
quality, the following points should be in combination with slats are better than
observed: litter-type nests or family type nests.

29
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Stocking Density Equipment Requirements

The optimal bird density/m2 depends In general, the more closely the growing
on management conditions and to house and facilities resemble the future
which extent climate can be controlled. production system, the easier it will be
6 –8 birds/m² can be taken as a general for the pullets to settle down in their
guide for non-cage housing. new environment after transfer to the
For cage systems, an area of 475–540 cm2/ laying house. The following tables show
bird is recommended. Take note of devi- the equipment requirements for rearing
ating regulations for stocking density and production period.
and declaration of eggs.

Table 14: Equipment Requirement for Rearing Period

Equipment Age in Weeks Requirement
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

Table 15: Equipment Requirement for Production Period

Equipment Requirement
Round drinkers 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birds
Linear drinkers 1 running m for 80 – 100 birds
Nipple drinkers 6 – 8 birds per nipple
Round feeders 4 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds
Single nests 1 nest (26 x 30 cm) for 4 birds
Chain feeders 5 lin. m for 100 birds

Further details in the LOHMANN Management Guide for floor/free range housing.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 30

GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 16: Body Weight Development of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Week 1 – 46

Age in Weight Weight Age in Weight Weight

Weeks Range (g) Average (g) Weeks Range (g) Average (g)
1 67 – 73 70 24 1478 – 1602 1540

2 115 – 125 120 25 1507 – 1633 1570

3 178 – 192 185 26 1531 – 1659 1595

4 245 – 265 255 27 1550 – 1680 1615

5 321 – 347 334 28 1560 – 1690 1625

6 408 – 442 425 29 1560 – 1690 1630

7 503 – 545 524 30 1567 – 1697 1632

8 593 – 643 618 31 1569 – 1699 1634

9 684 – 740 712 32 1571 – 1701 1636

10 770 – 834 802 33 1572 – 1704 1638

11 844 – 914 879 34 1574 – 1706 1640

12 910 – 986 948 35 1576 – 1708 1642

13   968 – 1048 1008 36 1578 – 1710 1644

14 1020 – 1104 1062 37 1580 – 1712 1646

15 1068 – 1156 1112 38 1582 – 1714 1648

16 1110 – 1202 1156 39 1584 – 1716 1650

17 1155 – 1251 1203 40 1586 – 1718 1652

18 1203 – 1303 1253 41 1588 – 1720 1654

19 1258 – 1362 1310 42 1590 – 1722 1656

20 1315 – 1425 1370 43 1591 – 1723 1657

21 1363 – 1477 1420 44 1592 – 1724 1658

22 1406 – 1524 1465 45 1593 – 1725 1659

23 1445 – 1565 1505 46 1594 – 1726 1660

31
GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 16: Body Weight Development of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Week 47 – 90

Age in Weight Weight Age in Weight Weight

Weeks Range (g) Average (g) Weeks Range (g) Average (g)
47 1595 – 1727 1661 69 1611 – 1745 1678

48 1596 – 1728 1662 70 1611 – 1746 1679

49 1596 – 1730 1663 71 1612 – 1746 1679

50 1597 – 1731 1664 72 1612 – 1747 1680

51 1598 – 1732 1665 73 1613 – 1747 1680

52 1599 – 1733 1666 74 1613 – 1748 1681

53 1600 – 1734 1667 75 1614 – 1748 1681

54 1601 – 1735 1668 76 1614 – 1749 1682

55 1602 – 1736 1669 77 1615 – 1749 1682

56 1603 – 1737 1670 78 1615 – 1750 1683

57 1604 – 1738 1671 79 1616 – 1750 1683

58 1605 – 1739 1672 80 1616 – 1751 1684

59 1606 – 1740 1673 81 1616 – 1751 1684

60 1607 – 1740 1674 82 1618 – 1752 1685

61 1607 – 1741 1674 83 1618 – 1752 1685

62 1608 – 1741 1675 84 1619 – 1753 1686

63 1608 – 1742 1675 85 1619 – 1753 1686

64 1608 – 1743 1676 86 1620 – 1754 1687

65 1609 – 1743 1676 87 1620 – 1754 1687

66 1609 – 1744 1677 88 1620 – 1756 1688

67 1610 – 1744 1677 89 1620 – 1756 1688

68 1610 – 1745 1678 90 1621 – 1757 1689

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 32

 GENERAL INFORMATION

Growth and Body Weight (g) Develo

2000

1500
Body Weight (g)

1000

500

0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
Age in

33
pment Curve of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
Weeks

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 34

GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 17: Performance Goals of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Week 19 – 42

Age in Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass

Weeks per H.H. % g g/H.D. kg/H.H
Cumulative per per in Cumulative in Cumulative
H.H. H.D. Week Week
19 0.7 10.0 10.0 41.0 41.0 4.1 0.03

20 3.2 35.0 35.0 44.0 43.3 15.4 0.14

21 7.0 55.0 55.1 47.0 45.4 25.9 0.32

22 12.1 73.0 73.1 49.5 47.1 36.2 0.57

23 17.9 83.0 83.2 51.8 48.6 43.1 0.87

24 24.2 89.0 89.2 53.5 49.9 47.7 1.20

25 30.6 92.0 92.3 55.0 51.0 50.8 1.56

26 37.1 93.5 93.8 56.4 51.9 52.9 1.93

27 43.7 94.3 94.6 57.3 52.7 54.2 2.31

28 50.4 94.8 95.2 57.9 53.4 55.1 2.69

29 57.0 95.0 95.5 58.4 54.0 55.8 3.08

30 63.7 95.1 95.7 58.8 54.5 56.2 3.47

31 70.3 95.2 95.8 59.2 54.9 56.7 3.86

32 77.0 95.3 95.9 59.6 55.3 57.1 4.26

33 83.7 95.3 96.0 60.0 55.7 57.6 4.66

34 90.3 95.3 96.0 60.4 56.1 58.0 5.07

35 97.0 95.3 96.0 60.7 56.4 58.3 5.47

36 103.7 95.2 96.0 61.0 56.7 58.5 5.88

37 110.3 95.1 95.9 61.3 57.0 58.8 6.28

38 117.0 94.9 95.8 61.4 57.2 58.8 6.69

39 123.6 94.8 95.7 61.6 57.4 59.0 7.10

40 130.2 94.6 95.6 61.8 57.7 59.1 7.51

41 136.8 94.4 95.4 61.9 57.9 59.1 7.92

42 143.4 94.2 95.2 62.0 58.1 59.1 8.33

35
GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 17: Performance Goals of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Week 43 – 66
Age in Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass
Weeks per H.H. % g g/H.D. kg/H.H
Cumulative per per in Cumulative in Cumulative
H.H. H.D. Week Week
43 150.0 94.0 95.1 62.1 58.2 59.1 8.74

44 156.5 93.7 94.9 62.2 58.4 59.0 9.14

45 163.1 93.4 94.7 62.3 58.6 59.0 9.55

46 169.6 93.1 94.5 62.4 58.7 58.9 9.96

47 176.1 92.7 94.2 62.5 58.8 58.8 10.36

48 182.5 92.3 93.8 62.6 59.0 58.7 10.77

49 189.0 91.9 93.5 62.7 59.1 58.6 11.17

50 195.4 91.5 93.2 62.8 59.2 58.5 11.57

51 201.7 91.1 92.9 62.9 59.3 58.4 11.97

52 208.1 90.7 92.6 63.0 59.5 58.3 12.37

53 214.4 90.2 92.2 63.1 59.6 58.2 12.77

54 220.7 89.7 91.8 63.2 59.7 58.0 13.17

55 226.9 89.2 91.3 63.3 59.8 57.8 13.56

56 233.1 88.7 90.9 63.4 59.9 57.6 13.96

57 239.3 88.2 90.5 63.5 60.0 57.5 14.35

58 245.4 87.7 90.1 63.5 60.0 57.2 14.74

59 251.5 87.2 89.7 63.6 60.1 57.0 15.12

60 257.6 86.6 89.2 63.6 60.2 56.7 15.51

61 263.6 86.1 88.7 63.6 60.3 56.4 15.89

62 269.6 85.5 88.2 63.7 60.4 56.2 16.27

63 275.5 85.0 87.8 63.7 60.4 55.9 16.65

64 281.5 84.4 87.3 63.8 60.5 55.7 17.03

65 287.3 83.9 86.8 63.8 60.6 55.4 17.40

66 293.2 83.3 86.3 63.9 60.6 55.2 17.78

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 36

GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 17: Performance Goals of LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Week 67 – 90
Age in Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass
Weeks per H.H. % g g/H.D. kg/H.H
Cumulative per per in Cumulative in Cumulative
H.H. H.D. Week Week
67 298.9 82.8 85.8 63.9 60.7 54.9 18.15

68 304.7 82.2 85.3 64.0 60.8 54.6 18.52

69 310.4 81.6 84.8 64.0 60.8 54.3 18.88

70 316.1 80.9 84.2 64.1 60.9 54.0 19.24

71 321.7 80.3 83.6 64.1 60.9 53.6 19.60

72 327.3 79.7 83.1 64.2 61.0 53.3 19.96

73 332.8 79.1 82.5 64.2 61.0 53.0 20.32

74 338.3 78.4 81.9 64.3 61.1 52.7 20.67

75 343.7 77.8 81.4 64.3 61.2 52.3 21.02

76 349.1 77.2 80.8 64.4 61.2 52.0 21.37

77 354.5 76.5 80.1 64.4 61.3 51.6 21.71

78 359.8 75.7 79.5 64.5 61.3 51.3 22.06

79 365.0 75.0 78.8 64.5 61.3 50.8 22.39

80 370.2 74.3 78.1 64.6 61.4 50.5 22.73

81 375.4 73.6 77.4 64.6 61.4 50.0 23.06

82 380.5 72.8 76.7 64.6 61.5 49.6 23.39

83 385.5 72.1 76.1 64.6 61.5 49.2 23.72

84 390.5 71.3 75.3 64.6 61.6 48.7 24.04

85 395.5 70.5 74.5 64.6 61.6 48.2 24.36

86 400.3 69.7 73.8 64.7 61.6 47.7 24.67

87 405.2 68.9 73.0 64.7 61.7 47.2 24.99

88 409.9 68.1 72.2 64.7 61.7 46.7 25.29

89 414.6 67.2 71.4 64.7 61.7 46.2 25.60

90 419.3 66.3 70.5 64.7 61.8 45.6 25.90

37
GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 18: Egg Grading for LOHMANN LSL-LITE

Expected Egg Grades (%) for Different Egg Weights*
Depending on Average Egg Weight
Egg Weight (g) S M L XL
(Flock Average) Below 53 g 53 – 63 g 63 – 73 g Above 73 g
46 98.5 1.5 0.0 0.0
48 93.2 6.8 0.0 0.0
50 80.4 19.6 0.0 0.0
51 71.2 28.8 0.0 0.0
52 60.8 39.1 0.1 0.0
53 50.0 49.6 0.4 0.0
54 39.6 59.5 0.9 0.0
55 30.2 67.9 1.9 0.0
56 22.2 74.0 3.8 0.0
57 15.8 77.5 6.7 0.0
58 10.9 78.2 10.9 0.0
59 7.4 76.0 16.6 0.0
60 4.8 71.5 23.6 0.1
62 1.9 57.2 40.3 0.6
64 0.7 40.5 56.6 2.2
66 0.2 25.6 67.7 6.5
68 0.1 14.6 70.6 14.7
70 0.0 7.6 65.3 27.0
72 0.0 3.7 54.1 42.2
Week** Expected Egg Grades (%) of Total Produced Eggs*
Depending on Flock Age***
60 10.7 56.4 32.3 0.6
65 9.7 55.0 34.6 0.7
70 8.9 53.7 36.6 0.8
75 8.2 52.5 38.3 1.0
80 7.7 51.4 39.8 1.1
85 7.2 50.5 41.1 1.2
90 6.9 49.5 42.3 1.3

* Excluding double-yolk eggs **Cumulative up to Week *** According to the given standard

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 38

 GENERAL INFORMATION

Egg Production Curve for

100

90

80

70
Egg Production (%) per Hen-Day

60

50

40

30

20

10

18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 5
Age in

39
LOHMANN LSL-LITE Layers

2 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
Weeks

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 40

NOTES
NOTES

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT 42

NOTES
 How LOHMANN TIERZUCHT is calculating the energy content of feed and
raw materials (International WPSA-formula):

ME MJ/kg = g crude protein x 0.01551

+ g crude fat x 0.03431
+ g crude starch x 0.01669
+ g sugar x 0.01301 (as Saccharose)
ME = metabolizable energy in MJ/kg
1 kcal = 4.187 kJ

Consultation and diagnostics in all questions of poultry health through:

Veterinary-Laboratory 3
Diagnostics
Quality Control
Research and Development

The LOHMANN TIERZUCHT Veterinary-Laboratory

Veterinary-Laboratory
Abschnede 64 · D-27472 Cuxhaven · Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 4721 707-244 · Fax: +49 (0) 4721 707-267
Email: [email protected] · www.ltz.de

The performance data mentioned in this guide are based on traditional cage
management. Different management systems or poor environmental, feeding or
management conditions could lead to considerable deviations in performance.

ManagementGuide | LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

 LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GmbH
Am Seedeich 9-11 · 27472 Cuxhaven · Germany
P.O. Box 460 · 27454 Cuxhaven · Germany
Phone +49 (0) 4721 505-0 · Telefax +49 (0) 4721 388-52
04/13

Email: [email protected] · www.ltz.de