Production per bird
Production per bird is very variable. It depends on the quality of birds and the level of management. However, production of 240 to 280 eggs per lay period is good performance. Under poor management, birds can produce as low as 180 eggs per bird, per lay period. A lay period is normally 1-year.
- Collect eggs 2 to 3 times a day.
- Store eggs in a cool dry place.
- Place eggs with the broad end up in the egg tray.
- Separate broken eggs, tinted and those with blood spots from whole eggs.
Flock disposal or Culling.
Flock disposal for all birds is done at the end of the lay period. All birds are also disposed after they have proved uneconomical to keep. In most cases laying birds are kept for 1 year before they are disposed. Therefore, it is important to assess the economics of continued production. In any case, individual birds are culled or disposed off if; they are not laying, have a problem, or are sick.
For proper utilization of facilities and market, the birds should be stocked in such a way that there are flocks at 8 weeks; 22 weeks; 44 weeks; and 66 weeks. This plan allows for continuous supply of eggs to the market by the farmer.
Every poultry farmer should keep management records such as: -
- Source (The hatchery chicks were bought from),
- Feed types, source and prices.
- Feed consumption rate.
- Growth performance.
- Egg production per day, per month, per laying period.
- Diseases occurrences.
- Egg Sales.
Production Factors Calculations.
There are many production factors, which each poultry farmer has to know and review from time to time to assess production efficiencies, e.g.
1. Average Number of Eggs per hen.
- Total Number of Eggs divided by Average Number of hens.
2. % Production.
- Total Number of Eggs times 100 divided by Total Number of days times Number of birds houses.
3. % Mortality.
- Total loss to date times 100 divided by Total Number of hens at the time of housing
4. Kg of Feed per Dozen eggs.
- Total kg feed used divided by Total dozen eggs produced.
5. Average Feed Cost/hen.
- Total Feed Cost divided by Average Number of hens.
6. Return above feed cost/ dozen eggs.
- Price/dozen eggs MINUS divided by Feed cost per dozen eggs.
7. % Breakage.
- Total Number of Eggs Broken times 100 divided by Total Number of Eggs produced