L A Y E R

M A N A G E M E N T G U I D E

LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC

PRODUCTS OF LOHMANN TIERZUCHT

• LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC

• LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC

• LOHMANN LSL-LITE

• LOHMANN BROWN-LITE

• LOHMANN BROWN-EXTRA

• LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA

• LOHMANN TRADITION

• LOHMANN SANDY

• LOHMANN SILVER

Increasing world wide concentration and growing competition in the poultry industryrequires 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, designedfor markets which prefer smaller eggs and measure efficiency in g feed per egg. Formarkets 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 beingdeveloped mainly for alternative management systems.

LOHMANN SANDY is a white feathering layer for the production of cream colouredeggs. The pullet has an outstanding food conversion.

LOHMANN SILVER is a predominately white feathering layer for the production ofuniform brown eggs with reduced egg weight. Her special advantage is the excellentfeathering.

Lohmann LSL hens, too, adapt well to non cage systems and usually do not require beaktrimming.

The intensive monitoring programme of all breeding farms and hatchery by our veteri-nary laboratory assures the highest possible health status of chicks supplied by LohmannTierzucht.

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 13

General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Housing Chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Floor Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17

Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 - 18

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 21

Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 - 22

Performance Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23

Egg Grading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Egg Production Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Beak Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 - 26

Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 - 27

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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INTRODUCTION

Why should you study this management guide?

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

TOP PERFORMANCE BY SYSTEMATICSELECTION

In recent decades advanced methods have greatly improvedbreeding quality.

Due to the development of powerful electronic data processingsystems it has become possible to put the theory of selectionsystematically into practice - thus turning modern quantitativegenetics into reality.

Very early on Lohmann Tierzucht used these new techniquesand so can offer an extensive range of experience and know-how. A highly qualified team of specialists guarantees promptutilization of the latest research results. The market’s changingdemands can be met quickly and effectively.

Moreover, nationally and internationally Lohmann Tierzucht is ranked as first class onquestions of poultry health - which is one of the decisive factors for performance andprofitability.

Intensive research in our own veterinary lab, besides increasing resistance to disease bygenetic means and ensuring the strictest conditions of hygiene, is fundamental to thequality 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: WithLohmann Tierzucht products eggs are produced in top quality and at competitive costs.

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Results of performance comparisons in the field and in independent institutes are theproof.

Lohmann Tierzucht products are often the winners and they are always among the few atthe top, world-wide.

Lohmann Tierzucht - the right partner for progressive, successful poultry management.

PERFORMANCE DATA

LSL 103

Egg Production Age at 50 % production 140 - 150 daysPeak production 92 - 95 %

Eggs per Hen Housed

in 12 months of lay 305 - 315in 14 months of lay 345 - 355

Eggs Mass per Hen Housed

in 12 months of lay 19.0 - 20.0 kgin 14 months of lay 21.5 - 22.5 kg

Average Egg Weight

in 12 months of lay 62.0 - 63.0 gin 14 months of lay 62.5 - 63.5 g

Egg Shell colour attractive whiteCaracteristics Shell breaking strength 40 Newton

Feed 1st - 20th weeks 7.0 - 7.5 kgConsumption Production 105 - 115 g/day

Feed conversion 2.0 - 2.2 kg/kg Egg mass

Body Weight at 20 weeks 1.3 - 1.4 kgat end of production 1.7 - 1.9 kg

Liveability Rearing 97 - 98 %Laying period 94 - 96 %

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GROWTH CURVE

Weight Development of LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC Layers

Weight/g

Age in weeks

LSL 901

Age Weight Range Age Weight Range Age Weight Range Age Weight RangeWeeks gram Weeks gram Weeks gram Weeks gram

1 72 - 78 15 1077 - 1167 29 1622 - 1758 54 1687 - 1828

2 120 - 130 16 1120 - 1214 30 1632 - 1768 56 1690 - 1830

3 180 - 194 17 1166 - 1262 31 1637 - 1773 58 1692 - 1833

4 247 - 267 18 1213 - 1315 32 1642 - 1778 60 1694 - 1836

5 324 - 350 19 1269 - 1375 34 1646 - 1784 62 1697 - 1838

6 412 - 446 20 1331 - 1441 36 1651 - 1789 64 1699 - 1841

7 509 - 550 21 1392 - 1508 38 1656 - 1794 66 1702 - 1843

8 599 - 649 22 1440 - 1560 40 1661 - 1799 68 1704 - 1846

9 690 - 748 23 1478 - 1602 42 1666 - 1804 70 1706 - 1849

10 777 - 841 24 1517 - 1643 44 1670 - 1810 72 1709 - 1851

11 852 - 922 25 1546 - 1674 46 1675 - 1815 74 1711 - 1854

12 919 - 995 26 1565 - 1695 48 1680 - 1820 76 1714 - 1856

13 976 - 1058 27 1584 - 1716 50 1682 - 1823 78 1716 - 1859

14 1029 - 1115 28 1603 - 1737 52 1685 - 1825 80 1718 - 1862

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BREEDING SCHEME

BODY WEIGHT, FEED CONSUMPTION

* The basis for switching between diet types is the hens‘ bodyweight development. The correct time for changingthe diet is determined not by age but by bodyweight. Chicks and pullets should therefore be weighed at regularintervals.

** 1 Kcal = 4.187 KJ

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LSL 304

Age in Body Weight (g) KJ** Feed Consumption Feed*Weeks Average Range Bird/Day g/Bird/Day Cumulative

1 75 72 78 120 10 702 125 120 130 204 17 1893 187 180 194 276 23 3504 257 247 267 331 29 5535 337 324 350 388 34 7916 429 412 446 422 37 1050

Grower

7 529 509 550 467 41 13378 624 599 649 513 45 16529 719 690 748 559 49 1995

10 809 777 841 604 53 236611 887 852 922 638 56 275812 957 919 995 684 60 3178 Developer13 1017 976 1058 730 64 362614 1072 1029 1115 764 67 409515 1122 1077 1167 798 70 458516 1167 1120 1214 832 73 509617 1214 1166 1262 866 76 562818 1264 1213 1315 901 79 6181 Pre-Lay19 1322 1269 1375 958 84 676920 1386 1331 1441 1021 88 7385 Start Lay

LOHMANN LSL-Classic PulletsBodyweight development with standard lighting programme

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NUTRITION

GeneralTo get the best out of the genetic performance potential of LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIClayers all mash feed with full nutritive value is a must. Such nutrition can best be guaranteedby a complete feed adapted to the performance potential. In our recommendations theessential nutrient levels for each stage of development are listed.

Feed ConsumptionFeed consumption is affected by:

• Body weight

• Performance

• House temperatureLow temperatures increase the maintenance requirements of the hens, especially incase of poor feathering

• Feed textureCoarse texture increases while fine texture decreases feed intake

• Energy levelThe higher the energy level the lower the feed intake and vice versa

• Nutrient imbalancesThe hen will try to compensate for any nutrient deficits by increasing consumption.

Nutrition and Egg WeightWithin certain limits egg weight can be adapted to farm specific requirements by adjustingrations. The following nutritional factors should be noted:

• GrowingFeeding for higher body weight at the onset of lay increases the egg weight throughoutthe 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

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Where possible, adjust house temperature in the opposite direction of desired egg weightand feed intake. By stimulating feed intake egg weight can be increased, and limited bycontrolled feeding.

Contact your Lohmann Tierzucht specialist for programmes with specific recommenda-tions for nutrition and management to suit your specific requirements.

RearingA balanced and nutritious diet during the rearing stage is essential to enable the chickto develop into a mature pullet. Chicks and pullets should be fed a coarse diet (for particlesizes see table below) of a meal-type consistency. A high proportion of very fine compo-nents or a structure that is too coarse lead to a selective feed intake and an unbalancednutrient supply. A diet with an extremely fine consistency reduces the birds‘ feed intakeand can result in an undersupply of some nutrients. If pelleting of feed is unavoidable for hygienic reasons the pellets should be crumbledto the recommended consistency.

Sieve Size Passing Part Sieve Size Interval Part of Interval(mm) % (mm) %

0.5 mm 19 0 - 0.5 mm 191.0 mm 40 0.51- 1 mm 211.5 mm 75 1.01- 1.5 mm 352.0 mm 90 1.51- 2 mm 152.5 mm 100 > 2 mm 10*

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* INDIVIDUAL PARTICLES NOT BIGGER THAN- 3 mm in chick superstarter-/starter diets- 5 mm in grower and layer diets

Recommended Particle-Size Distribution for Chick Starter, Grower andLayer Feed (MASH)

During the different growth phases of chicks and pullets qualitatively different feed vari-eties should be used whose nutrient content meets the birds‘ changing needs. The dietsare matched to the nutrient requirement and weight development at each stage of growth.The use of chick starter is recommended if the standard bodyweight is not reached byfeeding grower or if the daily feed intake is expected to be low. The switch to developershould only be made when the standard bodyweight has been reached. A reduced nutrientdensity during this phase is beneficial for improving eating capacity. The pre-lay diet hasabout twice the calcium content of pullet developer well as higher levels of protein andamino acids. Feeding such a diet for about 14 days prior to the planned start of lay istherefore beneficial and, if pullets are moved to the layer facility early, absolutely essen-tial. This diet improves flock uniformity by enabling early maturing birds to obtain suffi-cient calcium for eggshell production of the first eggs and by providing a better nutrientsupply for late maturing birds.

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LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC End ProductRecommendations for Nutrient Levels

LSL 1203

Diet type* Starter** Grower Developer Pre-Layer Start-Lay

Nutrient 1-3 weeks 1-8 weeks 9-16 weeks Week 17 5% prod.-5% prod. ~ week

28Metabol. energy kcal 2900 2750-2800 2750-2800 2750-2800 2800Minimum MJ 12.0 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.6Crude protein % 21.0 18.5 14.5 17.5 18.0Methionine % 0.48 0.40 0.34 0.36 0.40Meth./Cystine % 0.83 0.70 0.60 0.68 0.73Dig. M/C % 0.68 0.57 0.50 0.56 0.60Lysine % 1.20 1.00 0.65 0.85 0.80Dig. lysine % 0.98 0.82 0.53 0.70 0.66Tryptophan % 0.23 0.21 0.16 0.20 0.20Threonine % 0.80 0.70 0.50 0.60 0.59Calcium % 1.05 1.00 0.90 2.00 3.70Phosphorus, total % 0.75 0.70 0.58 0.65 0.65Phosphorus, avail. % 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.45 0.45Sodium % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15Chloride, min. % 0.20 0.19 0.16 0.16 0.15Linoleic acid % 1.40 1.40 1.00 1.00 2.00

* The basis for switching between diet types is the hens‘ bodyweight development. The correct time for changingthe diet is determined not by age but by bodyweight. Chicks and pullets should therefore be weighed at regu-lar intervals.

** Chick starter should be fed if the standard bodyweight is not reached by feeding chick grower or if the dailyfeed intake is expected to be low.

Laying Period

Layer starter is an energy- and nutrient-rich feed with a coarse consistency and a calciumcontent of 3.7 %. This diet, intended for the period of increasing egg production andrising feed intake, is fed until the time of peak lay (at about 28 weeks of age). At thistime all hens in a healthy flocks are laying. At 28 weeks a phase-feeding programmeshould be introduced. The basis for the feed formulation in each phase is the nutrientrequirement and actual feed consumption.

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LSL 1203

Recommended Nutrient Levels per kg of Feed for different daily FeedConsumption

Phase 1 (~ 29 - ~ 45 weeks of age)

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumptiong/Hen/Day* 105 g 110 g 115 g

Crude Protein 18.80 17.90 % 17.10 % 16.40 %Methionine 0.44 0.42 % 0.40 % 0.38 %Meth./Cystine 0.80 0.76 % 0.73 % 0.70 %Dig. M/C 0.66 0.63 % 0.60 % 0.57 %Lysine 0.87 0.83 % 0.79 % 0.76 %Dig. Lysine 0.71 0.68 % 0.65 % 0.62 %Tryptophan 0.21 0.20 % 0.19 % 0.18 %Threonine 0.64 0.61 % 0.58 % 0.56 %Calcium 4.10 3.90 % 3.75 % 3.60 %Phosphorus tot. 0.60 0.57 % 0.55 % 0.52 %Phosphorus avail. 0.42 0.40 % 0.38 % 0.36 %Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Linoleic Acid 2.00 1.90 % 1.80 % 1.75 %

* equals % at 100 g daily feed consumption

The diet for phase 1 is designed to cover the requirement for maximum egg mass (over58 g daily egg mass / hen). It is similar to layer starter but has a higher calcium content.The recommended nutrient allowances shown in the tables (phase 2-4) assume a dietaryenergy concentration of 11.4 MJ/kg (2720 kcal) metabolisable energy, a house temper-ature of 22 °C and good plumage.

Under these conditions the daily feed consumption of LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC is expectedto be 105 – 115 g/day. The feed formulations for phases 2 – 4 cater for the reducedrequirement for organic nutrients and the increasing requirement for calcium as the hensgrow. The time for switching diets is determined more by the level of productionand the need for calcium rather than by age.

Every 10 weeks throughout the laying period the composition of the diet should be adaptedto the level of production and the hens‘ nutrient requirement. Major changes in the rawmaterial composition of the various phase diets or marked changes in feed consistencyshould be avoided.

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Phase 2 (approx. week 41 to 50)

LSL 1203

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumptiong/Hen/Day 105 g 110 g 115 g

Crude Protein 18.40 17.50 % 16.70 % 16.00 %Methionine 0.41 0.39 % 0.37 % 0.35 %Meth./Cystine 0.76 0.72 % 0.69 % 0.66 %Dig. M/C 0.63 0.60 % 0.57 % 0.55 %Lysine 0.83 0.79 % 0.75 % 0.72 %Dig. Lysine 0.68 0.65 % 0.62 % 0.59 %Tryptophan 0.20 0.19 % 0.18 % 0.17 %Threonine 0.58 0.55 % 0.53 % 0.50 %Calcium 4.40 4.20 % 4.00 % 3.80 %Phosphorus tot. 0.59 0.56 % 0.53 % 0.51 %Phosphorus avail. 0.41 0.39 % 0.37 % 0.36 %Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Linoleic Acid 1.60 1.50 % 1.45 % 1.40 %

Phase 3 (51 - 65 weeks)

LSL 1203

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumptiong/Hen/Day 105 g 110 g 115 g

Crude Protein 17.80 17.00 % 16.20 % 15.50 %Methionine 0.38 0.36 % 0.35 % 0.33 %Meth./Cystine 0.70 0.67 % 0.64 % 0.61 %Dig. M/C 0.58 0.55 % 0.53 % 0.50 %Lysine 0.78 0.74 % 0.71 % 0.68 %Dig. Lysine 0.64 0.61 % 0.58 % 0.56 %Tryptophan 0.19 0.18 % 0.17 % 0.17 %Threonine 0.55 0.52 % 0.50 % 0.48 %Calcium 4.50 4.30 % 4.10 % 3.90 %Phosphorus tot. 0.56 0.53 % 0.51 % 0.49 %Phosphorus avail. 0.39 0.37 % 0.35 % 0.34 %Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Linoleic Acid 1.20 1.15 % 1.10 % 1.05 %

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Phase 4 (after week 65)

LSL 1203

Nutrient Requirement Daily Feed Consumptiong/Hen/Day 105 g 110 g 115 g

Crude Protein 17.20 16.40 % 15.60 % 15.00 %Methionine 0.36 0.34 % 0.33 % 0.31 %Meth./Cystine 0.67 0.64 % 0.61 % 0.58 %Dig. M/C 0.55 0.52 % 0.50 % 0.48 %Lysine 0.75 0.71 % 0.68 % 0.65 %Dig. Lysine 0.61 0.58 % 0.55 % 0.53 %Tryptophan 0.18 0.17 % 0.16 % 0.15 %Threonine 0.53 0.50 % 0.48 % 0.46 %Calcium 4.60 4.40 % 4.20 % 4.00 %Phosphorus tot. 0.50 0.48 % 0.45 % 0.43 %Phosphorus avail. 0.33 0.31 % 0.30 % 0.29 %Sodium 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Chlorine 0.17 0.16 % 0.15 % 0.15 %Linoleic Acid 1.10 1.05 % 1.00 % 0.95 %

SupplementsSupplements ensure the necessary supply of essential vitamins, trace elements andsubstances such as anti-oxidants or carotenoids.

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

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Supplements Starter/ Deve- Pre- Layerper kg Feed Grower loper Layer

Vitamin A I.U. 12000 8000 10000 10000Vitamin D3 I.U. 2000 2000 2500 2500Vitamin E mg 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30*Vitamin K3 mg 3** 3** 3** 3**Vitamin B1 mg 1 1 1 1Vitamin B2 mg 6 6 4 4Vitamin B6 mg 3 2 3 3Vitamin B12 mcg 15 10 15 15Pantothenic Acid mg 8 7 8 8Nicotinic Acid mg 30 30 30 30Folic Acid mg 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5Biotin mcg 50 50 25 25Choline mg 300 300 400 400Antioxydant mg 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150*Coccidiostat as required as required - -Manganese mg 100 100 100 100Zinc mg 60 60 60 60Iron mg 25 25 25 25Copper mg 5 5 5 5Cobalt mg 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1Iodine mg 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5Selenium mg 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

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

* can be partly replaced by oystershells

LSL 1203

Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification

LSL 1203

Continuous Supply of Fine and Coarse Limestone

Recommended Relation in Feed

Feedtype Fine Limestone Coarse Limestone*

Start-Lay 35 % 65 %Layer Phase 1 30 % 70 %Layer Phase 2 25 % 75 %Layer Phase 3/4 15 % 85 %

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Daily ControlCheck 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 mortalityrate, but also take note of feed and water consumption and the condition of droppings.

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

Egg QualityLOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC layers produce eggs of excellent quality. To preserve the qualitythe 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 between80 - 85 %.

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

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HOUSING CHICKS

Before Arrival of Chicks1. 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 inwinter at least 48 hours before the chicks arrive.

3. Distribute feed and water. The water should have room temperature by the time thechicks arrive.

4. In the case of cage rearing adjust the cage floors and feeding grids according to themanufacturer’s instructions.

On Arrival of Chicks1. 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 thechicks 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:

• If the chicks are evenly spread out and moving freely, temperature and ventilationare 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, correctthe situation and check more frequently.

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FLOOR MANAGEMENT

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 coccidiostatsin the feed when pullets are vaccinated.

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

GritFeeding grit is not absolutely necessary but can be recommended when the rations aresupplemented by grain.

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

Nests and Egg CollectingQuality of nests is also a factor which affects egg quality. Regularly renew the litter inlitter-type nests and keep them clean. Provide individual nests at a rate of one nest for 4hens. Collect floor eggs frequently to keep their rate as low as possible. In addition tosufficient nesting space in family type nests, the following factors are important for a lowrate 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-typenests or family type nests.

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)

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

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental conditions affect the well-being and performance of the birds. Importantenvironmental factors are temperature, humidity and level of toxic gases in the air. Theoptimal temperature depends on the age of the birds. The following table is a guide tothe correct temperature at bird level. The birds’ behaviour is the best indicator for correcttemperature!

Always reduce temperature gradually, and avoid sudden changes. The best temperaturefor 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 necessaryfresh air is supplied.

Age in WeeksChick founts 1 1 fount (4 - 5 l) for 100 chicksRound drinkers to 20 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birdsLinear drinkers to 20 1 running m for 100 birdsNipple drinkers to 20 6 - 8 birds per nippleChick feeding trays 1 - 2 1 tray for 60 chicksCut off chick cartons 1 - 2 1 carton for 100 chicksRound feeders 3 - 10 2 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birds

11 - 20 3 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birdsChain feeders 3 - 10 2,5 - 3,5 lin. m for 100 birds

11 - 20 4,5 lin. m for 100 birds

Equipment for Rearing

Equipment for Production

Round drinkers 1 drinker (Ø 46 cm) for 125 birdsLinear drinkers 1 running m for 80 - 100 birdsNipple drinkers 4 - 6 birds per nippleRound feeders 4 feeders (Ø 40 cm) for 100 birdsSingle nests 1 nest (26 x 30 cm) for 4 birds

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The air quality should meet the following minimum requirements:

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

L IGHTING

GeneralThe lighting programme controls onset of lay and affects the performance during theproduction period. Within certain limits, performance can be adapted to farm specificrequirements by adjusting the lighting scheme.

Easiest to follow are the lighting programmes in closed houses. In this case the hours oflight and light intensity can be adjusted to changing needs.

Rearing in an open house and then changing to a closed house for the production periodshould be avoided at all costs. Sudden drop in light intensity can depress performance.

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, movingthe birds to a brighter production house can lead to increased nervousness. To minimizethe stress of moving from light-controlled rearing to an uncontrolled laying house, keeplight intensity and day length during rearing closer to conditions in the laying house andmove the pullets as late as possible.

Intermittent Lighting Programme in Rearing for Day OldChicksWhen the Day Old Chicks arrive on the farm, they have been intensively handled in thehatchery and often had a long transport to their final destination. Common practice isto give them in the first 2 or 3 days after arrival, 24 hours light to help them to recoverand to provide those chicks enough time to eat and to drink. In practice it can be observed

Age Temperature °C Age Temperature °C

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

O2 over 16 % NH3 under 20 ppmCO2 under 0,3 % H2S under 5 ppmCO under 40 ppm

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that after arrival and housing some chicks continue to sleep, others are looking for feedand water. The activity of the flock will always be irregular. Especially in this phase, poul-trymen have difficulties interpreting the chicks behaviour and their condition.

There is a practically proved principal in splitting the day into phases of resting and activityusing a special designed intermittent lighting programme. The target is to synchronisethe chicks’ activities. The farmer gets a better impression on the flocks condition, thebirds are pushed by the groups behaviour to search for water and feed.

Therefore Lohmann Tierzucht advise to give chicks a rest after they arrive at the rearingfarm and then start with periodically four hours of light and two hours of darkness.

Lighting programme after arrival

4 hours light2 hours darkness4 hours light2 hours darkness4 hours light2 hours darkness4 hours light2 hours darkness

This programme can be used for up to 7 or 10 days after arrival. Then switch back tothe reqular step down lighting programme.

The usage of the following lighting programme brings about advantages as follows:

• The chicks are resting or sleeping at the same time. That means that the behaviourof the chicks will be synchronised.

• The weak chicks will be stimulated by stronger ones to move as well as to eat anddrink.

• The behaviour of the flock is more uniform and the judgement of the birds is moreeasier.

• The mortality will decrease.

Lighting Programme for Closed HousesIn closed houses the basic principles of lighting programme for layers are:

• never increase hours of light during the growing period

• never decrease hours of light during the production period

2

2

4

4 2

4

2

4

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To what degree lighting hours are reduced during the growing period, and the time whenstimulation is started by increasing the lighting hours, are means by which performancecan be adapted to farm specific requirements.

The lighting programme is designed for long utilization and aims at high egg weight. Itshould be combined with feed programme on page 8. Depending on weight developmentof the pullets according to page 6 it may be accompanied by controlled feeding between10 - 15 weeks of age.

Recommendations for intermittent lighting programmes are available on request.

Lighting Programme for LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC in Windowless Houses

* until the end of production LSL 1203

Age in Weeks Light in Hours Light IntensityStandard W/m2 Lux

Day 1 - 2 24 3 - 4 20 - 40Day 3 - 6 16 2 20 - 30

2 14 2 10 - 203 13 1 10 - 204 12 1 4 - 65 11 1 4 - 66 10 1 4 - 67 9 1 4 - 68 8 1 4 - 69 8 1 4 - 6

10 8 1 4 - 611 8 1 4 - 612 8 1 4 - 613 8 1 4 - 614 8 1 4 - 615 8 1 4 - 616 8 1 4 - 617 8 1 4 - 618 8 3 10 - 1519 9 3 10 - 1520 10 3 10 - 1521 11 3 10 - 1522 12 3 10 - 1523 13 3 10 - 1524 14 3 10 - 1525* 14 3 10 - 15

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Lighting Programme for Open HousesIn open houses, too, you should stick to the basic rules if possible. Do not increase the hoursof light during the growing period and do not decrease the hours of light during theproduction period.

This principle cannot always be strictly followed in open houses. Therefore the onset of layis sometimes earlier or later than planned. One critical factor is the length and rate ofchange of natural daylight between the 8 and 17 weeks of age. Basically there are threedifferent situations:

1. Nearly constant hours of natural daylight throughout the whole year. After graduallyreducing the hours of light no further lighting programme is needed during the criticalperiod (8 - 17 weeks). Stimulation occurs at the desired time by increasing the hoursof light by 1 hour weekly until the maximum lighting time has been reached.

2. Decreasing hours of natural day-light during the critical period (8th - 17th week). Nolighting programme is necessary during the critical period. To avoid delayed onset oflay stimulation can be started one week earlier.

3. Increasing hours of natural daylight during the critical period (8th - 17th week). Toavoid premature onset of lay the increasing daylength has to be disguised. The lightingtime is gradually reduced to the length of natural daylight at the start of the 17th weekof life and then kept constant throughout the growing period. At the start of the 17thweek of life lighting time is increased for stimulation.

As a general rule, in open houses the intensity of artificial light must be comparable to brightdaylight. So the light intensity of artificial lighting should be about 6 W/m2 or 50 - 60lux.

HYGIENE

General Recommendations1. 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.

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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 underconstant control.

10. Dispose of dead birds hygienically. Follow local laws and regulations.

PERFORMANCE GOALS

LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg MassAge 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

20 1.0 15.0 15.0 42.7 42.7 6.4 0.0421 4.5 49.0 49.0 46.6 45.7 22.8 0.2022 9.4 69.9 70.0 49.1 47.5 34.4 0.4423 15.0 80.8 81.0 52.1 49.2 42.2 0.7424 21.1 87.2 87.5 54.2 50.6 47.4 1.0725 27.5 90.5 91.0 56.0 51.9 51.0 1.4326 33.9 92.3 92.9 57.5 53.0 53.5 1.8027 40.4 93.1 93.8 58.4 53.8 54.8 2.1828 47.0 93.4 94.2 59.1 54.6 55.7 2.5629 53.5 93.6 94.4 59.6 55.2 56.3 2.9530 60.1 93.6 94.5 60.0 55.7 56.7 3.3531 66.6 93.5 94.5 60.4 56.2 57.1 3.7432 73.2 93.4 94.5 60.8 56.6 57.5 4.1433 79.7 93.2 94.4 61.2 57.0 57.8 4.5434 86.2 93.1 94.4 61.6 57.3 58.2 4.9435 92.7 92.9 94.3 61.9 57.6 58.4 5.3436 99.2 92.7 94.2 62.2 57.9 58.6 5.7537 105.7 92.5 94.1 62.5 58.2 58.8 6.1538 112.1 92.2 93.9 62.7 58.5 58.9 6.5639 118.6 91.9 93.7 62.9 58.7 58.9 6.9640 125.0 91.6 93.5 63.1 58.9 59.0 7.3741 131.4 91.3 93.3 63.2 59.1 59.0 7.7742 137.7 91.0 93.0 63.3 59.3 58.9 8.1743 144.1 90.6 92.7 63.4 59.5 58.8 8.5844 150.4 90.2 92.4 63.5 59.7 58.7 8.9845 156.7 89.7 92.0 63.6 59.8 58.5 9.38

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LSL 901

LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg MassAge 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

46 162.9 89.2 91.6 63.7 60.0 58.3 9.7747 169.1 88.7 91.2 63.8 60.1 58.2 10.1748 175.3 88.3 90.8 63.9 60.3 58.0 10.5649 181.4 87.8 90.4 64.0 60.4 57.9 10.9650 187.6 87.3 90.0 64.1 60.5 57.7 11.3551 193.6 86.7 89.5 64.2 60.6 57.5 11.7452 199.7 86.2 89.0 64.3 60.7 57.2 12.1353 205.7 85.7 88.6 64.4 60.8 57.1 12.5154 211.6 85.1 88.1 64.5 60.9 56.8 12.9055 217.5 84.5 87.6 64.6 61.0 56.6 13.2856 223.4 84.0 87.1 64.7 61.1 56.4 13.6657 229.2 83.4 86.6 64.8 61.2 56.1 14.0458 235.0 82.8 86.1 64.9 61.3 55.9 14.4159 240.8 82.3 85.6 65.0 61.4 55.6 14.7960 246.5 81.6 85.0 65.1 61.5 55.3 15.1661 252.2 81.0 84.5 65.2 61.6 55.1 15.5362 257.8 80.4 83.9 65.3 61.7 54.8 15.9063 263.4 79.7 83.3 65.4 61.7 54.5 16.2664 268.9 79.2 82.8 65.5 61.8 54.2 16.6365 274.4 78.5 82.2 65.6 61.9 53.9 16.9966 279.9 77.8 81.6 65.7 62.0 53.6 17.3467 285.3 77.1 80.9 65.8 62.0 53.2 17.7068 290.6 76.4 80.2 65.9 62.1 52.9 18.0569 295.9 75.6 79.5 66.0 62.2 52.5 18.4070 301.1 74.9 78.8 66.1 62.3 52.1 18.7571 306.3 74.1 78.1 66.2 62.3 51.7 19.0972 311.5 73.4 77.4 66.3 62.4 51.3 19.4373 316.6 72.6 76.7 66.4 62.4 50.9 19.7774 321.6 71.8 75.9 66.5 62.5 50.5 20.1075 326.6 71.1 75.2 66.6 62.6 50.1 20.4376 331.5 70.3 74.5 66.7 62.6 49.7 20.7677 336.4 69.6 73.8 66.8 62.7 49.3 21.0978 341.2 68.8 73.0 66.9 62.8 48.8 21.4179 345.9 67.9 72.2 67.0 62.8 48.4 21.7380 350.6 67.1 71.4 67.1 62.9 47.9 22.04

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EGG GRADING

*) excluding double-yolk eggs

Expected Egg Grades (%) for different Egg Weights*

LSL 901

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 98.547 0.0 0.0 3.4 96.648 0.0 0.0 6.8 93.249 0.0 0.0 12.2 87.850 0.0 0.0 19.6 80.451 0.0 0.0 28.7 71.252 0.0 0.1 39.1 60.853 0.0 0.4 49.6 50.054 0.0 0.9 59.6 39.655 0.0 1.9 67.9 30.256 0.0 3.7 74.1 22.257 0.0 6.6 77.6 15.858 0.0 10.9 78.2 10.959 0.0 16.6 76.0 7.360 0.1 23.7 71.5 4.861 0.2 31.7 65.0 3.062 0.6 40.3 57.2 1.963 1.2 48.8 48.8 1.264 2.2 56.6 40.5 0.765 3.9 63.1 32.6 0.466 6.5 67.7 25.6 0.267 10.0 70.3 19.6 0.168 14.7 70.6 14.6 0.169 20.4 68.9 10.7 0.070 27.0 65.3 7.6 0.0

Week Expected Egg Grades of total Eggs

70 2.1 45.9 45.8 6.272 2.2 46.6 45.1 6.074 2.4 47.3 44.4 5.876 2.6 48.0 43.7 5.778 2.8 48.6 43.1 5.580 3.0 49.2 42.5 5.4

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EGG PRODUCTION CURVE

LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC Layers

BEAK TRIMMING

Under optimal conditions beak trimming should not be necessary. In practise, it is widelyused as an efficient precaution to cannibalism and feather pecking. Such behaviour maydevelop 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 andfeather 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.

Egg production (%) per Hen Housed

Age in weeks

LSL 901

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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 inthe late evening or at night

• Giving vitamins via the drinking-water can also help to alleviate stress

VACCINATION

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 MethodsIndividual Vaccinations - injections, eye-drops - are very effective and generally welltolerated but also very labour intensive.

Drinking Water Vaccinations are not labour intensive but must be carried out with thegreatest care to be effective. The water used for preparing the vaccine solution must notcontain any disinfectants. During the growing period the birds should be without water forapproximately 2 hours prior to vaccination. During hot weather reduce this time accord-ingly. The amount of vaccine solution should be calculated to be completely consumedwithin 2 - 4 hours. When vaccinating with live vaccines, add 2 g of skim milk powderper 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. Usedistilled water for vaccination.

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

Special RecommendationsMarek Re-Vaccinations have proved successful after long transportation and in areaswith high infection risk. Consult your veterinarian and the Lohmann veterinary labora-tory for further information.

Mycoplasmosis Vaccinations are only advisable if the farm cannot be kept free ofmycoplasmosis. Infections with virulent mycoplasma species during the production periodlead to performance depression. The best performance is achieved by flocks which arekept free of mycoplasmosis and are not vaccinated.

Applying Vitamins in the first two to three days after vaccination can help to reducestress and prevent undesired reactions. How far this is necessary depends on the specificsituation on each farm.

Example of a Vaccination LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC Layer

Disease Appearance Vaccination Commentsworldwide regional methods

Marek ● I Single vaccination of day-old chicks in the hatchery

Coccidiosis ● DW / FNewcastle ● DW / Sp / I Compulsory by lawGumboro ● DWInfectiousbronchitis ● DW / Sp / IAE ● DW Laying hens and parent birds

must be vaccinatedMycoplasma gallisepticum ● IFowlpox ● WWPasteurellosis ● ICoryza ● ISalmonella ● DW in I Compulsory by law for flocks

of 250 pullets or more ILT ● DW / EDEDS ● IColibacillosis ● I

DW Drinking water Sp Spray I Injection F Feed ED Eye drops WW Wing Web

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NOTES

Consultation and diagnostics in all questions of poultry health through:

LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GmbHVeterinary Laboratory

Abschnede 64, 27472 Cuxhaven, P.O.Box 460, 27454 Cuxhaven, GermanyPhone: 0049 4721 7070, Fax: 0049 4721 63439, e-mail: info@ltz.de

The above performance data are based on traditional cage management. Differentmanagement systems or poor environmental, feeding or management conditionscould lead to considerable deviations in performance.

LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GMBHAm Seedeich 9-11 • 27454 Cuxhaven • Germany

Phone + 49 4721/ 50 50 • Fax + 49 4721/ 3 88 52e-mail info@ltz.de • www.ltz.de

LSL

04/0

3/E