VETERINARY MEDICINE: FACTORS AFFECTING EGG PRODUCTION IN LAYING FLOCK.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: FACTORS AFFECTING EGG PRODUCTION IN LAYING FLOCK. VETERINARY MEDICINE: FACTORS AFFECTING EGG PRODUCTION IN LAYING FLOCK. The laying cycle in chicken depends on the breed of the chicken,management factors and bio-security measures.There is actually a pattern these birds conform to,but if all other factors are not constant,then the birds will not lay as expected. Laying birds start to lay at about 21weeks,but not all birds in the flock will start at this time,only about 5% of flock start here.The egg laying pattern is a progressive pattern with more and more birds coming into lay as weeks increase. The following are some of the factors that affect egg laying that reduces the progressive increase expected; 1)Breed, some light breeds come into lay early while the heavier breeds come on later. 2) Body weight,the body weight around the laying period is 1.5kg, birds that have not attained this weight,will have delayed onset of lay. Overweight and underweight birds usually have delayed onset and produce smaller eggs. 3)lighting management, light stimulates egg production,thus it is imperative to increase day length by artificial lighting by 2/3 hours.This will increase egg production by 20/30%. 4) Temperature control; when temperature rises above 28 degrees, the production level and quality of eggs is reduced.Seasonal/sporadic temperature change reduces egg production by 10%.The maintenance of temperature below 28 degrees is very vital to production. 5) Management factors, simple but efficient yet effective techniques are necessary to ensure proper egg production.Strict bio security protocols to prevent entry of diseases can eliminate disease occurrence by 90%.These management practices include proper feeding,housing and medication uses when needed. 6)Disease control is very vital to egg production,hence the necessary drugs,vaccines and supplements must be provided to prevent diseases and control spread when an out break occurs. All these factors work together to ensure that eggs are produced at the right time with expected frquency and size.