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Lohmann LSL Extra
Lohmann LSL Extra
MANAGEMENT GUIDE
LO H M A N N L S L - E X T R A
P R O D U C T S O F LO H M A N N T I E R Z U C H T
LOHMANN LSL-CLASSIC
LOHMANN BROWN-CLASSIC
LOHMANN LSL-LITE
LOHMANN BROWN-LITE
LOHMANN BROWN-EXTRA
LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA
LOHMANN TRADITION
LOHMANN SANDY
LOHMANN SILVER
Increasing world wide concentration and growing competition in the poultry industry
requires efficient layers to satisfy specific market requirements.
Lohmann Tierzucht, offers a wider range of high quality layer strains bred in Germany
to meet these demands.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Growth Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Breeding Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 11
General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Housing Chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Floor Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 16
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 18
Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19
Performance Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 - 20
Egg Grading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Beak Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23
Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 24
1
INTRODUCTION
T O P P E R F O R M A N C E B Y S Y S T E M AT I C
SELECTION
2
Results of performance comparisons in the field and in independent institutes are the
proof.
Lohmann Tierzucht products are often the winners and they are always among the few at
the top, world-wide.
Lohmann Tierzucht - the right partner for progressive, successful poultry management.
P E R F O R M A N C E D ATA
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GROWTH CURVE
Weight/g
Age in weeks
LSL-X 902
4
BREEDING SCHEME
Pure Lines
A: A+ B: B+ C: C+ D: D+
Grandparents
A: B+ C: D+
Parents
AB CD
Commercials
5
B O DY W E I G H T, F E E D C O N S U M P T I O N
6
NUTRITION
General
To get the best out of the genetic performance potential of LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA layers
all mash feed with full nutritive value is a must. Such nutrition can best be guaranteed
by a complete feed adapted to the performance potential. In our recommendations the
essential nutrient levels for each stage of development are listed.
Feed Consumption
Feed consumption is affected by:
Body weight
Performance
House temperature
Low temperatures increase the maintenance requirements of the hens, especially in
case of poor feathering
Feed texture
Coarse texture increases while fine texture decreases feed intake
Energy level
The higher the energy level the lower the feed intake and vice versa
Nutrient imbalances
The hen will try to compensate for any nutrient deficits by increasing consumption.
7
Where possible, adjust house temperature in the opposite direction of desired egg weight
and feed intake. By stimulating feed intake egg weight can be increased, and limited by
controlled feeding.
Contact your Lohmann Tierzucht specialist for programmes with specific recommenda-
tions for nutrition and management to suit your specific requirements.
Rearing
For rearing either a 3 - or a 4-Phase feed program is recommended depending on the
lighting schedule used.
Rearing program "A" is the standard schedule for flocks reared in dark houses with the
lighting schedule "A" (page 17). With this schedule 20 % production can be expected at
20 weeks of age. If an earlier start of lay is desired, the feeding/ lighting schedule "B" is
to be used. This program is also recommended for flocks reared under open house
conditions with long day light and high light intensity. The application of a high density
"Chick starter" for the first 3 - 4 weeks of life helps to achieve higher body weights for
early maturing flocks.
Laying Period
The Start-Lay diet has to be a crude structured layer feed with enriched nutrient and
energy content where calcium is limited to 3.5 %. This diet is recommended to be used
during the time of increasing production till peak production is reached (about 28 weeks
of age), when all hens of a healthy flock are in lay. Then it is time to change to a phase-
feeding program with nutrient contents based on feed intake and egg mass output.
Phase 1 feed covers the nutrient requirement of the hens for maximum egg mass
production (above 57.5 g daily egg mass per hen). Nutrient concentration is compa-
rable to the Start-lay diet except a higher calcium level and an energy level of 11.4
MJ/kg. Nutrient requirement figures in the tables are based on this energy level, a tempe-
rature of 22 C and good plumage condition. Under these conditions LOHMANN LSL-
EXTRA will consume about 110 g of feed per day.
after week 65
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The nutrient profile of the Phase 2 and Phase 3 diet meets the declining demand of
the hens for organic nutrients as well as the higher demand for calcium. Time of transi-
tion from one phase to the next should be guided by production and not by age!
Supplements
Supplements ensure the necessary supply of essential vitamins, trace elements and
substances such as anti-oxidants or carotenoids.
Suitable supplementation can compensate for the varying contents of raw materials and
safeguard the supply of all necessary nutrients.
11
G E N E R A L R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
Daily Control
Check at least once a day:
health status
temperature
ventilation
feed and water consumption
lighting
mortality
When assessing the state of health, do not just go by the general impression and mortality
rate, but also take note of feed and water consumption and the condition of droppings.
Water Supply
Clean water is just as important as good feed for top performance. If you are using your
own water supply, have the quality checked regularly. Excessive salt levels in drinking-
water can cause persistent damage to shell quality.
Egg Quality
LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA layers produce eggs of excellent quality. To preserve the quality
the following points should be observed:
collect eggs at least once a day
store eggs at temperatures between 5 and 10 C with a relative humidity between
80 - 85 %.
Storing at higher temperatures and lower humidity leads to rapid loss of weight and
impairs the quality of the egg white due to increased gas exchange.
12
HOUSING CHICKS
On Arrival of Chicks
1. Unload all chick boxes and distribute them in the house. Remove lids and put them
loosely on top of the boxes.
2. Quickly place the chicks near feeders and drinkers. For cage rearing distribute the
chicks evenly among the cages starting at the far end of the house.
3. After placing the chicks, again check the working order of equipment and the temper-
ature.
4. After a few hours check whether the chicks have settled down well. The chicks beha-
viour is the best indicator of their well-being:
If the chicks are evenly spread out and moving freely, temperature and ventilation
are all right.
If the chicks are crowding together or avoiding certain areas within the house,
temperature is too low or there is a draught.
If the chicks are lying about on the floor with outspread wings and gasping for air,
temperature is too high.
At first signs that the chicks are not feeling well determine the reason, correct
the situation and check more frequently.
13
F LO O R M A N A G E M E N T
Stocking Density
The optimal bird density/m2 depends on management conditions and to which extent
climate can be controlled. 6 - 8 birds/m2 can be taken as a general guide. Take note of
deviating regulations for stocking density and declaration of eggs.
Grit
Feeding grit is not absolutely necessary but can be recommended when the rations are
supplemented by grain.
Guide
Week 1 - 2 once a week 1 g/bird (size 1 - 2 mm)
Week 3 - 8 once a week 2 g/bird (size 3 - 4 mm)
From week 9 once a month 3 g/bird (size 4 - 6 mm)
Litter
Softwood shavings or straw make suitable litter. Use shavings from untreated wood only
in order to avoid poisonings and residues in the egg. Provide sufficient ventilation to
ensure good litter condition and remove wet litter, if necessary.
14
For optimum egg quality, rollaway nests in combination with slats are better than litter-type
nests or family type nests.
Age in Weeks
Chick founts 1 1 fount (4 - 5 l) for 100 chicks
Round drinkers to 20 1 drinker ( 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 ( 40 cm) for 100 birds
11 - 20 3 feeders ( 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
Further details in the Lohmann Management guide for floor/free range housing.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental conditions affect the well-being and performance of the birds. Important
environmental factors are temperature, humidity and level of toxic gases in the air. The
optimal temperature depends on the age of the birds. The following table is a guide to
the correct temperature at bird level. The birds behaviour is the best indicator for correct
temperature!
Reduce temperature always gradually, and avoid sudden changes. The best tempera-
ture for optimal feed conversion in the production period is from 22 - 24 C.
If the ventilation system is used to regulate temperature, take care that the necessary
fresh air is supplied.
The air quality should meet the following minimum requirements:
15
Age Temperature C Age Temperature C
day 1 - 2 34 week 3 27-26
day 3 - 4 32 week 4 24-22
day 5 - 7 30 week 5 20-18
week 2 29-28 week 6 18-20
LIGHTING
General
The lighting program controls onset of lay and affects the performance during the produc-
tion period. Within certain limits, performance can be adapted to farm specific require-
ments by adjusting the lighting scheme.
Easiest to follow are the lighting programs in closed houses. In this case the hours of
light and light intensity can be adjusted to changing needs.
Rearing in an open house and then changing to a closed house for the production period
should be avoided at all costs. Sudden drop in light intensity can depress performance.
Rearing in a closed house and then moving to an open house for production is possible
- but needs great care and attention. If the period of natural day-light is long and light inten-
sity is high at the time of re-housing, it is difficult to control point of lay. Moreover, moving
the birds to a brighter production house can lead to increased nervousness. To minimize
the stress of moving from light-controlled rearing to an uncontrolled laying house, keep
light intensity and day length during rearing closer to conditions in the laying house and
move the pullets as late as possible.
16
To what degree lighting hours are reduced during the growing period, and the time when
stimulation is started by increasing the lighting hours, are means by which performance
can be adapted to farm specific requirements.
The lighting program in example A is designed for longer utilization and aims at high
egg weight. It should be combined with feed program A on page 8. Depending on
weight development of the pullets according to page 6 it may be accompanied by
controlled feeding between 10 - 15 weeks of age.
Recommendations for intermittent lighting programs are available on request.
17
Lighting Programs for Open Houses
In open houses, too, you should stick to the basic rules if possible. Do not increase the hours
of light during the growing period and do not decrease the hours of light during the
production period.
This principle cannot always be strictly followed in open houses. Therefore the onset of lay
is sometimes earlier or later than planned. One critical factor is the length and rate of
change of natural daylight between the 8 and 17 weeks of age. Basically there are three
different situations:
1. Nearly constant hours of natural daylight throughout the whole year. After gradually
reducing the hours of light as in program A or B no further lighting program is needed
during the critical period (8- 17 weeks). Stimulation occurs at the desired time by
increasing the hours of 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). No
lighting program is necessary during the critical period. To avoid delayed onset of lay
stimulation can be started one week earlier.
3. Increasing hours of natural daylight during the critical period (8th - 17th week). To
avoid premature onset of lay the increasing daylength has to be disguised. The lighting
time is gradually reduced to the length of natural daylight at the start of the 17th week
of life and then kept constant throughout the growing period. At the start of the 17th
week of life lighting time is increased for stimulation. Under these conditions follow
feeding program B.
As a general rule, in open houses the intensity of artificial light must be comparable to
bright daylight. So the light intensity of artificial lighting should be about 6 W/m2 or 50
- 60 lux.
HYGIENE
General Recommendations
1. Set up the farm at a safe distance from other poultry houses and fence in.
2. Keep birds of only one age group on the farm.
3. Keep no other poultry on the farm.
4. Allow no visitors to enter the farm.
5. Wear only the farms own protective clothing within the farm area.
6. Provide the farms own protective clothing for veterinarians, service and mainte-
nance workers, and consultants.
18
7. Disinfect boots before entering the houses.
8. Use bulk feed if possible. Do not allow the truck driver to enter the houses.
9. Safeguard the houses against wild birds and vermin. Keep rats and mice under
constant control.
10. Dispose of dead birds hygienically. Follow local laws and regulations.
PERFORMANCE GOALS
19
LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layers
20
EGG GRADING
Expected Egg Grades (%) for different Egg Weights*
21
EGG PRODUCTION CURVE
Age in weeks
LSL-X 902
BEAK TRIMMING
Under optimal conditions beak trimming should not be necessary. In practise, it is widely
used as an efficient precaution to cannibalism and feather pecking. Such behaviour may
develop at any age as a result of excessive light intensity, unbalanced feed, poor venti-
lation, overstocking or boredom.
In closed houses with cage management, it should be possible to control cannibalism and
feather pecking with appropriate lighting programs.
For floor management and/or open houses with uncontrollable light intensity, we recom-
mend beak trimming subject to local animal welfare regulations.
22
Observe the following precautions:
Trim only healthy, unstressed birds, at the age of 7 - 10 days
Allow only experienced personnel to do the work
Work slowly and carefully
Use only equipment and blades in perfect working order; adjust the blade tempera-
ture so that cauterisation is guaranteed and the beak is not damaged
Do not feed for 12 hours before trimming
Offer free feeding immediately after trimming
Increase the level of feed in the troughs
Increase the temperature in the house for a few days after trimming
For 3 - 5 days after beak trimming provide an extra hour of light and supply feed in
the late evening or at night
Giving vitamins via the drinking-water can also help to alleviate stress
V A C C I N AT I O N
Vaccination Methods
Individual vaccinations - injections, eye-drops - are very effective and generally well
tolerated but also very labour intensive.
Drinking water vaccinations are not labour intensive but must be carried out with the
greatest care to be effective. The water used for preparing the vaccine solution must not
contain any disinfectants. During the growing period the birds should be without water for
approximately 2 hours prior to vaccination. During hot weather reduce this time accord-
ingly. The amount of vaccine solution should be calculated to be completely consumed
within 2 - 4 hours. When vaccinating with live vaccines, add 2 g of skim milk powder
per litre of water in order to protect the virus titer.
Spray vaccinations are not labour intensive and are highly effective, but may occa-
sionally have side effects. For chicks up to the age of 3 weeks apply only coarse spray. Use
destilled water for vaccination.
23
Example of a vaccination LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layer
General Recommendations
Only healthy flocks should be vaccinated. Check the expiry date. The vaccine must not be
used after this date. Keep records of all vaccinations and vaccine serial numbers.
Special Recommendations
Marek re-vaccinations have proved successful after long transportation and in areas with
high infection risk. Consult your veterinarian and the Lohmann veterinary laboratory for
further information.
Mycoplasmosis vaccinations are only advisable if the farm cannot be kept free of
mycoplasmosis. Infections with virulent mycoplasma species during the production period
lead to performance depression. The best performance is achieved by flocks which are
kept free of mycoplasmosis and are not vaccinated.
Applying vitamins in the first two to three days after vaccination can help to reduce
stress and prevent undesired reactions. How far this is necessary depends on the specific
situation on each farm.
24
Consultation and diagnostics in all questions of poultry health through:
The above performance data are based on traditional cage management. Different
management systems or poor environmental, feeding or management conditions
could lead to considerable deviations in performance.
LOHMANN
TIERZUCHT