LAYER

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.

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, designed
for markets which prefer smaller eggs and measure efficiency in g feed per egg. For
markets 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 being
developed mainly for alternative management systems.
LOHMANN SANDY is a white feathering layer for the production of creme coloured
eggs. The pullet has an outstanding food conversion.
LOHMANN SILVER is a predominately white feathering layer for the production of
uniform brown eggs with reduced egg weight. Her special advantage is the excellent
feathering.
Lohmann LSL hens, too, adapt well to non cage systems and usually do not require beak
trimming.
The intensive monitoring program of all breeding farms and hatchery by our veterinary
laboratory assures the highest possible health status of chicks supplied by Lohmann
Tierzucht.
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 - 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

Egg Production Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Beak Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23

Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 24

1
 INTRODUCTION

Why should you study this

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

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

In recent decades advanced methods have greatly improved

breeding quality.
Due to the development of powerful electronic data processing
systems it has become possible to put the theory of selection
systematically into practice - thus turning modern quantitative
genetics into reality.
Very early on Lohmann Tierzucht used these new techniques
and so can offer an extensive range of experience and know-
how. A highly qualified team of specialists guarantees prompt
utilization of the latest research results. The markets changing
demands can be met quickly and effectively.
Moreover, nationally and internationally Lohmann Tierzucht is ranked as first class on
questions of poultry health - which is one of the decisive factors for performance and
profitability.
Intensive research in our own veterinary lab, besides increasing resistance to disease by
genetic means and ensuring the strictest conditions of hygiene, is fundamental to the
quality 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: With
Lohmann Tierzucht products eggs are produced in top quality and at competitive costs.

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

Egg Production Age at 50 % Production 140 - 150 days

Peak Production 90 - 93 %
Eggs per Hen Housed
in 12 months of Lay 303 - 310
in 14 months of Lay 340 - 350
Eggs Mass per Hen Housed
in 12 months of Lay 19.5- 20.5 kg
in 14 months of Lay 22.0- 23.0 kg
Average Egg Weight
in 12 months of Lay 63.8 - 64.8 g
in 14 months of Lay 64.3 - 65.3 g
Egg Shell Colour attractive white
Caracteristics Shell Strength over 40 Newton
Feed 1 - 20 Weeks 7.5 - 8.0 kg
Consumption Production 107 - 117 g/day
Feed Conversion 2.1 - 2.3 kg/kg Egg mass

Body Weight at 20 Weeks 1.42 - 1.54 kg

at End of Production 1.80 - 2.00 kg
Liveability Rearing 97 - 98 %
Laying Period 94 - 96 %
LSL-X 902

3
 GROWTH CURVE

Weight Development of LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layers

Weight/g

Age in weeks

LSL-X 902

Age ave- Age ave- Age ave- Age ave-

wks. rage min. max. wks. averagemin. max. wks. rage min. max. wks. rage min. max.
1 75 71 79 21 1549 1471 1634 41 1851 1758 1952 61 1887 1792 1990
2 120 114 127 22 1602 1522 1690 42 1853 1761 1955 62 1888 1794 1991
3 200 190 211 23 1645 1563 1735 43 1856 1763 1958 63 1889 1795 1993
4 275 261 290 24 1688 1603 1780 44 1859 1766 1960 64 1891 1796 1994
5 360 342 380 25 1720 1634 1814 45 1861 1768 1963 65 1892 1797 1996
6 458 435 483 26 1741 1654 1836 46 1864 1771 1966 66 1893 1799 1997
7 565 537 596 27 1763 1674 1859 47 1867 1773 1969 67 1895 1800 1998
8 667 633 703 28 1784 1695 1881 48 1869 1776 1972 68 1896 1801 2000
9 768 730 810 29 1805 1715 1904 49 1871 1777 1973 69 1897 1803 2001
10 864 821 911 30 1816 1725 1915 50 1872 1778 1974 70 1899 1804 2003
11 948 900 999 31 1821 1730 1921 51 1873 1780 1976 71 1900 1805 2004
12 1022 971 1078 32 1827 1735 1927 52 1875 1781 1977 72 1901 1806 2005
13 1086 1032 1146 33 1829 1738 1929 53 1876 1782 1979 73 1903 1808 2007
14 1145 1088 1208 34 1832 1740 1932 54 1877 1784 1980 74 1904 1809 2008
15 1199 1139 1264 35 1835 1743 1935 55 1879 1785 1981 75 1905 1810 2010
16 1247 1184 1315 36 1837 1745 1938 56 1880 1786 1983 76 1907 1811 2011
17 1297 1232 1368 37 1840 1748 1941 57 1881 1787 1984 77 1908 1813 2012
18 1350 1283 1424 38 1843 1751 1943 58 1883 1789 1986 78 1909 1814 2014
19 1412 1342 1489 39 1845 1753 1946 59 1884 1790 1987 79 1911 1815 2015
20 1481 1407 1562 40 1848 1756 1949 60 1885 1791 1989 80 1912 1816 2017

4
BREEDING SCHEME

Pure Lines

A: A+ B: B+ C: C+ D: D+

Grandparents

A: B+ C: D+

Parents

AB CD

Commercials

ABCD ABCD ABCD

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

LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Pullets

Bodyweight development with standard lighting program A*

Age in Body Weight (g) KJ** Feed Consumption Feed

Weeks Average Range Bird/Day g/Bird/Day Cumulative
1 75 71 79 120 10 70
2 120 114 127 204 17 189 Starter
3 200 190 211 276 23 350
4 275 261 290 331 29 553
5 360 342 380 399 35 798 Grower**
6 458 435 483 456 40 1078
7 565 537 596 502 44 1386
8 667 633 703 547 48 1722
9 768 730 810 593 52 2086
10 864 821 912 638 56 2478
11 948 900 1000 684 60 2898 Developer
12 1022 971 1079 730 64 3346
13 1086 1032 1146 764 67 3815
14 1145 1088 1208 798 70 4305
15 1199 1139 1264 832 73 4816
16 1247 1184 1315 866 76 5348
17 1297 1232 1368 901 79 5901
18 1350 1283 1424 946 83 6482 Pre-Lay
19 1412 1342 1490 1003 88 7098
20 1481 1407 1562 1072 94 7756 Start-Lay
LSL-X 902
* If birds are under-weight change to developer after reaching target.
** 1 Kcal = 4.187 KJ

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.

Nutrition and Egg Weight

Within certain limits egg weight can be adapted to farm specific requirements by adjusting
rations. The following nutritional factors should be noted:
Growing
Feeding for higher body weight at the onset of lay increases the egg weight throughout
the 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

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.

Recommendations for Nutrient Levels

Starter Grower Developer Pre-Lay Start-

Lay
Progr. A Standard 1. - 8. 9. - 16. 17. Wk.
Week Week 5 % Prod. ~ 28.
Progr. B Early 1. - 3. Wk. 4. - 8. Wk. 9. - 15. Wk. 16. Wk. - Wk.
5 % Prod.
Metabol. Energy kcal 2900 2750-2800 2750-2800 2750-2800 2800
minimum MJ 12.0 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.6
Crude Protein % 21.0 18.5 14.5 17.5 18.0
Methionine % 0.48 0.38 0.33 0.36 0.40
Meth./Cystine % 0.83 0.67 0.57 0.68 0.73
Dig. M/C % 0.68 0.55 0.47 0.56 0.60
Lysine % 1.20 1.00 0.65 0.85 0.80
Dig. Lysine % 0.98 0.82 0.53 0.70 0.66
Tryptophane % 0.23 0.21 0.16 0.20 0.18
Threonine % 0.80 0.70 0.50 0.60 0.59
Calcium % 1.05 1.00 0.90 2.00 3.50
Phosphorus total % 0.75 0.70 0.58 0.65 0.55
Phosphorus avail. % 0.48 0.45 0.37 0.45 0.40
Sodium % 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15
Chlorine % 0.20 0.19 0.16 0.16 0.15
Linoleic Acid % 1.40 1.40 1.00 1.00 2.00
LSL-X 902
8
A Prelay diet should not be offered too early and used only for a short time. The deci-
sion for its application has to be made at the time when weekly growth per pullet changes
from a declining to an increasing tendency, caused by development of the laying tract. The
Prelay diet will safeguard the required nutrient supply of early maturing pullets in the
flock without inhibiting feed consumption of later maturing birds. After reaching 4 - 5 %
production a change to the first layer diet, the Start-Lay feed is essential.

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.

Recommended Nutrient Levels per kg of Feed for different daily Feed

Consumption in Phase 1 (29 to approx. 45 week above 57.5 g Egg
Mass/Hen/Day)

Nutrient Requirement Dayly Feed Consumtion

g/Hen/Day
105 g 110 g 115 g
Crude Protein 19.60 18.70 % 17.80 % 17.00 %
Methionine 0.44 0.42 % 0.40 % 0.38 %
Meth./Cyst. 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 %
Tryptophane 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 %
Phosph., total 0.60 0.57 % 0.55 % 0.52 %
Phosph., 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 %
LSL 901
9
 in Phase 2 (approx. week 46 to 65 above 55.5 g Egg Mass/Hen/Day)

Nutrient Requirement Dayly Feed Consumtion

g/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./Cyst. 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 %
Tryptophane 0.20 0.19 % 0.18 % 0.17 %
Threonine 0.58 0.55 % 0.53 % 0.50 %
Calcium 4.30 4.10 % 3.90 % 3.75 %
Phosph., total 0.54 0.51 % 0.49 % 0.47 %
Phosph., avail. 0.38 0.36 % 0.34 % 0.33 %
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 %
LSL-X 902

after week 65

Nutrient Requirement Dayly Feed Consumtion

g/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./Cyst. 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 %
Tryptophane 0.19 0.18 % 0.17 % 0.17 %
Threonine 0.55 0.52 % 0.50 % 0.48 %
Calcium 4.40 4.20 % 4.00 % 3.85 %
Phosph., total 0.47 0.45 % 0.43 % 0.41 %
Phosph., 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 1.20 1.15 % 1.10 % 1.05 %
LSL-X 902

10
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.

Recommended Micro-Nutrient Specification

Supplements Starter/ Deve- Pre- Layer

per kg Feed Grower loper Lay
Vitamin A I.U. 12000 8000 10000 10000
Vitamin D3 I.U. 2000 2000 2500 2500
Vitamin E mg 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30* 10 - 30*
Vitamin K3 mg 3** 3** 3** 3**
Vitamin B1 mg 1 1 1 1
Vitamin B2 mg 6 6 4 4
Vitamin B6 mg 3 2 3 3
Vitamin B12 mcg 15 10 15 15
Pantothenic Acid mg 8 7 8 8
Nicotinic Acid mg 30 30 30 30
Folic Acid mg 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
Biotin mcg 50 50 25 25
Cholin-Chloride mg 300 300 400 400
Antioxydans mg 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150* 100 - 150*
Coccidiostat as required as required - -
Manganese mg 100 100 100 100
Zinc mg 60 60 60 60
Iron mg 25 25 25 25
Copper mg 5 5 5 5
Cobalt mg 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Iodine mg 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Selenium mg 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
* according to fat addition LSL-X 902
** double in case of heat treated feed

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

Before Arrival of Chicks

1. 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 in
winter at least 48 hours before the chicks arrive.
3. Distribute feed and water. The water should have room temperature by the time the
chicks arrive.
4. In the case of cage rearing adjust the cage floors and feeding grids according to the
manufacturers instructions.

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

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
recommend vaccination as the most reliable method to achieve this goal. Never use
coccidiostats in the feed when pullets are vaccinated.

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.

Nests and Egg Collecting

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

14
For optimum egg quality, rollaway nests in combination with slats are better than litter-type
nests or family type nests.

Equipment for Rearing

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

Equipment for Production

Round drinkers 1 drinker ( 46 cm) for 125 birds

Linear drinkers 1 running m for 80 - 100 birds
Nipple drinkers 4 - 6 birds per nipple
Round feeders 4 feeders ( 40 cm) for 100 birds
Single nests 1 nest (26 x 30 cm) for 4 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

O2 over 16 % NH3 under 20 ppm

CO2 under 0,3 % H2S under 5 ppm
CO under 40 ppm

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

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.

Lighting Programs for Closed Houses

In closed houses the basic principles of lighting programs for layers are:
never increase hours of light during the growing period
never decrease hours of light during the production period

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.

Lighting Programs for LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA in windowless houses

Age in Light in hours Light Intensity

weeks Program A Program B A B
Standard Early W/m2 Lux W/m2 Lux
day 1 - 2 24 24 3-4 20 - 40 3-4 20 - 40
day 3 - 6 16 16 2 20 - 30 3 20 - 30
2 14 14 2 10 - 20 2 10 - 20
3 13 12 1 10 - 20 1 5 - 10
4 12 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
5 11 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
6 10 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
7 9 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
8 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
9 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
10 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
11 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
12 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
13 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
14 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
15 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
16 8 9 1 4- 6 1 4- 6
17 8 9 1 4- 6 3 10 - 15
18 8 10 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
19 9 11 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
20 10 12 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
21 11 13 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
22 12 13 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
23 13 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
24 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
25* 14 14 3 10 - 15 3 10 - 15
* until the end of produktion LSL-X 902

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

LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass

Age 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 0.7 10.0 10.0 44.0 50.0 4.4 0.03
21 3.8 44.0 44.0 48.0 47.3 21.1 0.18
22 7.9 59.0 59.1 51.0 49.2 30.2 0.39
23 13.0 72.0 72.2 53.4 50.8 38.6 0.66
24 18.6 81.0 81.3 55.6 52.3 45.2 0.97
25 24.7 87.0 87.4 57.6 53.6 50.4 1.32
26 31.0 90.0 90.5 59.1 54.7 53.5 1.70
27 37.4 91.0 91.6 60.0 55.6 55.0 2.08
28 43.8 91.7 92.4 60.7 56.4 56.1 2.47
29 50.2 91.8 92.6 61.2 57.0 56.7 2.86
30 56.6 91.8 92.7 61.7 57.5 57.2 3.26
31 63.1 91.8 92.8 62.1 58.0 57.6 3.66
32 69.5 91.8 92.9 62.5 58.4 58.0 4.06
33 75.9 91.8 93.0 62.9 58.8 58.4 4.46
34 82.3 91.7 93.0 63.3 59.1 58.8 4.87
35 88.7 91.5 92.9 63.6 59.4 59.1 5.28
36 95.1 91.4 92.8 63.9 59.7 59.4 5.68
37 101.5 91.2 92.7 64.2 60.0 59.6 6.09
38 107.9 91.0 92.6 64.5 60.3 59.7 6.50
39 114.2 90.8 92.5 64.7 60.5 59.9 6.92
40 120.6 90.6 92.4 64.9 60.8 60.0 7.33
41 126.9 90.4 92.4 65.1 61.0 60.1 7.74
42 133.2 90.2 92.3 65.2 61.2 60.2 8.15
43 139.5 90.0 92.3 65.3 61.4 60.3 8.56
44 145.8 89.7 92.1 65.4 61.5 60.2 8.97
45 152.0 89.4 91.9 65.5 61.7 60.2 9.38

19
 LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layers

Egg No. Rate of Lay Egg Weight Egg Mass

Age 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
46 158.3 89.1 91.8 65.6 61.9 60.2 9.79
47 164.5 88.8 91.6 65.7 62.0 60.2 10.20
48 170.7 88.5 91.4 65.8 62.1 60.2 10.61
49 176.8 88.2 91.3 65.9 62.3 60.1 11.01
50 183.0 87.9 91.1 66.0 62.4 60.1 11.42
51 189.1 87.4 90.8 66.1 62.5 60.0 11.82
52 195.2 87.0 90.5 66.2 62.6 59.9 12.23
53 201.3 86.5 90.2 66.3 62.7 59.8 12.63
54 207.3 86.1 89.8 66.4 62.9 59.7 13.03
55 213.3 85.6 89.5 66.5 63.0 59.6 13.43
56 219.2 85.2 89.2 66.6 63.1 59.4 13.82
57 225.1 84.6 88.8 66.7 63.1 59.2 14.22
58 231.0 84.0 88.3 66.8 63.2 59.0 14.61
59 236.9 83.4 87.8 66.9 63.3 58.8 15.00
60 242.7 82.8 87.4 67.0 63.4 58.5 15.39
61 248.4 82.2 86.9 67.1 63.5 58.3 15.77
62 254.1 81.6 86.4 67.2 63.6 58.1 16.16
63 259.8 80.8 85.8 67.3 63.7 57.7 16.54
64 265.4 80.1 85.1 67.4 63.7 57.4 16.92
65 270.9 79.3 84.5 67.5 63.8 57.0 17.29
66 276.4 78.6 83.9 67.6 63.9 56.7 17.66
67 281.9 77.8 83.3 67.7 64.0 56.4 18.03
68 287.3 77.1 82.6 67.8 64.0 56.0 18.40
69 292.6 76.2 81.8 67.9 64.1 55.6 18.76
70 297.9 75.3 81.0 68.0 64.2 55.1 19.12
71 303.1 74.4 80.2 68.1 64.3 54.7 19.47
72 308.2 73.4 79.4 68.2 64.3 54.2 19.82
73 313.3 72.5 78.6 68.3 64.4 53.7 20.17
74 318.3 71.6 77.8 68.4 64.4 53.2 20.51
75 323.2 70.5 76.8 68.5 64.5 52.6 20.85
76 328.1 69.4 75.8 68.6 64.6 52.0 21.19
77 332.9 68.4 74.7 68.7 64.6 51.4 21.51
78 337.6 67.3 73.7 68.8 64.7 50.7 21.84
79 342.2 66.2 72.7 68.9 64.7 50.1 22.16
80 346.8 65.1 71.6 69.0 64.8 49.4 22.47
LSL-X 902

20
EGG GRADING
Expected Egg Grades (%) for different Egg Weights*

Egg Weight (g) XL L M S

(Flock Average) above 73 g 63 72.9 g 53 62.9 g below 53 g
20 0.0 0.0 0.1 99.9
21 0.0 0.0 3.5 96.5
22 0.0 0.0 12.0 88.0
23 0.0 0.2 26.5 73.4
24 0.0 0.8 39.2 60.0
25 0.0 2.2 48.5 49.3
26 0.0 4.5 54.3 41.2
27 0.0 7.1 57.6 35.3
28 0.0 9.6 59.6 30.8
29 0.0 12.0 60.6 27.4
30 0.1 14.2 61.1 24.6
31 0.1 16.3 61.2 22.4
32 0.1 18.4 61.0 20.5
33 0.2 20.3 60.5 19.0
34 0.2 22.3 59.9 17.6
35 0.3 24.1 59.1 16.4
36 0.4 25.9 58.3 15.4
37 0.4 27.6 57.5 14.5
38 0.5 29.2 56.6 13.7
39 0.6 30.6 55.8 13.0
40 0.7 32.0 55.0 12.4
41 0.8 33.3 54.2 11.8
42 0.9 34.5 53.4 11.3
43 0.9 35.5 52.7 10.8
44 1.0 36.6 52.0 10.4
45 1.1 37.6 51.4 10.0
46 1.2 38.5 50.7 9.6
47 1.3 39.3 50.1 9.3
48 1.4 40.2 49.5 9.0
49 1.4 40.9 49.0 8.7
50 1.5 41.6 48.4 8.4
51 1.6 42.3 47.9 8.2
52 1.7 43.0 47.4 7.9
53 1.8 43.6 46.9 7.7
54 1.9 44.3 46.4 7.5
55 2.0 44.9 45.9 7.3
56 2.1 45.4 45.4 7.1
57 2.2 46.0 44.9 6.9
58 2.3 46.5 44.5 6.8

*) excluding double-yolk eggs LSL-X 902

21
 EGG PRODUCTION CURVE

LOHMANN LSL-EXTRA Layers

Egg production (%) per Hen Housed

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 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 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

Disease Worldwide Regional Vaccination Comments

methods
Marek x I Single vaccination of
day-old chicks in the hatchery
Coccidiosis x W/F
Newcastle x W / Sp / I Compulsory by law
Gumboro x W
Infectious
bronchitis x W / Sp / I
AE x W Laying hens and parent birds
must be vaccinated
Mycoplasma
gallisepticum x I
Fowlpox x Inj. into wing
Pasteurellosis x I
Coryza x I
Salmonella x W in I Compulsory by law for flocks
of 250 pullets or more
ILT x W / ED
EDS x I
Colibacillosis x I
W Drinking water Sp Spray I Injection F Feed ED Eye drops

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:

LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GmbH

Veterinary Laboratory
Abschnede 64, 27472 Cuxhaven, P.O.Box 446, 27454 Cuxhaven, Germany
Phone: 0049 4721 7070, Fax: 0049 4721 63439, e-mail: [email protected]

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

LOHMANN TIERZUCHT GMBH

LSL X 902/E

Am Seedeich 9-11 27454 Cuxhaven Germany

Phone + 49 4721/ 50 50 Fax + 49 4721/ 3 88 52
e-mail [email protected] www.ltz.de