Poultry : Weighing and Body Weight Control
Posted by Unknown in Layer Poultry, Poultry Farming on Monday, 10 September 2012
The objective of body weight control is to rear all of the birds to the target weight for age with good uniformity. Body weight targets are achieved by controlling feed allowances.
Feed amounts during rearing are based on body weight and maintenance, whereas in lay they are based on these two factors plus egg production and egg weight.
Feed amounts during rearing are based on body weight and maintenance, whereas in lay they are based on these two factors plus egg production and egg weight.
Feed amounts can only be determined if the body weight is measured accurately every week.
To measure body weight, weigh between 60 - 100 birds per pen each week or 1%-2% of the population.
At 7 and 14 days weigh a bulk sample of birds or 10 birds weighed together in a bucket. Thereafter, weigh birds individually at the same time on the same day of every week. Be sure the bird weights are taken on an “off day” or before feeding if everyday feeding is used.
Follow these simple procedures to ensure accuracy:
- The scales used to measure body weight must have a capacity of 5 kg (11.02 lbs.) and be accurate to +/- 20 g (.04 lbs.).
- Check regularly that the scales are properly calibrated. It is an advantage to have electronic balances with a printout facility.
- Gather approximately 100 birds in a catching pen.
- Weigh every bird in the catching pen, including small birds (cull sexing errors during this operation.)
- Record body weight using the chart.
- Calculate the average weight of all birds weighed.
- Plot the average body weight on the appropriate chart.
- Decide on the feed amount for the following days.
- During rearing, feed amounts should be maintained or increased. Never decrease the feed amount.
- After peak egg production feed amounts are normally reduced to control mature body weight and ensure persistence of egg production and fertility. The precise method of feed reduction could vary from flock to flock, and should be discussed with your Technical Service representative.
