Managing Cobb 500Managing Cobb 500Breeding StockBreeding Stock

in the Henhousein the Henhouse

Shawn CarltonShawn CarltonTechnical ServiceTechnical Service

Pete SbanottoPete SbanottoWorld Technical SupportWorld Technical Support

May 2005May 2005

IMPORTANT STEPSIMPORTANT STEPS• Starting Chicks• Weight control• Preparation for light stimulation• Feeding between light stimulation and onset of

Production• Feeding to Peak Production• Feed reduction after Peak Production• Male Management

Weight Gain Before Light StimulationWeight Gain Before Light Stimulation

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

33 -36% increase in body weight from 16 to 20 weeks to achieve proper fleshing and fat reserves in preparation for light stimulation.

COBB FEEDING STANDARDCOBB FEEDING STANDARD

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 220

23

45

68

90

115

135GRAMS / BIRD / DAY

LINEAR SIGMOIDAL

AGE 1 2 5 7

4 Weeks X X XX X XX X

XXX

12 Weeks X X XX XX XXXXX

16 Weeks X X XX XX X

XXXX

18 Weeks X X XX X

XXXX

Light X XStimulation X X

XXX

Fleshing Conformation for Cobb Females

63 4

XX

Light Stimulation ResponseLight Stimulation Response

Make sure that the birds are properly fleshed and have the proper

amount of fat reserve BEFORE

light stimulation!

IMPORTANT STEPSIMPORTANT STEPS• Starting Chicks• Weight control• Preparation for light stimulation• Feeding between light stimulation and onset of

Production• Feeding to Peak Production• Feed reduction after Peak Production• Male Management

Hen House FeedingHen House Feeding• Upon housing the flock, it is a good idea to give a

generous increase in feed one time to prevent any stall in development.

• If the flock has been grown to the proper condition and weight, then moderate feed increases should be given from light stimulation until the onset of production.

• Care must be given to avoid over stimulating individual birds in the flock.

LIGHT STIMULATIONLIGHT STIMULATION• Daylength, light intensity, and body composition

may be all related.• If birds have proper bodyweight, fleshing, and fat

reserves, then a 4-hour daylength will work nicely.• Minimum of 60-70 lux in the henhouse.• Even light distribution is important.• If birds are not ready, you may need to delay light

stimulation.

IMPORTANT STEPSIMPORTANT STEPS• Starting Chicks• Weight control• Preparation for light stimulation• Feeding between light stimulation and onset of

Production• Feeding to Peak Production• Feed reduction after Peak Production• Male Management

Feeding for ProductionFeeding for Production• When the flock reaches 5% daily production, a

“program” to lead production with feed should be developed.

• The flock should be on peak feed by 60-70% daily production.

• The program can be built by deducting actual feed at 5% from peak feed. Calculate an amount to increase for each 10% increase in egg production.

Production FeedingProduction FeedingFeed at % Daily Production: 130 g 5% 130 g 130 g

15% 136 g 133 gPeak Feed Amount: 166 g 25% 142 g 136 g

35% 148 g 142 gAmount to Increase: 36 g 45% 154 g 150 g

55% 160 g 160 gNumber of Increases: 6 65% 166 g 166 g

Amount of Feed to Increase per 10%: 6 g

Alternative

Feed Consumption TimeFeed Consumption Time• During peak feeding, feed should last the flock

between 1.5 and 3.0 hours.• Any time feed consumption time is <1.5 hours or

>4.5 hours, environment and management conditions should be evaluated.

• Let the chickens tell you!!• Feed texture (mash/crumble/pellet) as well as

drinker type (nipple/bell type) can impact consumption time.

IMPORTANT STEPSIMPORTANT STEPS• Starting Chicks• Weight control• Preparation for light stimulation• Feeding between light stimulation and onset of

Production• Feeding to Peak Production• Feed reduction after Peak Production• Male Management

Feed WithdrawalFeed Withdrawal

• Persistency is dependent on good weight control.• Feed withdrawal must start promptly after peak to

properly control body weight. Peak can be defined as five days where production does not increase.

• Seasonal temperatures may play a part in developing withdrawal programs.

ITEMS TO CONSIDERITEMS TO CONSIDER• Level of peak Production• Amount of peak feed

– 440 Kcal/bird? 490? 450?

• Weight of the hens– Increasing? Decreasing?

• Condition and body reserves of the hens• Feed Consumption time• Time of the Year

– Increasing or decreasing daylengths– Hot or cold weather

• Weight increase from onset of production to peak

Weight Gain from Onset to PeakWeight Gain from Onset to Peak

2000

2200

2400

2600

2800

3000

3200

3400

3600

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18-20% Increase

SummarySummary

• Promote uniformity with a program of grading by handling / body composition to make sure the most hens are prepared for light stimulation.

• Manage hen feeding, hen weights, and body composition at all stages to maximize production and persistency.

• Withdraw feed to control hen bodyweight according to the needs of the hens flock.