bv 300 Layer Management Guide

Types of Housing
BV-300 birds can be reared in deep litter system as well as in cages. There are three types of
houses required for rearing:

 The brooder house

 The grower house
 The layer house

The houses may be environmentally controlled houses or open sided houses. In India, open
sided houses find favor and have proven successful.

Lengthwise, poultry houses should be in an east-west direction. The sheds should be well
ventilated with even light distribution all over the house. Sheds should be constructed with
rat-proof projections and should have an overhang (i.e. the outward projection of the roofing
sheet) of five feet. Windows may be provided in the gable walls. Chicken wire mesh or
chain link (¾ sq. inch) should be provided lengthwise, on both sides in open sided houses.
The advantages of open-sided houses are:
 Less capital investment
 Minimum use of electricity as compared to that of environmentally controlled houses
 The ventilation is not dependent on electricity

Brooding and growing of birds are carried out either in deep litter or in cages. However,
laying birds are generally housed in cages.
Deep Litter System
Equipment
For brooding each 300 pullet chicks, the following items of equipment are necessary:

 One brooder made of bamboo or tin, 6 feet in diameter and brooder guard made up
of tin or cardboard. Tin may be preferred as it is easy to clean and disinfect (20 feet
long and 18 inch high cardboard sheet or tin made in perfect circle to function as
brooder guard for this size of brooder).
 Three water fountains with the capacity of two litres each
 Three feeder lids or equivalent.
 Wall hanging type of thermometer to check the room temperature and also to check
the temperature at chick level
 Brooding lights or electric thermo-coils or gas brooders

It is essential to ensure movement of air without creating a draught at the chick level.
Similarly, arrangements to reduce flow of cold air in winter should also be provided.
It is necessary to provide sufficient feeding and watering space to birds, to avoid needless
struggle amongst the birds for feed and water which could interfere with overall
development of all the birds.

The requirement of feeder and water space for deep litter

 Floor Feeder Water
Weeks
sq.feet inches chicks/nipple
0-4 0.5 sq.feet 1 inch 16
5-8 1.0 sq.feet 1 inch 8
9 - 14 1.2 sq.feet 2 inches 6
Table No. 1

If bell type water fountains are used for the drinking water system, a standard round drinker
should be kept, one for maximum 100 chicks or 75 growers or 50 layers.
Cage System
Brooder Cages
The birds can be reared in cages right from day one. The following requirements should be
met with while designing the cages for chicks.

 The chicks should be warm but not hot.

 Chicks should easily reach feed and water.
 Cages should have enough light so that the chicks can locate waterers and feeders
easily. Each cage should have an access to two watering devices so that if one cup or
nipple fails, birds will not remain without water.

Brooder cages may have different sizes. The size may be 30" width, 15" depth and 15"
height, i.e. a floor area of 450 sq.inches which can accommodate 15 chicks up to 7 weeks of
age. The bottom of these cages should be flat and have a mesh of 0.5" x 0.5".

Specifications for Brooder Cage

Commercial Chicks
Sr. No. Particulars
(Up to 7th Week)
1. System 2 Tier - Reversible
2. No. of birds per box 15
3. Bottom Tier 30" x 15" x 15"
4. Upper Tier 30" x 15" x 15"
5. Floor space per bird 30 sq.inches
6. Feed Trough 22 G Aluminum Feeders
Table No. 2

Total number of chicks per box would vary depending upon the age. The recommended
numbers are:

30 chicks per box between 0 - 3 weeks

15 chicks per box up to 7th week
Gas Brooding
Use of LPG operated Gas Brooders gives much more uniform heat as compared to
conventional types of brooding practices like Electric Lamps, Coal or Wood Heaters. The
radiant Gas Brooder creates micro-climate for the chicks so that they can choose their most
comfortable place and warmth at any time. This results in proper growth and weight gain,
which is more uniform. LPG Gas Brooding can be done either by central Control System or
by Individually Controlled Infra Red radiant gas brooders. You should remember that any
brooding system must have temperature control device. The advantage of temperature
control is in energy saving and to meet the precise heat requirement of the birds which
changes with their age.

Infra Red Radiant Brooder can be placed 90 to 130 cm above the ground level depending
upon the heat requirement. The number and types of Gas Brooders can be decided as per the
specifications of the Gas Brooder. It is very important to note that the Gas Brooder, which
you select, spells out the specifications in terms of BTU or kW rating, operating pressures,
etc. It is always safe to select the brooder, which has got international quality mark for safety
and reliability. Before chicks arrive, please ensure that the filled LPG Gas Cylinders are
available at the site. Maintain temperature of 32° to 34°C on day one. Measure the same at
10 to 25 cm above the litter level. Lower the temperature approximately by 3°C per week
until attaining a temperature of 25°C. The temperature can be sensed by a sensor connected
to the individual Gas Brooders or to the Central Control System.

Grower Cages
The size of the grower cage is generally 18" width, 15" depth and 15" height. This provides a
floor area of 270 sq.inches and can accommodate five birds from 8 weeks of age up to 16
weeks of age allowing for 54 sq.inches per bird. The bottom of these cages also is flat and
should have a mesh of 5.0" x 1.0".

Specifications for Grower Cage

Sr. No. Particulars Commercial Growers

(8 weeks to 16 weeks)
1. System 3 Tier - Reversible
2. No. of birds per box 5
3. Bottom Tier 18" x 15" x 15"
4. Middle Tier 18" x 15" x 15"
5. Upper Tier 18" x 15" x 15"
6. Floor space per bird 54 sq.inches
7. Feed Trough 22 G Aluminum Feeders
Table No. 3

Layer Cages
The bottoms of layer cages have slants to facilitate the easy rolling out of eggs once they are
laid. Therefore, the height of layer cages is less at the back than in front.
The size of layer cage should be 15" width, 12" depth and 15" height at the back
and 17.5" height at front. This cage provides a floor area of 180 sq.inches and can
accommodate 3 laying birds providing an area of 60 sq.inches per bird. The birds are kept in
these cages from the 17th week till end of their productive life. A nipple drinking system is
preferred but provision for an additional open water channel will depend upon the severity
of summer in that area.

Specifications for Layer Cage

Sr. No. Particulars Commercial Layers

(17th week onwards)
1. System 3 Tier
2. No. of birds per box 3
3. Bottom Tier 15" x 12" x 15"
4. Middle Tier 15" x 12" x 15"
5. Upper Tier 15" x 12" x 15"
6. Floor space per bird 60 sq. inches
7. Feed Trough 22 G Aluminum Feeders
Table No. 4

Note: Depending upon the age of the housing birds, nipple drinking system may be located
suiting to the convenience of birds.

Laying Houses
 Light bulbs or fluorescent tubes should be so located that the feeders and waterers
receive light directly.
 Artificial light should be evenly distributed all over the house.
 Flourescent bulbs/tubes should be cleaned at regular intervals.
 Eggs should be able to roll out smoothly, avoiding collision or breakage.
 The height of the cage-stands should be such that the workers should be able to see
them well enough to spot dead birds or non-functioning equipment.
 Adequate ventilation should be provided in the laying house. Sheds should be
protected from extreme heat or cold by providing adequate insulation or curtains.
 Provide adequate clean feed storage.
 Preventing the entry of rats, wild birds, parasites, etc. should be a point to remember
while designing the poultry house.
 Dead birds should be removed daily and disposed off by burning them in an
incinerator or by proper burial.

Rearing Program
1st to 20th week
The BV 300 bird is equipped with the genetic potential of producing 320 eggs in her
commercial life. However, this production can only be achieved if the chicks are provided
with all due care in its brooding stage. If reared scientifically, the chicks will have standard
and uniform body weights and the mortality will be negligible. Therefore, maximum
attention should be paid while rearing the chicks in brooding stage.

A rearing program should satisfy the following goals:

 At least 80% of the birds should be in the range of standard body weight ± 10%. The
flock should be uniform. Birds should not be fatty or underweight.
 Birds should be completely healthy, free from internal and external parasites and
immune to all endemic viral and bacterial infections.

Preparations for arrival of chicks

Well begun is half done. Conforming to this proverb, a well managed brooding program is
like meeting the half way mark to an excellent BV-300 performance. Brooding the chicks is
an important and skillful part of good poultry management. Brooding is the base for the
production of a good pullet.

Heating devices in the shed should be switched on at least six hours before the expected
arrival time of chicks in cool seasons, so that the shed is heated to required temperature
before chicks are placed in the shed. Waterers should be filled with water, electrolytes and
anti-stress preparations.

Ensure that the tyre dip at the entrance of the farm is filled with the right disinfectant in
correct dilution, so that the wheels of all incoming delivery vans containing chicks will be
disinfected at the entrance. The water in the tyre dip should be changed periodically.

Water
Water to be given to the birds should be fresh, clean and potable. The following table shows
standards for water quality:
Drinking Water Standards

Parameter Maximum Permissible Limit

No. of Bacteria/mL 10 - 50
No. of Coliforms/mL 0
Hydrometric Level -30°
Organic Substances 1 mg/L
Nitrates 0 - 15 mg/L
Ammonia 0 mg/L
Cloudiness/Turbidity 5U
Iron 0.3 mg/L
Manganese 0.1 mg/L
Copper 1.0 mg/L
Zinc 5 mg/L
Calcium 75 mg/L
Magnesium 50 mg/L
Sulphates 200 mg/L
Chlorides 200 mg/L
pH 6.8 - 7.5
Table No. 5

While collecting water samples for bacterial/microbiological testing, care should be taken
regarding the following:

 Water samples should be collected in sterile bottles.Untreated water should be

collected directly from the source of water supply.
 Water treated with some water sanitizer should be collected from storage tanks,
water pipelines and waterers for the birds.

Water Consumption
Water consumption of poultry birds varies substantially, depending upon the ambient
temperature, humidity, temperature of water and age of birds. Please do not restrict quantity
of drinking water to be offered to the birds.
The following table gives the general guidelines on the quantity of water consumed by 100
birds of different age groups daily at an ambient temperature of 28°C (82°F).

Water Consumption

Age of Birds Water/100 Birds/Day

(weeks) (litres)
1st and 2nd 4.80
3rd 5.40
4th 7.50
5th 10.50
6th 12.00
7th 13.20
8th 14.40
9th 14.70
10th 15.00
11th 15.30
12th 16.20
13th 16.80
14th 17.40
15th 18.00
16th 18.60
17th 18.90
18th 19.80
19th 22.50
20th 24.60

Note: Water consumption would differ depending upon the temperature and agro-climatic
conditions.

Feeding
While the genetic potential of BV-300 for egg production has made consistent and
considerable progress, simultaneously the bird's adaptability to various agro-climatic
conditions, feeding practices and management practices has also improved tremendously
over the last few decades. However, to optimise profits, it is necessary to provide economic
but nutritionally balanced feed to obtain desired production.

There are a number of agro-climatic zones with varying seasons and temperatures. As
nutritional requirements vary from area to area and season to season, you may need to
consult the local BV-300expert for designing feed formulation. However, in the following
sections we have described general nutritional requirements for BV-300. Summer makes the
bird eat less and hence, efforts should be made to increase their nutritional density and bring
down the temperature in the house by various means. Similarly birds tend to eat more in
winter and therefore, there is a need to make necessary changes in feed formulations. Feed
consumption should also be correctly monitored so that correct nutrient levels can be
provided.

Feed used in all phases of the life cycle of poultry birds must meet the following criteria:
Nutrients should be supplied in proper proportions and in a form which is bio-available to
the birds.

Texture, color, taste of feed must be acceptable to the birds.

Feed must not be dusty.

Ideally feed must be free from following contaminants:

All pathogenic organisms

Harmful chemicals and

Toxins

If animal by-products like meat-meal, fish-meal, liver-meal, blood-meal and hydrolysed

feather-meal are used, care should be taken to ensure that they are absolutely free from all
types of contaminants.

Soybean meal, used in poultry feed, must have been properly roasted. Inadequate or excess
heat during processing of soybean for oil extraction will damage the nutritional value of
soybean. The level of roasting of soybean can be judged by feed analytical laboratories.

Calcium should be added to the feed in form of oyster-shell with particle size of 2.5 mm to
3.5 mm. If calcium is to be added in form of limestone, 2/3rd should be used as large
particles (3-5 mm) and only 1/3rd in the form of powder. Limestone so used, should be low
in magnesium.

Contamination of feed during storage, transport and delivery must be avoided. Wild-birds
and rodents can contaminate the feed in any of the above stages.

If you are making your own feed, formulate your feed according to the season, age & body
weight and production level of the birds.The formulations should be based on the actual
weight of different ingredients and the accurate valuation of each feed ingredient before they
are added together.

Feeding Recommendations for BV-300

Chick Mash
Chick mash should be fed to the birds from its arrival until the average body weight of the
birds reaches 580 g. This is a feed-to-weight program rather than feed-to-age program. Body
weight gains are better with pelleted/crumbled feed compared to mash feed. Therefore it is
recommended to use pelleted/crumbled chick feed.

Grower Mash
The grower feed should be fed till flock reaches an average body weight of 1100 g. Do not
administer pre-lay feed to the birds weighing below 1100 g.

Prelay Feed
Care should be taken to ensure pre-lay feed is introduced after the flock attains an average
body weight of 1100 g and usually for two to three weeks.

Layer Feed
Layer feed offered to the laying birds should be formulated according to the age of the birds
and egg production. Accordingly, layer feed can be divided into three groups i.e. Phase I,
Phase II and Phase III. Phase I feed should be given upto the age of 40 weeks and later
Phase II ration may be given. Phase III feed should be given after the age of 60 weeks.

Phase feeding saves money.

 Suggested Nutritional Requirements
Chicks and Growers

Chick Mash Grower Mash

up to 580 g 580 - 1100 g
Nutrients

Metabolizable Energy kcal/kg 2750 2500

Crude Protein % (min.) 20.5 17.0
Methionine % (min.) 0.45 0.35
Lysine % (min.) 1.04 0.80
Calcium % (min) 1.00 1.00
Available Phosphorous % (min.) 0.45 0.40
Sodium % (max.) 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20
Chloride % (max.) 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20
Linoleic Acid % 1.20 1.00
Minerals

Manganese mg/kg (added) 80 80

Zinc mg/kg (added) 80 80
Iron mg/kg (added) 60 60
Copper mg/kg (added) 15 15
Iodine mg/kg (added) 1 1
Selenium mg/kg (added) 0.3 0.3
Vitamins

Vitamin A IU/kg (added) 12500 12500

Vitamin D3 IU/kg (added) 2500 2500
Vitamin K3 (MSB) mg/kg (added 4 4
Vitamin E IU/kg (added) 40 40
Vitamin B12 mg/kg (added) 0.015 0.015
Riboflavin mg/kg (added) 8 8
Niacin mg/kg (added) 50 50
Pantothenic Acid mg/kg (added) 20 20
Folic Acid mg/kg (added) 2 2
Thiamin mg/kg (added) 3 3
Pyridoxine mg/kg (added) 4.5 4.5
Biotin mg/kg (added) 0.1 0.1
Vitamin C mg/kg (added) 50 50
Choline mg/kg (added) (min.) 600 250
Table No.

Note:

Additional 0.05 mg/kg biotin should be given in feed to the chicks brooded in cages or
where feed is mixed with bajra or millet.

Expected crude fibre level:

Chick feed - 5% maximum
Grower feed - 7% maximum

Summer: Consult nutritionist to decide nutritional requirements for summer season

Suggested Nutritional Requirements Prelay and Laying Period

Prelay Feed
Phase I Phase II Phase III
**

61 to
Age in weeks 16 to 18 19 to 40 41 to 60
liquidation
Nutrients

Metabolizable Energy
2500 2500 2500 2500
kcal/kg
Crude Protein % (min.) 17.0 17.5 16.0 15.5
Methionine % (min.) 0.40 0.40 0.30 0.30
Lysine % (min.) 0.72 0.80 0.70 0.70
Calcium % (min) 2.50 3.60 4.00 4.00
Available Phosphorous %
0.40 0.35 0.30 0.30
(min.)
Sodium % (max.) 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20>
Chloride % (max.) 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20 0.18 - 0.20
Linoleic Acid % 1.40 1.40 1.20 1.20
Minerals

Manganese mg/kg (added) 80 80 80 80

Zinc mg/kg (added) 80 80 80 80
Iron mg/kg (added) 60 60 60 60
Copper mg/kg (added) 15 15 15 15
Iodine mg/kg (added) 1 1 1 1
Selenium mg/kg (added) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Vitamins

Vitamin A IU/kg (added) 12500 12500 12500 12500

Vitamin D3 IU/kg (added) 2500 2500 2500 2500
Vitamin K3 (MSB) mg/kg
4 4 4 4
(added)
Vitamin E IU/kg (added) 40 40 40 40
Vitamin B12 mg/kg (added) 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015
Riboflavin mg/kg (added) 8 8 8 8
Niacin mg/kg (added) 30 30 30 30
Pantothenic Acid mg/kg
10 10 10 10
(added)
Folic Acid mg/kg (added) 1 1 1 1
Thiamin mg/kg (added) 2 2 2 2
Pyridoxine mg/kg (added) 3 3 3 3
Biotin mg/kg (added) 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Vitamin C mg/kg (added) 50 50 50 50
Choline mg/kg (added)
500 500 500 500
(min.)
Table No.

Note:

 ** Care should be taken to ensure that Pre-lay Feed is introduced after the birds attain
a body weight of 1100 g.
 Sodium chloride and Sodium bi-carbonate may be used proportionately to balance
sodium and chlorine ions.
 Calcium may be incorporated in the proportion of 1/3rd powder form and 2/3rd grit
form.
 If the above given calcium levels are maintained, then there is no need of top
dressing of shell grit or marble grit.
 Feed Consumption and Body Weight
Targets of BV-300 (Growing Phase)

Age Grams of Feed per Bird Body

Type of
Weight
Feed Weeks Days Per Day Cumulative in g
1 1 0-7 11 77 70
1 2 8 - 14 16 189 120
1 3 15 - 21 18 315 170
1 4 22 - 28 25 490 230
1 5 29 - 35 35 735 310
1 6 36 - 42 40 1015 410
1 7 43 - 49 44 1323 490
1 8 50 - 56 48 1659 580
1 9 57 - 63 49 2002 640
1 10 64 - 70 50 2352 740
1 11 71 - 77 51 2709 820
1 12 78 - 84 54 3087 900
1 13 85 - 91 56 3479 970
1 14 92 - 98 58 3885 1030
1 15 99 - 105 60 4305 1070
1 16 106 - 112 62 4739 1110
1 17 113 - 119 63 5180 1160
1 18 120 - 126 66 5642 1200
1 19 127 - 133 75 6167 1280
1 20 134 - 140 82 6741 1360
Table No.

The information regarding gains in body weight indicates the growth of a bird. A sample of
approximately 100 birds will provide adequate information. However, it is recommended
that the sample should be minimum 5% of the flock at the ages of 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. In
cages, the birds should be selected from boxes in different rows to represent the flock. As far
as possible weigh the same cage birds every time. The underweight birds indicate excessive
crowding, lack of feeder and waterer space, disease conditions, different types of stress and
imbalanced or inadequate feed among other reasons. The information on body weights of
birds will give the indication about the uniformity of the flock.

Flock Uniformity
Flock of ready-to-lay pullets should have uniform weights. Uniform flocks attain better
peaks in productivity and sustain for a longer period than flocks showing wide variation in
body weights. The following chart gives the criteria to decide the range of uniformity among
the birds:

Flock Uniformity

Percentage of Pullets within ±10% of Avg. Flock

Uniformity Rating
Weight
85% and over Excellent
80 - 85% Very Good
70 - 75% Fair
Less than 70% Unsatisfactory
Debeaking
Double Beak Trimming Programme
Debeaking is a standard practice among poultry
men. This operation reduces feed wastage and also
mortality in birds resulting from pecking and
subsequent cannibalism.
Debeaking should be done in time and following
proper procedures. It is recommended that the beak initBV300LayerManagementLinks()
trimming be done in chicks at the age of 6 to 10 Introduction
days. 1/3rd of the beak should be removed with the Table of Contents
least possible stress to the chicks and minimizing Types of Housing
the bleeding by proper cauterization. Gentle Rearing Programme
pressure on the bird's throat with the index finger on Feeding
the neck will retract the tongue of the chick to Debeaking
prevent it from burning. Debeaking results in one of Vaccination
the greatest single stress in pullet rearing and hence Lighting
anti-stress medication is advised before, during and Disinfection and Biosecurity
after debeaking. Pullets may be debeaked again at Record Keeping
the age of 12 - 14 weeks using methods and Production Standards
equipment suitable for the birds of that age. Performance Goals
However, the debeaking should never be adopted
after the age of 16 weeks. As a preventive measure
administer Vitamin K in water one day before and
on the day of debeaking.
Single Beak Trimming Programme
The best age for one-time beak trimming is 6 to 10
days of age or as per recommendation of machine
manufacturer.

Vaccination
Ensure that vaccines to be used are sourced from reputed manufacturers. The products of
such manufacturers are produced under rigid standards of production and quality control.
Vaccines should be transported in insulated, cooled and secured packing and should be
stored under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Consult your local BV 300 Technical Representative or Veterinary Expert, to decide the
vaccination schedule for your farm. It is desirable to undertake serological monitoring for
better designing of vaccine schedule.
Lighting
Types of Lighting
Two types of light sources are available for use in poultry houses. These are - fluorescent
and incandescent.

Lighting Program
The poultry house should be provided with required warmth for chicks and enough natural
light to locate feeders and waterers. During the brooding period, artificial lights should
necessarily be provided for the initial 48 hours. Subsequently, depending upon the climatic
conditions and brooding management, the need of artificial lights may be decided in
consultation with local technical person.

Light Distribution
It is important to place bulbs in such a way so as to achieve equal distribution of light of the
specific intensity throughout the poultry house.

Time Switches
Good quality time switches can be installed for poultry houses. This enables the availability
of an exact quantity of artificial light to the birds. One has to monitor clocks, make
adjustments for increasing or decreasing day lengths, power failures, etc.

Light during Growing Period

In India, the day length varies from region to region and between summer and winter. The
total duration of lighting to be provided to the birds should take into consideration the
available natural light.

Light has a direct effect on sexual maturity. The period of light made available to the flock
affects the time the first egg is laid. Decreasing day length during growing period increases
their growing period or helps in delaying sexual maturity.
Light day (total light in hours), should not be allowed to
increase during growing period.
In India, we have open sided houses. BV-300 needs no special lighting programme during
growing period. Therefore, do not give any artificial lights after 8th week of age.

Increasing natural day length during Growing Period

Monitor feed consumption and see that increase in the length of day light at sexual maturity
coincides with an increase in feed consumption. During the initial period of lay, egg
production rises rapidly and there is a rise in body weights too. Each of these changes needs
additional feed intake. In areas where longer day length coincides with summer, one must
take additional care for making feed allotments in cooler parts of the day to induce feed
consumption.

Light during the Laying Period

Sexual maturity is controlled by the lighting program during the rearing period. The length
of day i.e. number of hours of light per day and the intensity of light are both factors that
need to be considered. Lighting programs are designed to have a flock lay 5% production at
19th week of age and attain peak production by 25th week of age. The average body weight
of BV-300 pullet at the age of 20 weeks should be 1360 g.
Many farmers use Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) during laying period. CFLs of 12
watts, are economical, as they save on electricity, provide an even distribution of light, and
whose results are comparable.
Natural light should be made use of till the flock achieves the desired body weight and 80%
production. Later, increase the artificial light by ½ hour every week till it reaches 15 hours,
inclusive of natural light.

Things to Remember
 Do not increase the light suddenly.
 Ensure the length of the day (natural + artificial), intensity and equal distribution of
light in poultry house.
 Never allow rise in day length more than one hour. Preferably, increase ½ hour per
week to reach required period of maximum 15 hours.
 As a thumb rule, provide 1 watt per 4 sq.feet area or 5 to 10 lux.
 Keep the bulbs clean.

Disinfection and Biosecurity

Cleaning and disinfection plays a vital role in the management of poultry, helping avoid
various bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal diseases.
After vacating the shed of all birds, preferably in one operation or in shortest possible time,
the house should be disinfected and kept vacated thereafter for sufficient time until arrival of
new flock.

Cleaning and Disinfection

 Remove all waterers, feeders, curtains and bamboo basket brooders (hovers). Clean
and wash them thoroughly with water jets and then washing soda solution.
Afterwards dip them in a virucidal disinfectant as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Then sun dry for a day or so.
 Remove all organic material e.g. manure, litter, feathers, dust, etc. preferably after
spraying 5% to 10% formalin and collecting the above in closed containers e.g.
gunny bags or plastic bags. All organic matter mentioned above should be disposed
off, away from farm premises (in deep pits with formalin spray, caustic soda, salt,
etc.).
 Measures should be taken for controlling the entry of rodents and wild birds.
 Clean all the fans, bulbs/tubes, wirenets and water tank. (For automatic drinking
system, remove all water from pipeline. Fill the whole watering system with 5% to
10% solution of sodium hypochlorite, keep it overnight or at least 3-4 hours. Flush
the system with plain water to remove the solution).
 Bamboo basket brooders from all IBD affected sheds should be disposed off by
burning and new brooders should be used for new batch.
 Chemical Treatment: Floors should be soaked with strong solution of caustic soda
flakes (NaOH) with pH above 12 for 12 to 24 hours. Then drain out the water
completely.
Dose:
Caustic soda flakes (NaOH)* 11 to 12 g per liter of water. 100 liters of such solution should
be used for 1000 sq.feet.
Washing Soda (Na2CO3) 4 to 5 times the above dose i.e. 50 to 60 g per litre of water or 5 to
6 kg per 1000 sq.feet.
Re-wash the flooring by spraying any of the below mentioned disinfectants e.g.

 Quaternary Ammonium compound or chlorine 10 to 20 ppm to be

used either in the form of bleaching powder or sodium hypochlorite
(containing 20% available chlorine).
 Iodine in dilution to provide 1000 ppm.

* Caution: It is necessary to use hand gloves and gum-boots during use of caustic soda
treatment.
 In case of ticks, mite and lice infestation the shed may be sprayed with Cythion at the
rate of 80 mL to 160 mL per 10 litres of water. Here it is very important and
mandatory to follow the safety precautions, as spraying of this type of insecticide is
hazardous.
 Painting: White wash the shed with lime solution with 1% kerosene and 5%
formalin. In case of previous batch history with high mortality, suitable virucidal
disinfectants may be sprayed as per manufacturers' recommendation.
 Fumigation: Refix all washed and disinfected curtains and fumigate as below.

Fumigation with Formaldehyde gas is a common practice. However check with your local
authorities whether it is permissible. Single strength concentration is obtained by mixing 40
mL of formalin with 20 g of potassium permanganate for volume of 100 cubic feet. Double
strength is sometimes used in specialized needs. Fumigation is more effective in presence of
humid atmosphere than dry. Hence, spraying the walls and floors with water before
fumigation is necessary. All the cracks, crevices and windows should be sealed till the
fumigation is in process (normally 40 hours). Formalin is poured over the potassium
permanganate, over the pots beginning from the farthest end of the shed.

Caution: Fumigation should be done under supervision of competent person.

For effective fumigation it is desirable to have wetness (humidity) inside the shed and
temperature above 24°C.

Note: In case the distance between sheds is short or the birds are present in the neighboring
sheds, then fumigation may be undesirable and hence be avoided. Wherever fumigation is
not possible it is suggested to wet the flooring and walls up to 3 feet height with formalin
solution (5%) for a period of at least 6 hours.

 At the end, use spray of virucidal disinfectants commercially available in the market.
Consult local technical expert or veterinary expert for choosing the disinfectants and
follow manufacturer's instructions for the usage.
 After cleaning and disinfection keep the house vacant for a period of 15 days.
 It is advisable to undertake spraying of virucidal disinfectant 48 to 72 hours before
actual arrival of chicks.
Note : (a) The litter material such as rice-husk, saw-dust, etc. that is to be used in deep litter
shed need to be fumigated before use. (b) Laboratory monitoring for ensuring proper
disinfection and to diagnose the disease status of farm.

Whitewash
Given below is the formula, which gives proportion of different ingredients to be included in
lime
To the whitewash thus prepared, add following ingredients for special effects.
White washing of house with this mixture will serve the basic purpose.

Biosecurity
All In All Out: The system is strongly recommended for maximum extraction of genetic
potential of birds. It is suggested to have separate brooding and growing facility away from
laying facility.

Restriction on Men and Material :Sales persons, egg buyers, servicemen and visitors should
not be allowed to enter in. Workers' movement from one age group to other should be
minimized to the extent possible. Under no circumstances should men move from laying
houses to brooding.

Foot Baths : Foot baths should be provided at the entry of the farm necessarily and each
house wherever possible. This foot bath should contain suitable disinfectant in necessary
dilution. Water from foot baths should be changed periodically.

Foot Wear : Foot wears (preferably rubber slippers) should be used for changing the foot
wear before entering the farm.
Disposal Methods of Dead Birds: The immediate burning or burying of dead birds is an
important part of a good disease prevention program.

Incinerators :A good incinerator is probably the best means of disposal, especially in an area
where there is poor soil drainage or a danger of contaminating the water supply.
Important - when operating an incinerator, be very sure that birds are completely burnt to a
white ash.

Disposal Pit : A less desirable but acceptable method of dead bird disposal is through the use
of an adequately designed and tightly covered disposal pit. A pit of 6 feet (1.83 m) in
diameter and 6 feet deep (1.83 m) is large enough to take care of one 10,000 capacity layer
unit. It is necessary to remove all dead birds immediately and they should be disposed off
properly.

Production Standards
Standards for Commercial Layer Flocks

Age in Livability Production Egg/HH/Weeks Cumm. Recommended

Weeks % Egg HH Daily Feed
19 100 5 0.35 0.35 75
20 100 15 1.05 1.40 82
21 100 38 2.66 4.06 90
22 99.9 64 4.48 8.54 93
23 99.9 83 5.80 14.34 96
24 99.9 89 6.22 20.56 102
25 99.8 92 6.43 26.99 104
26 99.8 94 6.57 33.56 106
27 99.7 94 6.56 40.12 108
28 99.7 95 6.63 46.75 108
29 99.6 96 6.69 53.44 109
30 99.6 97 6.76 60.20 111
31 99.6 97 6.76 66.96 111
32 99.5 97 6.76 73.72 115
33 99.4 96 6.68 80.40 115
34 99.3 96 6.67 87.07 115
35 99.2 96 6.67 93.73 115
36 99.1 96 6.66 100.39 115
37 99.0 95 6.58 106.98 114
38 98.9 95 6.58 113.55 114
39 98.8 95 6.57 120.13 114
40 98.7 95 6.56 126.69 113
41 98.6 94 6.49 133.18 113
42 98.5 94 6.48 139.66 113
43 98.4 94 6.47 146.13 113
44 98.3 93 6.40 152.53 113
45 98.2 93 6.39 158.92 113
46 98.1 93 6.39 165.31 113
47 98.0 93 6.38 171.69 113
48 97.9 93 6.37 178.06 113
49 97.8 92 6.30 184.36 113
50 97.7 92 6.29 190.65 112
51 97.6 91 6.22 196.87 112
52 97.5 90 6.14 203.01 112
53 97.5 89 6.07 209.08 112
54 97.4 89 6.07 215.15 112
55 97.3 89 6.06 221.21 112
56 97.2 89 6.06 227.27 112
57 97.2 89 6.06 233.33 112
58 97.1 88 5.98 239.31 112
59 97.0 88 5.98 245.29 112
60 96.9 88 5.97 251.26 112
61 96.9 88 5.97 257.22 110
62 96.8 87 5.90 263.12 110
63 96.7 87 5.89 269.02 110
64 96.6 86 5.82 274.84 110
65 96.5 86 5.81 280.65 110
66 96.5 86 5.81 286.46 110
67 96.4 85 5.74 292.20 110
68 96.3 84 5.66 297.86 110
69 96.3 84 5.66 303.52 110
70 96.2 83 5.59 309.11 110
71 96.1 82 5.52 314.63 110
72 96.0 81 5.44 320.07 110
320.00 41.25

Performance Goals
The following performance goals are expected to be achieved during the 52 weeks of laying
circle:

Livability 96%
Egg Yield 320 eggs cumulative hen housed
Feed Consumption 41.25 kg/bird during laying
Peak Production (above 90%) 25 weeks to 52 weeks of age
Note :Suggested Management guide based on Venkteshwara hatcheries recommendations.
Management practices should be worked out in consultation with local poultry consultant
because requirement differs from area to area.This management guide can not used as
universal management guide for all the area. We don’t owe any responsibility for any
consequences if any body uses this management guide as it is.