Frequently Asked Questions

Expert’s answer :

• Make sur you have the right temperature in the building
• Feed should be available before the chicks arrive and feed must be renewed regularly
• Drinking lines must be checked and you have to encourage the birds to drink
• Follow the density recommendations

More information can be found in our Novogen Management guide.

Expert’s answer :

A major aspect of achieving successful layer flocks is ensuring good pullet quality. During the rearing period, close attention must be paid to flock growth and preparation for laying in line with the following considerations:

• Biosecurity
• Optimal weaning and breeding conditions
• Regular bird weighing
• Management of sexual maturity

If you want to know more about the condition to obtain a good pullet you can read the article of our expert: “Essential points to obtain a good layer pullet”.

Expert’s answer :

• Follow the bird’s bodyweight and uniformity from the first week. Adapt your flock management if necessary
• Check your light stimulation timing
• Ensure the birds have a good appetite and have a good consumption during onset of lay

More information can be found in our Novogen Management guide.

Expert’s answer :

For breeders, vaccination must be adapted to the place of rearing, to the local standards in force and to the health problems specific to the region. The history of the house should also be considered, as this will enable a suitable prophylaxis program to be established with a veterinarian.

More information can be found in our Novogen Management guide.

Expert’s answer :

Many factors can impact the persistency of your layer flock (rearing period, prophylaxis, management, etc.).

• Check your feeding program (timing, quantity, formula)
• Check the growth and uniformity of the flock regularly
• Check your biosecurity and prophylaxis program
• Check the sanitary condition of the flock (sanitary challenge will impact the production of your layers)

You can find more information on our NovoFocus about: “How to maximise the persistency?”

Expert’s answer :

Lighting programs have to be adapted to your own situation, to determine it, you have to ask you these questions:

• Your location
• The characteristics of the rearing unit
• Season of the year
• Temperature
• Date of the hatch
• Growth of the flock
• Past records of performance obtained in this rearing unit.

You can find more information on these points and some examples of lighting programme in our management guides.

Expert’s answer :

Egg shell quality is a major parameter to consider in layer flock management. It has a direct effect on layer flock’s longevity and the economical result. To maintain a good shell quality until the ends of the flocks you must ensure:

• A good pullet quality
• A good timing for light stimulation
• An adequate feeding formula (with an adequate level of carbonate)
• Addition of further calcium

If you want to know more about shell quality, you can read the article of our expert: “The practical basis for a good shell quality”.

Expert’s answer :

• Put it aside and on its tip.

Expert’s answer :

• A good egg weight loss during incubation is important to ensure good hatchability, it should be around 12%.

You can find more information by watching our NovoTuto on: “How to measure egg weight loss during incubation”

Expert’s answer :

• Several factors can influence hatchability. First of all, you have to identify the issues face during the incubation process. Some tools are easy to implement and can bring you useful information as for example the analysis of unhatched eggs to identify the pattern of embryonic mortality.

Expert’s answer :

• Turning will replicate the natural action of a hen. It is an important factor for hatchability and chick quality. The main action of turning is to have a correct development of the air cell and to help the embryo to reach a normal hatching position.

More information is available in our Novotuto about “The egg turning during incubation”.

Expert’s answer :

• A minimum total fiber level is recommended for all their positive effects on the digestion and behaviour of the animals. The minimum level at 4.5% should be increase according to birds behavior. Increase at least to 0.5% or 1% if you begin to see any signs of aggression between birds.

You can find more information in our Nutrition Guide

Expert’s answer :

• Poultry’s consumption is directly related to feed presentation. Particle’s size is the key parameter of feed intake and by consequence to nutrients absorption and at the end of pullets/layers performances.
• An adequate granulometry allows the increase of feed intake and egg production. Our recommendations are in production:

More information can be found on our Nutrition Guide