How to get the BEST from your Hens

Bulletin #8

Common problems affecting Laying Hen Production

Heat Distress

A significant amount of resources both practical and theoretical is utilized to reinforce the opinion of many poultry specialist that heat distress is a major direct cause of both reduced egg quality and number of eggs produced. It is important to point out however that because the pullets in Jamaica are reared in naturally ventilated houses and therefore subject to higher than normal temperature a certain amount of acclimatization occurs and hens produced under these conditions go on to produce eggs in environments that theoretically should result in significant performance down turn. That being said, there are still many reports by Jamaican table egg producers of reduced production (albeit at a higher temperature) and even mortality among many flocks especially from the month of May through to September.

1. Symptoms of heat distress

1. Decreased Feed Intake
2. Increased Water Consumption
3. Change in body posture
4. Sensible heat loss (Conduction, convection, radiation)
5. Evaporative heat loss (Gullar flutter & Panting)
6. Decrease in egg weight, production and Shell quality
7. Increase susceptibility to disease
8. Rise in body temperature
9. Death

2. Heat stress management

1. Increasing water availability
2. Reducing water temperature (Flush Lines)
3. Postpone husbandry that requires bird handling
4. Feed birds early morning and late evening
5. Increase air movement in the house (Provide Fans)
6. Avoid overstocking cages/floor based production systems during the summer months.
7. Increase feed nutrient density by adding fat (Feed Mill) viii. Implement Mid Night Feeding procedure
8. House design

• Paint roof white
• Site house at least 36 feet from adjacent house
• Orientate east to west
• Design to allow for unencumbered air flow