Forced moulting of layer chickens considering economic factors

For laying hens, high egg production is a key factor in poultry farming. However, after a long and productive laying period, hens typically undergo natural moulting, which can last around four months, during which they stop laying eggs and grow new feathers. This lengthy downtime is not efficient for farmers. Forced moulting, on the other hand, allows hens to moult quickly, regrow their feathers, and then resume egg production in under eight weeks. As a result, this technique is widely used in commercial poultry operations to optimize productivity and profitability. Many chicken farmers plan for forced moulting in advance, but economic factors often lead to sudden decisions. For example, if egg prices are expected to rise, or if there's a need to cut costs due to falling prices, farmers might decide to force moulting. To help make informed decisions, it’s important to analyze various factors that affect the cost and profit before and after moulting. First, comparing the cost of new hens versus moulting hens shows that moulting is more economical. The cost of raising a new hen to maturity is about 13 yuan, while the cost of moulting hens includes feed, labor, and management expenses. The estimated cost for producing eggs from moulting hens is around 9.5 yuan, which is significantly lower than starting with new layers. Second, egg production during the second laying cycle is generally lower than the first. At peak, it may reach 95% of the first year’s output, but by the sixth month, it drops to 85%. Overall, total egg production in the second cycle is about 90% of the first, though mortality rates are higher, reducing effective production to around 85%. Third, eggs from the second laying cycle tend to be larger. This is partly due to the hen’s increased body weight after moulting, though fewer eggs are laid. Large and extra-large eggs are more valuable and easier to sell, making them a desirable outcome for farmers. Fourth, chickens gain weight after moulting and continue to do so throughout the second cycle. This leads to higher feed consumption. In one study, daily feed intake increased from 121g to 136g per bird, which can impact overall costs. Fifth, egg quality changes over time. While shell quality is initially good, it declines rapidly after six months, especially in hot weather. Internal egg quality remains relatively stable, but poor shell quality can lead to price reductions. Lastly, mortality rates increase slightly in the second laying cycle, rising from 5.6% to 6.1%. In conclusion, when deciding whether to implement forced moulting, farmers must consider both market conditions and these internal factors. Balancing all these elements helps ensure better economic returns and sustainable poultry production.

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