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Egg breeders are also highly productive in summer
In general, high summer temperatures can significantly impact the productivity of laying hens. However, with proper feeding and management strategies, hens can still maintain high egg production during the hot season. The following measures are essential for ensuring optimal performance:
**Summer Cooling**
Laying hens have a high metabolic rate and thick feathers, but they lack sweat glands. They rely on panting and drinking to regulate body temperature. When temperatures rise, their breathing becomes more rapid, water intake increases, and feed consumption decreases, which can lead to lower egg production and smaller egg size. To prevent heat stress, it's crucial to provide shade, use cooling systems like misters or fans, and ensure good ventilation in caged houses.
**Reducing Stocking Density**
Overcrowding increases heat stress and reduces air circulation. For caged hens, an ideal space is 0.4 square meters per cage with no more than three hens per cage. For free-range systems, aim for 3 hens per square meter or 4 hens per group to allow for better movement and cooling.
**Optimal Feeding Schedule**
Feeding should be done during cooler parts of the day—early morning and late evening. For free-range hens, allowing them to graze outside during the morning and bringing them back inside at dusk helps reduce heat exposure and improves feed efficiency.
**Enhanced Nutrition**
As feed intake declines in summer, so does the intake of essential nutrients, directly affecting egg production. It’s important to adjust the diet by increasing protein levels, adding essential amino acids (especially methionine and lysine), and boosting energy content. Vegetable fats can be added at 1–3% to increase energy. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins should also be increased by 5–10% to compensate for reduced feed consumption.
**Clean and Abundant Water Supply**
Eggs contain up to 75% moisture, so hens need plenty of clean water to stay hydrated. In summer, their water intake can be 3–4 times higher than in winter. Make sure there are enough waterers, and keep the water cool and fresh throughout the day.
**Disease Prevention**
Summer brings higher risks of diseases such as coccidiosis and fowl typhoid. Regular deworming and administering potassium permanganate (1:1000) every 3–5 days can help prevent intestinal issues. Natural remedies like garlic (1–2%) and ground gypsum (0.3%) can also be added to the feed to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion, helping hens better cope with heat stress.
By implementing these strategies, poultry farmers can maintain high productivity and hen health even during the hottest months.