How to raise laying hens well

Author: Zhang Jinzhou / Edited by Meng Mei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features:
Book Description This book is divided into seven chapters, analyzing the situation and system of the layer industry; briefly introducing the preparations for setting up a chicken farm and the nutritional needs and feed formulation of laying hens; systematically describing the feeding and management techniques for laying hens at different stages; exploring how chicken enterprises can improve economic benefits in a market economy environment; and finally introducing how chicken farms can do a good job in epidemic prevention and hygiene work, as well as the diagnosis and prevention techniques for common chicken diseases.
Excerpt:
Chapter 1 Introduction to the Layer Industry China is one of the earliest countries to domesticate and breed chickens. Archaeological sites in Dawenkou, Shandong, and Banpo, Shaanxi, have unearthed chicken bones and pottery chickens, which serve as historical evidence. The phrase "neighboring countries can see each other, and the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard" in the Laozi and the text "five hens, two pigs, without missing their time" in the Mencius indicate that small-scale chicken farming was quite common during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Through long-term production practices, the Chinese people have bred ancient meat-type breeds such as the "Nine-Jin Yellow" and "Beijing Oil Chicken"; dual-purpose breeds like the "Langshan Chicken" and "Xiaoshan Chicken"; egg-type breeds like the "Chai Chicken"; and medicinal breeds like the "Taihe Chicken." These have become one of the foundations of modern chicken breeds worldwide and have made significant contributions to the global chicken industry. Although China has a long and glorious history of chicken farming, the industry was very backward before the founding of the People's Republic of China. In 1935, the year with the most records, the number of chickens was still less than 300 million. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, favorable conditions were created for the development of the Chinese chicken industry, which quickly recovered and developed. Since the mid-to-late 1970s, China's modern chicken industry support systems, such as the breeding system for high-quality chicken breeds, feed industry, animal husbandry engineering, veterinary epidemic prevention, and scientific management, have been formed and gradually improved. The layer industry in China has entered a new era of rapid development. Statistics on egg production can confirm this, as eggs account for about 83% of China's egg production. In 1980, China's total egg production was 2.566 million tons, accounting for only 9.05% of the world's total egg production of 283.4 million tons. That same year, the United States had a total egg production of 4.13 million tons, accounting for 14.57% of the global total and ranking first. China's production was only 62.13% of that of the United States. In 1995, the world's total egg production was 391.33 million tons, with China producing 167.67 million tons, 6.5 times the 1980 figure and accounting for 42.85% of the global total. That same year, the United States had a total egg production of 43.55 million tons, while China's production was 3.85 times that of the United States, ranking first in the world. From 1980 to 1995, the average annual growth rate of global egg production was 2.39%, while China's was 13.33%, making it the fastest-growing country in the world in terms of egg production. In 1996, China's egg and poultry production increased by 2.773 million tons compared to 1995, reaching 19.54 million tons, with a growth rate of 16.54%. Despite the rapid and significant growth in China's egg production, the increasing population and the improvement of urbanization have led to a growing demand for eggs in the market. Statistical data show that in 1992, China's per capita consumption of fresh eggs was 7.75 kilograms, and the per capita availability of eggs was 8.7 kilograms. The per capita consumption of fresh eggs accounted for 89% of the availability, with only 11% available for industrial consumption and export. In developed countries, the proportion of industrial consumption is quite large. Experts predict that from now until 2000, the average annual growth rate of egg consumption demand (excluding industrial consumption and export, the same below) will be 4%, with per capita consumption reaching 10.6 kilograms and a total of 13.78 million tons. From 2000 to 2010, the average annual growth rate of egg consumption will be 3%, with per capita consumption reaching 14.2 kilograms and a total of 20 million tons. Based on the proportion of eggs in total egg production, by 2010, the demand for eggs in the total egg consumption will be 16.8 million tons; the demand for industrial consumption and export will be at least 2 million tons, totaling more than 18.8 million tons of eggs. In 1996, the production of eggs was approximately 16.2 million tons, still requiring an increase of more than 2.6 million tons to meet market demand. It is clear that the layer industry is still a developing industry and one with a promising and vibrant future. So, how will the layer industry develop in the future?