A method for breeding of laying hens

Abstract

The application provides a method for breeding laying hens, and belongs to the field of breeding of breeding hens, and comprises the following steps: step one: selecting an experimental group A, and recording the basic data of the group; step two: calculating the average weight and standard deviation of the group A at the age of 11 weeks, determining the weight range of the group A at the age of 11 weeks under the optimal condition of production performance, and using the average weight ± N times of the standard deviation to represent the weight range standard of the target group to be bred, wherein the weight range standard of the target group to be bred is the average weight + [(−1 to 2) times of the standard deviation]; and step three: using the finally determined average weight + [(−1 to 2) times of the standard deviation] as a screening standard, and providing a basis for screening laying hens for other groups at the age of 9 to 12 weeks. According to the application, the fixed accounting method is used to replace the weight range for selection, the time node of the weight selection at the age of 10 weeks is expanded to the age of 9 to 12 weeks, the time range of the selection is expanded, and the problem of the selection time limit is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for breeding laying hens, belonging to the field of breeding and raising technology for breeding chickens. Background Technology

[0002] The rearing period for laying hens is from 7 to 18 weeks of age. The weight of the hens has a certain impact on egg production and egg weight. Small weight, poor physical development, and insufficient energy reserves lead to a low peak egg production after the start of laying, a short peak period, and a rapid decline in egg production rate after the peak, as well as problems such as prolapse. On the other hand, large weight leads to increased feed consumption, larger eggs, higher mortality and culling rates, and reduced economic benefits. The weight of culling at 10 weeks of age accounts for 10% of the total weight, which shows the importance of 10-week-old selection in the laying hen selection process.

[0003] The 10-week-old selection is based on a fixed weight range. However, in practice, the 10-week-old selection is often affected by the feeding conditions and the current status of the personnel. In particular, when there are many batches of feed, it is impossible to complete the weight measurement of all groups at 10 weeks of age within one week, resulting in inaccurate selection results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method for breeding laying hens that expands the selection time range and avoids limitations on selection timing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a method for breeding laying hens, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: Select experimental group A and record the basic data of this group, including the body weight, total number of eggs laid and egg weight at key growth points;

[0007] Step 2: Statistically analyze the average and standard deviation of the body weight of group A at 11 weeks of age to determine the range of body weight at 11 weeks of age under optimal production performance conditions. The range is expressed as average body weight ± N times the standard deviation. The standard for the body weight range of the selected target group is average body weight + [(-1 to 2) × standard deviation].

[0008] Step 3: Use the final determined average weight + [(-1~2)×standard deviation] as the screening criterion to provide a basis for screening laying hens in other groups between 9 and 12 weeks of age.

[0009] Furthermore, in step one, the basic data recorded for group A includes the body weight at 9, 10, 11, 12, 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, the total number of eggs laid at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, and the egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age.

[0010] Furthermore, in step two, the reference data for determining the range of body weight at 11 weeks of age under optimal production performance conditions includes the body weight of group A at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, the total number of eggs laid at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, and the egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age.

[0011] Furthermore, in step two, the weight qualification rate of group A was over 90% throughout the entire feeding process.

[0012] Furthermore, the criteria for judging optimal production performance in steps two and three include early onset of egg production, high egg production at each age, and relatively good egg production sustainability.

[0013] Furthermore, the selected breeding populations are Loch Ness Red or White Leghorn.

[0014] Furthermore, based on the weight range standard determined by the above-mentioned breeding method, the laying hens are weighed at 9, 10, 11 or 12 weeks of age, and the average weight and standard deviation are calculated. The laying hens that meet the weight range standard are the selected laying hens.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the egg-laying hen breeding method of the present invention are as follows:

[0016] This invention uses a "fixed calculation method" instead of a "weight range" for selection, expanding the time point for weight selection from 10 weeks of age to 9-12 weeks of age, thus broadening the selection time range and effectively avoiding the problem of time constraints in selection.

[0017] The breeding method of this invention determines that the average weight ± N times the standard deviation can be used as the basis for weight selection at different ages. This method is also applicable at 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks of age, breaking the limitation of 10 weeks of age as the only weight selection point and realizing the autonomy of weight selection. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0019] A method for breeding laying hens, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step 1: Record the basic data of the four groups A, B, C, and D:

[0021] The breed raised was Loch Ness Red. Group A was raised more than 350 days earlier than groups B, C, and D to ensure that data from group A could guide weight selection for groups B, C, and D at 10 weeks of age. The traits recorded for groups A, B, C, and D included body weight at 9, 10, 11, 12, 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; total egg production at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; and egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age. All these recorded points were data-validated and are key indicators of flock performance.

[0022] Step 2: Calculate the average and standard deviation of the body weight at 11 weeks of age:

[0023] Based on the body weights of group A at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, the total egg production at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, and the egg weights at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, the range of body weight at 11 weeks of age under optimal production performance was determined, using the average body weight ± N times the standard deviation. The pass rate for body weight in group A was over 90% throughout the entire breeding process.

[0024] Step 3: Use the final determined average weight + [(-1~2)×standard deviation] as the screening criterion to provide a basis for screening laying hens in other groups between 9 and 12 weeks of age.

[0025] The following describes the breeding process of laying hens in other groups at 9, 10, and 12 weeks of age, verifying the accuracy and feasibility of the screening criteria determined above in this invention.

[0026] Group B validation: At 8:00 AM on day 63, 100 chickens from Group B were randomly selected and weighed. The mean and standard deviation were calculated. Group B was divided into subgroups according to the range of the standard deviation. After subgrouping, the chickens were housed in individual cages, and the statistical indicators were collected.

[0027] C-group validation: At 8:00 AM on 70-day-old chickens, 100 chickens from the C-group were randomly selected and weighed. The mean and standard deviation were calculated. The C-group was divided into groups according to the range of the standard deviation. After grouping, the chickens were housed in individual cages, and the statistical indicators were collected.

[0028] Group D validation: At 8:00 AM on day 77, 100 chickens from Group D were randomly selected and weighed. The mean and standard deviation were calculated. Group D was divided into subgroups according to the range of the standard deviation. After subgrouping, the chickens were housed in individual cages, and the statistical indicators were collected.

[0029] One hundred chickens were randomly selected from each of the three groups B, C, and D and weighed. The average and standard deviation of the chickens at 9 weeks of age (group B), 10 weeks of age (group C), and 12 weeks of age (group D) were obtained by sampling. These averages and standard deviations were used as the basis for grouping the three groups.

[0030] After dividing the chickens into three groups (B, C, and D), the statistical indicators included body weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; total egg production at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; and egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age. The goal was to determine whether the chickens whose body weight at the corresponding age range was average body weight + [(-1 to 2) × standard deviation] were the best performing groups.

[0031] This invention selects the best-performing flocks based solely on the weight of each group between 9 and 12 weeks of age, according to the aforementioned defined weight range. However, weight remains a crucial feeding indicator for the selected flocks during later stages of rearing. As mentioned above, it is also necessary to record the weight of each group at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age. On one hand, weight during the laying period is correlated with egg production traits, egg weight, and feed consumption; for example, greater weight generally leads to greater egg weight. However, excessive weight can inhibit egg production to some extent, so weight needs to be controlled within a certain range, and greater is not always better. On the other hand, in addition to income from egg production, the income from culled chickens is also an important component of a chicken farmer's income. The income from one culled chicken is approximately 20 yuan, and the greater the weight, the higher the income upon culling.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] 1. One day old, 1893 birds in the Loch Ness Red A flock were marked with numerical wing tags, and the tags were recorded. At the end of each physiological cycle, 100 individuals were randomly selected for weighing. Throughout the rearing process, the weight compliance rate of the A flock was ensured to be above 90%. This random weighing of 100 birds is a process check to ensure the appropriateness of the feeding program for this batch of chickens. If the weight compliance rate for a week is below 90%, the feeding program needs to be adjusted. Generally, the weight compliance rate can be achieved above 90% through proper feeding and management methods.

[0034] 2. At the end of 11 weeks of age, each member of group A was weighed and the data was entered into the breeding system according to the principle of one-to-one correspondence between wing number and weight to ensure that the wing number and weight corresponded one-to-one.

[0035] 3. At 15 weeks of age, the flock is transferred to individual cages, with one chicken per cage, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between wing number and cage number. The cage number information is entered into the breeding system. After the flock begins laying eggs, the egg production of each chicken is recorded individually, along with its weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, its total egg production at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, and its egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age.

[0036] 4. Perform one-to-one analysis on wing size, body weight, and egg weight of the flock. Calculate the average body weight and standard deviation based on the body weight at 11 weeks of age. Group the body weight according to different standard deviations. Compare the body weight, egg weight, and egg production traits of different groups and select the optimal range of average body weight plus or minus N times the standard deviation.

[0037] Group A: 1894 animals

[0038] Grouping criteria: The average weight of 11-week-old infants was 989g, with a standard deviation of 59g. Groups were formed using the average weight as the baseline and the standard deviation as the gradient, as shown in Table 1.

[0039] Table 1

[0040] Group interval quantity Proportion 1 ≤871 39 2.06 2 872-930 252 13.31 3 931-989 694 36.66 4 990-1048 606 32.01 5 1049-1107 262 13.84 6 ≥1108 40 2.11

[0041] Table 2

[0042]

[0043] Table 2 presents the statistical data of various traits in group A. In the table, "AFE" refers to the average initial weight of laying hens in each group (g); "BW" refers to the average weight of laying hens in each group at each week of age (g); "EN" refers to the average number of eggs laid by laying hens in each group at each week of age (eggs); and "EW" refers to the average weight of eggs laid by laying hens in each group at each week of age (g). The content of the following tables has the same meaning.

[0044] Specifically,

[0045] Age at first egg production: Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 start egg production earlier, which aligns with the breeding direction. Early egg production allows for earlier profitability.

[0046] Weight and egg weight: The larger the weight at 11 weeks of age, the greater the weight and egg weight at each age.

[0047] Egg production traits: At 11 weeks of age, the body weight is in the range of 931-1107g. The number of eggs produced and the sustainability of egg production at each age are better than others. At 56 weeks of age, groups 3, 4 and 5 have the highest number of eggs produced.

[0048] In summary: the weight range of 11-week-old infants is from average weight - 1 standard deviation to average weight + 2 standard deviations, with the best performance across all categories.

[0049] 5. Validation was conducted in groups B at 9 weeks of age, groups C at 10 weeks of age, and groups D at 12 weeks of age, with weight ranges from average weight - 1 standard deviation to average weight + 2 standard deviations.

[0050] 6. After 400 days of raising group A, raise groups B, C, and D in the same way as group A, and record the same data as group A.

[0051] 7. Groups B, C, and D were divided into groups at 63 days, 70 days, and 84 days of age, respectively. The grouping criteria were to first calculate the average weight and standard deviation, and then group the groups based on the average weight and the standard deviation.

[0052] Group B consisted of 2404 animals.

[0053] Grouping criteria: The average weight of 9-week-old infants was 760g, and the standard deviation was 49g. Groups were formed based on the average weight and the standard deviation as a gradient, as shown in Table 3.

[0054] Table 3

[0055]

[0056]

[0057] Table 4

[0058]

[0059] Table 4 presents the statistical data for each trait of group B.

[0060] Age at onset of labor: Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 had relatively earlier ages at onset of labor;

[0061] Weight and egg weight: The larger the weight at 9 weeks of age, the greater the weight and egg weight at each age.

[0062] Egg production: Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed better egg production and sustainability at each age than other groups.

[0063] Using a weight range of average weight - 1 standard deviation to average weight + 2 standard deviations as the weight selection standard is also applicable to the B group at 9 weeks of age.

[0064] Group C: 2436 individuals

[0065] Grouping criteria: The average weight of 10-week-old infants was 860g, and the standard deviation was 52g. Groups were formed based on the average weight and the standard deviation, as shown in Table 5.

[0066] Table 5

[0067] Group interval quantity Proportion 1 ≤808 25 1.03 2 809-860 373 15.31 3 861-912 895 36.74 4 913-964 747 30.66 5 ≥965 396 16.26

[0068] Table 6

[0069]

[0070]

[0071] Table 6 presents the statistical data for each trait of group C. Specifically...

[0072] Age at first production: The age at first production of groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 all conform to the characteristics of the variety.

[0073] Weight and egg weight: The larger the weight at 10 weeks of age, the greater the weight and egg weight at each age.

[0074] Egg production performance: The egg production and egg production sustainability of the group weighing 809-946g at all ages were better than other groups. That is, the weight selection standard of the average weight - 1 standard deviation to the average weight + 2 standard deviation is also applicable to the C group at 10 weeks of age.

[0075] Group D consists of 1795 hens

[0076] Grouping criteria: The average weight over 12 weeks was 1050g, and the standard deviation was 62g. Groups were formed using the average as the baseline and the standard deviation as the gradient, as shown in Table 7.

[0077] Table 7

[0078] Group interval quantity Proportion 1 ≤988 317 17.66 2 989-1050 662 36.88 3 1051-1112 518 28.86 4 1113-1174 243 13.54 5 ≥1175 55 3.06

[0079] Table 8

[0080] Group AFE BW12 BW28 BW36 BW56 EN38 EN44 EN48 EN56 EW28 EW38 EW56 Group 1 141.1 956 1743 1826 1917 110.6 145.2 167.6 207.1 55.5 56.8 60.7 Group 2 140.4 1043 1786 1878 1915 111.9 146.2 168.3 209.2 55.5 57.7 60.6 Group 3 140.4 1192 1864 1963 1944 112.5 146.8 168.9 209.4 55.9 58.2 61.1 Group 4 141.2 1158 1936 2051 1960 111.6 149.9 170.9 210.5 56.1 58.8 61.6 Group 5 141.1 1186 2053 2154 1990 108.3 139.5 162.4 207.2 57.3 59.3 62.2

[0081] Table 8 presents the statistical data for each trait of group D. Specifically...

[0082] Age at onset of labor: There is little difference in age at onset of labor;

[0083] Weight and egg weight: The larger the weight at 12 weeks of age, the greater the weight and egg weight at each age.

[0084] Egg production traits: At 12 weeks of age, the weight of the group with a weight of 989-1174g is better than other groups in terms of the number of eggs laid and the sustainability of egg production at each age. That is, the weight selection standard of the range of average weight - 1 standard deviation to average weight + 2 standard deviation is also applicable to the D group at 12 weeks of age.

[0085] In the actual breeding process, the following method can be used for breeding: according to the weight range standard determined by the above-mentioned breeding method of the present invention, the laying hens are weighed at 9, 10, 11 or 12 weeks of age, and the average weight and standard deviation are calculated. The laying hens that meet the weight range standard (that is, the weight range determined by the average weight and standard deviation at each age: average weight + [(-1 to 2) × standard deviation]) are the selected laying hens.

[0086] The above-described breeding process applies to the Los Angeles Red breed. The same method has been proven to be applicable to the breeding of the White Leghorn breed in actual breeding practice.

[0087] In summary, this invention establishes that average body weight ± N times the standard deviation can be used as the basis for selecting body weight at different ages. This method is also applicable at 9, 10, 11, and 12 weeks of age, breaking the limitation of using 10 weeks of age as the sole selection point for body weight and realizing the autonomy of body weight selection.

[0088] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for breeding laying hens, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Select experimental group A and record the basic data of this group, including the body weight, total number of eggs laid and egg weight at key growth points; Step 2: Statistically calculate the average weight and standard deviation of group A at 11 weeks of age, determine the range of weight at 11 weeks of age under the optimal production performance conditions, and express it as average weight ± N times the standard deviation. The standard for the weight range of the selected target group is average weight + [(-1~2) × standard deviation]; Step 3: Use the final determined average weight + [(-1~2) × standard deviation] as the screening criterion to provide a basis for screening laying hens in other groups between 9 and 12 weeks of age.

2. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step one, the basic data recorded for group A include body weight at 9, 10, 11, 12, 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; total egg production at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age; and egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age.

3. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step two, the reference data for determining the range of body weight at 11 weeks of age under optimal production performance conditions includes the body weight of group A at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, the total number of eggs laid at 38, 44, 48, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age, and the egg weight at 28, 36, 56, 66, and 72 weeks of age.

4. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step two, the weight qualification rate of group A was over 90% throughout the entire feeding process.

5. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The criteria for judging optimal production performance in steps two and three include early onset of egg production, high egg production at each age, and relatively good egg production sustainability.

6. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The selected breeding populations are Loch Ness Red or White Leghorn.

7. The method for breeding laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight range standard determined by the breeding method according to any one of claims 1-6 is determined by weighing the laying hens at 9, 10, 11 or 12 weeks of age, calculating the average weight and standard deviation, and the laying hens that meet the weight range standard are the selected laying hens.

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