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GerbaStor for Chickens: Increasing Egg Production and Egg Weight in Autumn-Winter Season
How to Maintain Egg Production in Poultry During Autumn and Winter
The onset of cold weather affects poultry productivity! What can be done to help birds increase egg production?
During the autumn-winter period, many hens stop laying. This occurs because the birds enter a molting phase. During this time, chickens require special attention, particularly regarding their feeding regimen.
A good layer enters the molting period late; if the diet is adequate, egg production may decrease only briefly.
If they are provided with a warm, draft-free coop with supplemental lighting, the hen will resume laying after a short rest.
Reduced egg production may also be associated with low temperature, poor air quality, and improper humidity levels in the housing facilities.
In our previous posts, we discussed the impact of strong, unpleasant odors and humidity on the productivity of livestock and poultry.
The feeding regimen for poultry must be balanced. Both underfeeding and overfeeding are harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to follow standard daily feeding norms.
Previously, we introduced you to the GerbaStor phytobiotic. This is a comprehensive phytobiotic with probiotics and biologically active substances.
It activates the immune and digestive systems, possesses antibacterial properties, and provides preventive action against coccidiosis.
It is produced by microbiological synthesis with the addition of organic, inorganic, and herbal supplements, including micro-ground medicinal herbs.
It is used in the diets of domestic animals, poultry, and fish.
At one enterprise in the Belgorod region, a production trial was conducted to study metabolism, productivity, and nutrient absorption in laying hens when the GerbaStor phytobiotic was introduced into the feeding regimen.
Trial duration: 60 consecutive days with a 30-day break; three courses (at the beginning, middle, and end of the laying cycle).
The metabolic status and natural resistance of the experimental birds were assessed based on historical data, productivity, morphological and biochemical blood analyses reflecting their functional condition after GerbaStor application.
Blood samples were collected every 60 days — at ages 200, 260, and 320 days. Blood was drawn from the axillary vein using vacuum tubes.
Herd survival was monitored through daily assessment of the birds' clinical condition.
Live weight and average daily weight gain were determined by group weighing of 50 birds every 30 days.
Egg production, egg weight, total egg mass per 100 laying hens, shell strength, breakage, and hairline cracks were recorded monthly.
| Feeding Period | Laying Intensity % Control Group |
Laying Intensity % Experimental Group |
Laying Intensity Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 240 days | 89.3 | 91.83 | 2.53 |
| Age 260 days | 92.4 | 96.54 | 4.14 |
| Age 290 days | 91.14 | 95.82 | 4.68 |
The addition of GerbaStor also had a positive effect on egg quality indicators.
Egg weight is the most important physical indicator of nutritional and commercial value, influencing caloric content and chemical composition:
| Bird Age | Average Egg Weight in Control Group, g | Egg Weight in Experimental Group, g |
|---|---|---|
| 200 days | 54.92±0.25 | 55.86±0.26 |
| 260 days | 56.55±0.36 | 57.89±0.33 |
| 320 days | 57.58±0.35 | 59.68±0.29 |
The change in egg weight under the influence of GerbaStor resulted in an increase by the end of the experiment: albumen absolute weight in the experimental group rose by 5.5–5.6%, compared to 1.6% in the control; yolk weight increased by 8.5–12.1%, compared to 8.0% in the control; and shell weight increased by 2.1–2.2%, compared to 0.3% in the control.
Based on the data presented, the positive effect of GerbaStor on normalizing metabolism, increasing the productivity of laying hens, and improving nutrient absorption has been proven.
Maintain and extend the egg production of your poultry with GerbaStor!