By Saheed Salami, PhD, Global Scientific and Technical Manager at Adisseo
Laying hens play vital roles in the global poultry industry, contributing significantly to egg production and providing important edible animal protein to humans. Laying flocks are usually replaced around 72 weeks of age due to declining egg production and egg quality.
However, recent genetic improvements in modern laying hens have enhanced their potential to produce eggs efficiently for extended laying cycles, often up to 100 weeks of age with a production target of 500 eggs. Extending the productive life of layers can help to meet the increasing global demand for eggs, enhance economic efficiency (more saleable eggs per hen and production cost savings) and support the drive towards better sustainability by improving resource efficiency and the carbon footprint of egg production.
Thus, maximizing the genetic potential of modern layers requires precise management of nutrition, environment, and health factors throughout the production cycle.