Autumn and Winter Season Egg Management Techniques

Winter climate brings unique challenges to poultry management, especially for laying hens. Understanding the environmental conditions and implementing proper strategies is essential for maintaining health and productivity during this season. **1. Winter Climate Features** During winter, temperatures gradually drop, leading to drier air and lower humidity. This creates a growing conflict between the need for ventilation and the requirement for insulation. As daylight hours decrease, natural light in open chicken houses becomes limited, which can affect the hens’ behavior and egg production. Additionally, strong northwest winds are common, causing sudden temperature fluctuations and large differences between day and night temperatures—often around 10-15°C—which increases the risk of cold stress in the flock. **2. Common Problems During Winter** Winter is also a high-risk period for diseases such as avian influenza. Poor adherence to vaccination or biosecurity protocols can lead to outbreaks. The combination of cold weather and inadequate ventilation may trigger respiratory issues. Sudden temperature drops, overcrowding, and poor air quality can also contribute to infectious rhinitis. Moreover, shorter daylight hours require careful attention to lighting systems, ensuring that fans, small windows, and other light sources are properly managed to maintain optimal conditions. **3. Key Management Strategies for Autumn and Winter** **a. Prevention First** Diseases like respiratory infections and Newcastle disease are more prevalent in winter. A strict biosecurity system is crucial. This includes controlling access to the farm, disinfecting regularly, and following a proper vaccination schedule. At 17 weeks of age, hens should be vaccinated through nasal, drinking water, or aerosol methods. Additional vaccines for fowl cholera and fowlpox should also be administered on time. Monitoring the flock closely and isolating sick birds promptly is vital. **b. Control Infection Sources and Transmission Routes** To prevent disease spread, staff must avoid contact with live birds and minimize exposure to potential infection sources. Three main transmission routes—people, air, and media—must be addressed. Employees should shower, change into clean clothing, and disinfect before entering the facility. All external items must be prohibited from entering. Regular cleaning of the environment, including floors, equipment, and waste areas, helps reduce contamination risks. **c. Optimize Ventilation and Reduce Stress** Proper ventilation is critical in winter to maintain good air quality while avoiding excessive heat loss. In closed houses, regular airing intervals should be scheduled based on indoor air quality. In windowed houses, the number and duration of openings depend on bird density, temperature, wind speed, and gas levels. The goal is to maintain stable temperatures and limit daily fluctuations to no more than 3-5°C. Wind speed inside the house should be kept between 5.5–6.5 m/s, and ventilation windows adjusted according to temperature changes throughout the day. **d. Ensure Thermal Insulation and Stability** As temperatures drop, it's important to prepare the chicken house in advance. Repairing windows and doors, hanging curtains, and sealing leaks help maintain an ideal internal temperature of 8–13°C. Good insulation prevents cold drafts while allowing for necessary air exchange. **e. Special Environmental Considerations** In windy conditions, adjusting air intake and reducing wind speed can prevent dust and pathogens from entering. When temperatures drop rapidly, insulation should take priority. These measures help maintain a stable and healthy environment for the hens. **Conclusion** Effective autumn and winter management requires a combination of strong biosecurity, proper ventilation, and environmental control. By implementing these practices, farmers can improve hen performance, reduce disease incidence, and ultimately increase profitability. With careful planning and consistent care, laying hens can thrive even in the harshest winter conditions.

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