Effect of Automatic Nests versus Conventional Nests on Laying Performance of Commercial Hens in Veracruz, Mexico

Aims: To evaluate laying performance of heavy breeders housed either in conventional individual (CI) or group automatic (GA) nests.

Study Design: A simple experiment was used to compare 5700 breeders housed in pens with CI and 5500 kept in GA nests from 164 to 247 days of age.

Place and Duration of Study: Poultry farm "Los Corderos" located in Maltrata, Veracruz, Mexico for two months (March to May).

Methodology: Eggs were collected daily to assess cracked shells (CS) and dirty eggs (DE). Out of 23 hatching batches, the number of good chicks (GC), culled chicks (CC), and dead embryo (DE) were recorded and compared by group.

Results: Average CS was 65.8±22.3 in CI and 71±22.6 in GA whereas average DE was 11.6±10 and 23±20.4 respectively, finding a highly statistical difference (P = .01). In regard to GC, average was 10330±4418 in CI and 9781±4157 in GA. Average CC was 124.65±50.64 in CI and 116.30± 47.64 in GA. Average DE was 664.26±219.35 in CI and 642.74±218.68 in GA. No significant difference was found for GC, CC or DE (P = .05). A higher amount of CS and DE were observed in GA. This may be explained by hens’ preference for laying in CI. Hence, more CS and DE appear in GA, which in turn reduce egg hatching, and consequently, decrease the chances of obtaining GC.

Conclusion: Laying performance of heavy breeders did not improve by using group automatic when compared to conventional individual nests.