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The Pre-Lay Pause: A Five-Day Fast Near The Beginning of Production For Improving Early Egg Size of Commercial Laying Hens

Extension Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602; Phone: (404) 542-1325; FAX: (404) 542-8383

Correspondence: Charles F. Strong, Jr.

A five-day fast near the beginning of production ("pre-laypause") resulted in improved early egg size in two trials using a popular commercial layer strain (Hy-Line W-36). Egg weight differences ranged from 0.7-1.5 g/egg (0.6-1.2 lb/30 doz. case) during the first half of a complete laying cycle (22-65 weeks of age). Hen-housed egg production was similar in Paused (231 eggs) and Full-Fed (233 eggs) birds. The fast did not result in improved egg size in another commercial strain reputed to lay lager eggs (Shaver 288). It was concluded that the pre-lay pause can be profitable with some strains, especially during periods when large price differences exist between medium and large eggs.

Key Words: Improved egg size • delayed sexual maturity • five-day fast