The Value of in-VIGOR-ate® in Pullet Raising

Pullet development is the key to success of the layer flock. Proper management of housing, feeding and the health program results in genetic potential of the pullet to be achieved by 20 weeks of age. During this time there is focus on skeletal growth, muscle deposition, development of a healthy gut and the development of a strong immune system. Doing it correctly can result in an extra 10 eggs per hen produced by 80 weeks of age.

Pullet rearing is commonly divided into 3 phases:

  • The Start – 0 to 6 weeks
  • The Growth Spurt – 7 to 12 weeks
  • The Transition – 13 to 18 weeks

 

Weeks 0 to 6


A strong start is key to the chick’s growth and livability. The Association of Veterinarians in Egg Production reports that the #2 health issue during this phase is starve-outs.


It is critical to provide a clean, sanitary water supply. Stimulate birds to drink in order to stimulate starter feed intake to prevent starve-outs. Administering in-VIGOR-ate® in the drinking water during the first week is critical for success because it will:

  • Stimulate water intake
  • Rehydrate birds due to its sodium:potassium ratio
  • Stimulate feed intake
Chicks at Drinker
A pullet field evaluation with 12,000 chicks compared supplementing in-VIGOR-ate® vs. a typical vitamin supplement. Each water supplement was administered from days 1 thru 5. Mortality rates were measured at day 7 finding 2.7% for the vitamin group and only 0.8% for those receiving in-VIGOR-ate®.  

An additional value of in-VIGOR-ate® is supplying probiotics to inoculate the crop and gut with beneficial bacteria and providing vitamins A, E, D & C to nourish an infantile immune system.

Weeks 7 to 12


During this phase birds are pushed nutritionally to grow rapidly in order to reach scheduled target weights. Stressors including bird movement, widely fluctuating environmental conditions, poor feed quality, crowding and abrupt changes in routine will disrupt growth.


Additionally, a series of vaccinations are administered which contribute significantly to bird stress. The response of the immune system to a vaccination often results in a reduction in feed intake. This disruption causes an imbalance of gut microflora that results in reduced nutrient utilization for growth and chronic bacterial enteritis. Pullets can readily lose 0.2 lb. of body weight after such an event.


Administration of in-VIGOR-ate® after vaccinations is recommended to stimulate water intake, maintain a higher level of feed intake and replenish a beneficial gut microflora balance. Additionally, it supplies vitamins A, D, E and C to strengthen the immune response to the vaccine.

Weeks 13 to 18


At 13 weeks, the pullet should be at 95% of its skeletal size but is at 75% of its mature weight. So the feeding program is designed to complete the growth targets. As during the “growth phase”, any stressors that reduce feed intake need to be addressed with strategic administration of in-VIGOR-ate® for 2 to 3 days after each stress event.


Movement of pullets into the laying house by week 16 creates stress due to a new environment and feeds. Erratic feed intake patterns are common so administering in-VIGOR-ate® for 2 to 3 days per week during the first 3 weeks of this transition will support better bird gut health and a higher level of egg production.

Clear View Enterprises
Tontitown, AR 72770 
(866) 361-4689

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