Improvements were recently made to Wenger Feeds’ Weekly Performance Summary—known as “layer records” to many customers. The changes were driven, in part, by the new FDA Egg Safety Rule. Information necessary for those inspections was added to the records. While the basic format has remained the same, the following items were adjusted:
• The “Environmental” heading now contains the cooler temperature (Clr) column as well as the addition of fly count (Fly) and Ammonia (Am) levels.
• The pounds of feed per dozen eggs column (lb/Dz) has been removed.
• There is now a location for the three SE environmental swab dates.
• The codes used in the “Additives” column will now use lower case for the second letter if the code contains two letters. This will make it easier to distinguish the additive(s) used. For example, Currently UR could be Aureomycin or TZB-200 and Dical. With the changes, Aureomycin will now be Ur.
Wenger Feeds has been offering layer records since the 1970s, and the company has an extensive archive of performance data on various breeds of hens.
Information collected throughout the week is sent to Wenger’s office by producers and layer service staff. Every piece of data collected can help a producer increase their efficiency in specific areas. Producers can see what their birds are doing compared to other producers that are facing the same temperature, humidity, and general weather conditions.
While the records do not replace daily monitoring of the flock by barn workers, they are another tool available to help producers maximize performance. The feed consumption and egg production numbers also aid in the use of Wenger Feeds’ phase feeding programs. If you’re interested in this service, contact your Wenger Feeds Account Leader for details.
