38th NC layer performance and management test published

The 38th edition of the North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Test was published recently. In this test, all the major layer strains which are available at the US market, are tested and compared under various conditions.

The purpose of this programme is to provide strain performance and management information that will assist the egg industry across the USA and internationally, in the evaluation of commercial layer stocks and management systems.

The data presented includes the analysis of a single production cycle. The report summarises the single cycle (17 to 85 weeks) performance of the various strains when housed in several environments including commercial cages, cage free and free range systems. Performance summary tables are provided for each strain that participated in each environment.

In the commercial cages, two densities were used and performance from the two density groups is presented along with the combined results. Tables for each strain that was included in the cage-free and range performance comparisons are provided for each production environment.

The test is conducted under the auspices of the Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina Layer Performance and Management Program at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The flock is maintained at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, North Carolina.

The full report can be downloaded from the website of NC State University.