OCR Text |
Show Light, Wet Mash Aids In Egg Production Pointing out that egg production produc-tion at this time is especially important because of the large demand and higher prices, C. D. Ashton, assistant county agent lists two practices which will enable en-able Utah county poultrymen to gather more eggs from their yearling or older birds. Mr. Bosewell states that the need for eggs for lend-lease, army, and home use are now greater than ever before. He also points out that eggs produced pro-duced at this time of year are higher in price. For example, top grade eggs sold at 50 cents per dozen during the week ending end-ing 'August 21, this is 14 cents above the per-dozen price of January 30. The county agent states that eggs will continue to increase in price, under the OPA ceilings, 'until October. As a measure to increase egg production during thei present season, Mr. Boswell suggest feeding feed-ing damp crumbly mash to laying lay-ing birds each day during the warm part of the afternoon. Wetting the mash makes it more palatable and increases consumption con-sumption during hot weather, when the birds ordinarily do not eat enough to keep up production. produc-tion. "Wet to a crumbly consistancy just the amount of feed that the birds will clean up in 20 to 30 minutes," warns Mr. Boswell. If the mash is not cleaned up quickly it will spoil and be wasted. wast-ed. A labor-saving method of wetting the mash is to pour a small amount of water down the feed trough with a sprinkling can and let the birds mix it. Another practice which will increase production is the use of artificial li-.;it in the pens for laying birds. Mr. Boswell explains ex-plains that light determines the time of day and the season of the year that most eggs are laid. The light which passes through the eye of the chicken causes the pituitary gland in the lower part of it's head to produce a fillicle stimulating hormone which causes the bird to lay eggs. "Use of moderate amounts of artifical light in the laying pens during August and September will increase the egg-producing harmone and keep hens in production pro-duction at this season of the year." states Mr. Boswell. He points out that wet mash and artificial light are two practices used by managers of egg laying eont.p.sts at. t.liis timp nf vpor nnH suggests that they are emergency emergen-cy practice which should be used to increase production in wartime. |