What are the Differences Between Broilers and Layers and in Their Management?

Answer: The Broilers and layers are two types of chicken. They are bred for different purposes. For example, broilers would grow quickly. Hence, they are used for meat. On the other hand, layers are raised well to produce eggs over a long period. Broilers can easily reach the market-required weight in 18 weeks. Moreover, they can live up to 2 years with proper nutrition control and lighting. In this article, you will get to understand the key differences between broilers and layers and their management. 

What are the Main Biological Differences Between Broilers and Layers?

There are several biological differences between broilers and layers and their management. Some of these biological differences are provided below:

1. Purpose: Boilers are brought up for their meat. They are selected because they can easily gain weight. On the other hand, layers are egg-laying birds and are chosen for their sustained and high egg production.
2. Growth Rate: Broilers can double their body weight in a week. They can reach 2 kg in 2 months. Layers, on the other hand, would grow slowly. They can focus on energy on the reproductive organs rather than the muscles.
3. Body Shape: Broilers are huge, and layers are lighter and have a slimmer frame.
4. Lifespan:  Broilers have a short life span. They can only live for about 5 to 7 weeks. On the other hand, layers can live up to 18 to 24 months.

 How Do Their Nutritional Needs Differ?

There are nutritional differences between broilers and layers and in their management. The nutritional differences are  provided below:

1. Broilers: Broilers would require high high-protein, and high-energy diet. You need to give it about 20 – 24% protein to support its muscle growth. Therefore, feed is energy-dense to ensure that broilers grow quickly.
2. Layers: Layers would require a balanced diet. They only require moderate amounts of protein (16–18%). However, they require higher calcium, about 4%.

What are the Key Management Practices for Broilers?

Broilers are kept in tight biosecurity and controlled temperature (starting at 32 °C, gradually lowered). This will encourage their growth and feed intake. Birds are harvested at a young age. Therefore, up to 10 birds/m² are kept. They require continuous light for about 20-23 hours per day. Frequent weight check and quick responses to diseases is held to prevent outbreaks.

What are the Key Management Practices for Layers?

There are differences between broilers and layers, and in their management. In terms of the management of layers, they are provided with perches and nesting boxes for laying behaviour. A low number of layers is kept at a time (about 4–5 birds/m²). Moreover, layers only require daylight for about 14 hours per day. The daylight is increased to 16 hours as the laying starts. Some farms even provide controlled “molt” (rest period) to rejuvenate laying after 12 to 24 months.

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