What happens when a hen ages?
Ageing affects many parts of the body. Here, we outline important changes that occur as your hens age and explain how you can support them as they mature.
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The egg yolk and whites are predominantly comprised of lipoproteins and proteins. The liver is the main site of fat metabolism in the hen. Fatty liver syndrome, which is characterised by increased lipid accumulation in the liver tissues is associated with decreased egg production and occurs more commonly in aged hens.
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Shell issues to become more prevalent as the hen ages. These changes are associated with reduced hormonal and liver function in aged hens, in addition to reduced synthesis of Vitamin D metabolites, age related changes in the oviduct and poor digestive function.
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As a hen ages, her egg production naturally diminishes on average. Egg production will often still vary by season, with the older hen being more prolific in the spring and summer and less so in the autumn and winter as daylength shortens.
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Egg size will also tend to increase with age, if all other factors remain equal. It is also more common for egg latter can result from repeated challenges to the intestinal stability from altered feed quality, toxins and other stresses. Some of these stresses can impact on the antioxidant ability of the hen. This ability is an important factor for hen health and egg quality. Maintaining the antioxidant status of the hen can help stabilise the gut, maintain an effective immune system and thus reduce the impacts of aging.
How can you support your aging hen?
Geriatric hens can benefit from a range of measures including
Good management of bodyweight
Proactive control of parasitic diseases through monitoring techniques including red mite traps and worm egg counts
Supplementing hens with products that support liver function and that confer antioxidant protection
Providing ensuring satisfactory levels of vitamin D metabolites.
