CHAPTER XII 

 FEEDING FOR EGG PRODUCTION 



The contents and suggestions given in the preceding 

 chapters have a direct bearing on the object for which most 

 fowls are kept, namely, the profitable production of eggs. 

 The features that are so essential for such production are 

 as follows: (1) Standard-bred poultry increases production 

 and improves quality. (2) Select healthy vigorous breed- 

 ers so as to produce strong chickens. (3) Hatch early. 

 Early hatched pullets produce fall and winter eggs. (4) 

 Feed and manage the growing stock properly, so that they 

 will mature before winter. (5) Cull the flock and thereby 

 eliminate unprofitable producers. (6) Provide a suitable 

 and comfortable house for the layers. (7) Provide suitable 

 raw material, that is, feed, so as to make profitable egg pro- 

 duction possible. 



VALUE OF PROPER FEEDING 



When feeding hens for egg production two facts should 

 be kept in mind, namely, that the feed consumed first goes 

 to keep up the body requirements and to furnish heat to 

 the body, and, second, to supply the material that makes 

 the egg. It is only after the body requirements of the hen 

 have been satisfied that the surplus feed is available for 

 the production of eggs. When given certain feeds, hens 

 will thrive and keep in good health; but, in order to produce 

 eggs, well balanced, palatable feeds are necessary to fulfill 

 these requirements. 



DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG 



Before discussing the principles and practices of feeding, 

 it will be well to first obtain an idea as to how the egg is 

 formed - 



By referring to the top of Figure 199 the ovary is shown 



198 



