Question

What are differences between broilers and layers?

Answer 1

An egg laying poultry is called egger or layer whereas broilers
are reared for obtaining meat. So a layer should be able to
produce more number of large sized eggs, without growing

too much. On the other hand, a broiler should yield more meat
and hence should be able to grow well.

Good management practices are essential for the good
production of poultry. These are different for broilers and
layers. These include maintenance of temperature and
hygienic conditions in housing and poultry feed, as well as

prevention and control of diseases and pests.
The housing, nutritional and environmental requirements of
broilers are different from layers. Broilers are fed with vitamin

rich supplementary feed for good growth rate and better feed
efficiency. The ratio for broilers is protein rich with adequate
fat. Care is taken to avoid mortality and to maintain feathering
and carcass quality.
The layers on the other hand show 2 distinct phases in their
life i.e. the growing period and laying period. During the
growing period, they need enough space. Over-crowding tends
to suppress their growth. Feed is given in a restricted and

calculated manner. During the laying period, the layers need
enough space and adequate lighting. Feed with vitamins,
minerals and micronutrients influence the hatching of eggs.

Layers are provided with fibrous cheaper diets using
agricultural by-products.