1. Rapid development of reproductive organs The volume and weight of ovaries and fallopian tubes began to increase rapidly after 14 weeks, and the growth rate was even faster after 17 weeks. The reproductive system of most chickens is close to maturity in 19 weeks. The weight of normal hens' ovaries is about 4 grams at 14 weeks, more than 25 grams at 18 weeks and more than 50 grams at 22 weeks.

2. Accelerated bone calcium deposition 18~20 weeks old, bone weight increased 15 ~ 20g, of which 4 ~ 5g was marrow calcium. Myeloid calcium is unique to nearly mature female poultry and exists in the bone cavity of long bones. In the process of eggshell formation, decomposed calcium ions can be released into the blood to form eggshells, which can be synthesized after eating feed during the non-eggshell formation period during the day. Insufficient calcium deposition in medulla often induces fatigue syndrome during the peak laying period of caged laying hens.

3. Rapid weight gain During the period of 18~22 weeks, the average weight gain of each chicken is about 350g, which is very important for maintaining the duration of the peak laying period in the future. Less weight gain means that the peak period of population distribution is short, and the dead scouring rate increases after the peak period.

Growth characteristics

Feature 1: The growth period is 4-6 months, the weight of cock is about 2.5kg, and that of female cock is about 2kg.

Feature 2: Feeding in the growth stage is divided into three stages:

(1) In the brooding and feeding stages, from hatching to the first 20 days, the feed is all puffed feed. It is better to cook it in the place where there is no puffed feed and feed it in the air to reduce intestinal diseases.

(2) In the initial stage of breeding and feeding, from the completion of brooding and feeding to the last 20 days, 20% green feed (that is, edible vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, pumpkin, carrot, celery and zucchini are used as green feed for chickens and mixed with miscellaneous grains such as corn flour) can be added in the last 20 days of feeding, and all kinds of vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and various nutrients, making Lu Hua chickens delicious and edible.

(3) In the feeding stage, within three months after the initial feeding stage, the addition amount of various green feeds in this growing period can reach about 45%. Pay attention to the humidity of the mixture and don't drop water in your hand. It is more scientific to reduce the green feed to about 35% during the laying period.