Computer Programs Available
The University of California has developed several software items for commercial egg producers. These can be run on IBM XT compatible personal computers. This software has been tested extensively for up to 15 years in hundreds of applications. Sample print-outs are available upon request and sample runs using your own data are possible. If you are interested in any of these programs contact Donald Bell.
Stand Alone Software
The following two software programs are written in Microsoft Basic and are available on one disk for $100.
- Replacement Program Analysis - This program analyzes various
molting and selling options to obtain maximum returns per 1,000 pullets
housed for comparable time periods (1 year). Some 300+ combinations of
1, 2 & 3 cycles of production are compared. All performance data and
prices are configurable to your standards.
- Single Flock Projection - This program is a projection of a "real" flock for weekly performance throughout its life. Flock size, housing date, performance standards and prices are user configurable. Performance and prices can be varied monthly (e.g. feed consumption can be projected to increase in winter; egg size to go down in the summer).
EXCEL Software
The following programs require Excel software. The programs are available from Donald Bell or may be downloaded from this page by clicking on the highlighted file name below. For some programs supplemental information is available; if you want this download the reference material below the program. If you have problems or questions contact Donald Bell.
- Daily Flock Record (DAYRECD-1) - University of California Daily Flock Manager (revised July 2006). This spreadsheet is designed for Microsoft Excel software users. (a similar version is available for Lotus 1-2-3). The basic sheet provides for five flocks and can be easily expanded for more. A companion program, Weekly Flock Record (below), can be used in conjunction with this program for other performance measurements (egg size, feed conversion, etc.).
- Weekly Flock Record (WEEKRCD) - A record system for weekly
analyses of up to 5 flocks (can be expanded) comparing egg production,
feed consumption and conversion, mortality, case weights, egg mass and
body weights.
- Molt Monitoring (MOLTSCHE)
- This program monitors daily egg production, mortality, and body weight losses during a molt. Also included are molting method recommendations and a weekly summary of egg production compared to a standard.
- Flock Indexing (FLKINDEX)
- This program analyzes the economic significance of multiple performance traits. Upon entry of beginning hen counts, weekly hen day egg production, weekly mortality rates, weekly average case weights and weekly feed consumption the program calculates hen housed egg production, standardized egg values and feed costs and weekly current and to-date flock indices (egg income minus feed costs per hen housed).
- Depreciation and Interest Calculator (DEPINT)
- This program calculates annual and per dozen costs (interest and depreciation) of pullets, and building & equipment costs (for pullets, layers and egg processing) based upon variable inputs of interest rates and amortization lives for buildings and equipment.
- Projected Energy Intake of Laying Hens (ENERGY)
- This program estimates dietary energy intake, feed consumption and feed costs per dozen based upon temperature, body weight, egg mass (egg production x egg weight), feed price, and feathering. Modifying any of these factors will change the prediction.
Supplemental
information for energy program.
- Case Weights and Egg Values (CASEWT)
- This program uses current egg prices (user input) and standardized egg size distributions for case weights ranging from 36 to 55 pounds (at 1/2 pound increments) to calculate per dozen values (blend prices) for 39 different case weights. In addition, it calculates second cycle case weight values with four different egg quality scenarios.
- Summary of the Egg Check and Invoice (EGGRECAP)
- A program that summarizes the egg grade-out percentages, price relationships, undergrade distribution and deductions. The system can be used for daily or weekly analyses and for a single flock or multiple flocks.
- Cash flow for Replacement Pullets (PULLCOST)
- This program can be used for budgeting a future flock of replacement pullets from 0 - 20 weeks or to keep track of actual costs. Itemized costs with sub totals can be modified to meet company requirements. Supplemental
information for replacement pullet program.
- Optimum Cage Density (OPCGDEN)
- This program was written by Dr. William Roush and modified by Don Bell. It compares net returns per cage for different bird numbers per cage using variable egg production and feed consumption data provided by the user.
In recent years, daily monitoring of egg production and mortality has become more important as we try to determine when egg production and/or mortality problems are just beginning relative to disease and/or management. In order to effectively use this type of data, it is imperative that eggs and mortality data are collected at the same time for each day.
This spreadsheet is designed to allow daily entry of eggs produced and mortality counts. It is suggested that the reports be printed immediately after the final egg collection for the day and made available to management. Any measurable differences in egg production rates and/or mortality need to be highlighted and acted upon as soon as possible
A record system for 5 flocks (can be expanded) to summarize daily hen
counts, mortality, and egg numbers into a weekly summary. This program
is intended to be used to provide flock managers with daily summaries of
egg production and mortality comparisons on a timely basis (the same
afternoon).