XLAYER, an expert/knowledge-based microcomputer program, was designed and developed to diagnose layer management problems and recommend expert remedial management advice. The program also provokes management action by calculating the economic loss attributed to major management problems. It analyzes data generated by a commercially marketed layer performance financial microcomputer program and has demonstrated the ability to emulate poultry management experts in the diagnoses of 80 individual layer management problems. The program provides scarce expert poultry management advice to poultry layer managers regardless of size and scale of operation.