Getting the feed formulation right
Feed formulation for layer pullets and hens requires nutrient for maintenance and performance and as importantly, to ensure growth and consistent, high-quality eggs. Ensuring all needs are supported is the challenge for nutritionists and farmers.
In practice, layers are fed a different diet throughout their lives, based on the changing needs of the production cycle. For example, many breeders increase nutrient levels in the pre-lay diet. The mineral content of a layer’s diet is also key to guaranteeing eggshell quality.
How to recognise
In layer production, focus on rearing strategies are of key importance, especially in pullets. Adequate diets and the right feed formulation is pivotal to make sure the birds start eating as early as possible and ingest the right amount of protein and energy for growth and egg production.
Optimal diets will encourage high feed intake and the desired body weight increase in layers. The positive impact on flock uniformity and egg production will increase farm profitability.
The impact on the farmer
Provide your hens with sufficient amounts of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) during their laying period to support optimal egg formation and eggshell quality. Eggs with inferior shell quality are the leading reason for economic loss to producers. Concepts such as split-feeding are aimed at improving shell quality and reducing feed costs and excretion of nutrients.