Rearing nutrition

• How to develop the skeletonIn the pullets we look for tall birds, with long shanks and keels and muscle of the pullet at each phase ·
• How to develop the feed intake capacityA layer hen with feed intake can overcome any challenge for the start of layA good start defines the productive life and longevity of the bird.

Feed description and management

Starter feedIt must be a starter feed, rich in nutrients and based on highly digestible raw materials. It can be mash or crumble.

• High density diet with highly digestibleA highly digestible raw material is higher than 80% raw materials.
• Investment that sets up the basis of skeletalThe bones are a source of calcium for building the egg and muscular growth of the pullet.
• Feed should always be available.

Grower feed

• Medium density diet with more variety of raw materialsA diet with several raw materials reduces the risk of variable raw materials.
• This supports skeletalThe bones are a source of calcium for building the egg and muscular growth.

Developer feed

• Low density diet with raw materials high in fibre.
• Feed with significant levels of fibre or a higher particle sizeWe have to provide coarse particle size for a good egg shell quality to develop the feed intake for the start of layA good start defines the productive life and longevity of the bird..

Changing diets

• Delay a change to the diet if the target body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. is not reached.
• If the body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. isn’t achieved by 5 or 11 weeksAt 11 weeks of age the muscular and bone growth phase is finished and starts a new phase where the fat tissue will grow. of age, there is a need to review the nutrition, density and management in the previous weeks.
• If the birds are over the target body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production., the change to the next diet can be done a week earlier.

Formulation tips

Starter

• CrumbleA good crumble isn’t easy to make, it needs a balance of raw materials and good practices at the feed mill. feed presentation will improve growth and make it easier to reach the standard body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production..
• It could be interesting to invest in highly digestibleA highly digestible raw material is higher than 80% raw materials if they are available.
• Soya oilIn layer hens it is important to find good sources of oils that aren’t rancid and they have a well known composition. or coconut oilIn layer hens it is important to find good sources of oils that aren’t rancid and they have a well known composition. are better sources of energy than palm oilThe fatty acid profile the first 3 weeks isn’t very digestible, later on it is a good oil for rearing and egg production.: at least during the first three weeks of age.
• A minimum of 0.30 % of saltIncreases the water intake and fee intake. will help to increase feed intakeIt is always important to have the correct feed intake..

Grower

• Transition to mash feed if the starter was crumbleA good crumble isn’t easy to make, it needs a balance of raw materials and good practices at the feed mill. feed.
• A minimum of 0.28 % of saltIncreases the water intake and fee intake. will help to have enough feed intake.
• A minimum of added fatThe fat is a rich source of energy. will reduce the dustiness of the mashLayer hens don’t like fine particles feed (1 – 2 % based on cost impact).

Developer

• Transition to mash feed if the starter was crumbleA good crumble isn’t easy to make, it needs a balance of raw materials and good practices at the feed mill. feed.
• Crude fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. level needs to be as high as possible based on the available raw materials (> 3 %, up to 5.5 %). See possible raw mate- rials to supply the necessary fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. (table 9). These values can be applied, or even exceeded, as long as they are of good quality.
• If the available raw materials don’t allow you to follow the recommendations below. Your Nutritionist should make a proportionally higher specification and the feed mill needs to make a higher particle sizeWe have to provide coarse particle size for a good egg shell quality feed to compensate the lack of fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way..
• A minimum of added fatThe fat is a rich source of energy. will reduce the dustiness of the mashLayer hens don’t like fine particles feed (1 – 2 % based on cost impact).

Others

• CalciumLayer hens like coarse particles as calcium source. particle sizeWe have to provide coarse particle size for a good egg shell quality in pullet feed should be fine (average 1 mmThe fine calcium carbonate should not be same as used in broiler diets.).
• EnzymesThey have to be used to improve the utilization of the raw materials and for the reduction of the undigested nutrients. One of the few additives that save money.: use and effect in the diet should be based on the available substrate in the diet.
• Antioxidants: protect against oxidationThe peroxides can affect the integrity of the oil, need to “detoxified” them with antioxidants of the oils in the feed mill and the oxidationPigments are highly sensible to the oxidation and they lose the coloring activity very quickly if they are oxidized. of fats and others in the diet.
• Organic mineralsThey are co-factors in the enzyme reactions.: provide additional benefits to the existing inorganics and may reduce the inclusion levels of the mineralsOrganic mineral levels are lower as they are more available than inorganic minerals.

Nutrient requirements

FibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. in the diet

• The feed intake development is one of the key factors for developing a pullet ready to lay. The feed intake capacityA layer hen with feed intake can overcome any challenge is re- lated to the gut sizeThe gut size can vary based on the diet we provide to the birds., the addition of fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. in the diet expands the size of the gut and improves the feed intake capacityA layer hen with feed intake can overcome any challenge.
• The fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. concept is getting complex in poultry. There is new knowledge showing how different types have a different effect.

FibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. can be classified like:

• The total dietary fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. (TDF) is a sum of wa- ter soluble fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. (WSF), neutral detergentUse soaps with ammonium quaternarium fi- bre (NDF), acid detergentUse soaps with ammonium quaternarium fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. (ADF) crude fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. (CF) and acid detergentUse soaps with ammonium quaternarium lignin (ADL).
• The addition of certain level of fibres since early ages will support the feed intake ca- pacity (see table 10).
• There are several raw materials that can supply the necessary fibreThe fiber can be explained in different ways. Crude fiber is the most common way. in the diets to develop the feed intake capacityA layer hen with feed intake can overcome any challenge (table 9)

Energy

The energy requirement in feed is given as a range because of the several systems available for energy evaluation.

Amino acids

They follow the recommended Ideal Protein RatioIt is key to keep a balance of the different amino acids (table 7)<

VitaminsVitamins are essential for the metabolism of the birds. Need to have reliable suppliers. and minerals

See table 8

Pre-lay nutrition

How to feed for layer development and the start of egg productionIt is measure as % of lay and eggs per hens housed

Feed description and Management 

• A transition feed that supports the final development of the pullet and the nutrient requirements.
• The feed must be managed carefully (see table 14).

Negative impact of incorrect use of pre-lay:

• DecalcificationBones get broken very easily The prelay feed could damage the layer hen for the production period if it is used wrongly. of layer
• Slow peak of layWhen the flock it is at its maximum of their production.
• Double peak
• Low eggshell qualityMade of calcium crystals on top a collagen base. at end of production

Nutrients requirements 

• See the energy, amino acids and calci- um & phosphorus recommendations, table 11.
• The AA and MEn can be calculated based on the available scientific liter- ature. In that case we recommend fol- lowing the table 13 Ideal AA profile for pulletsBird 0-17 weeks.
• See vitaminsVitamins are essential for the metabolism of the birds. Need to have reliable suppliers. and minerals in table 12.

Formulation Tips

• Minimum of added fatThe fat is a rich source of energy. will reduce the dustiness of the mashLayer hens don’t like fine particles feed (1 – 2 % based on cost impact).
• CalciumLayer hens like coarse particles as calcium source. carbonate particle sizeWe have to provide coarse particle size for a good egg shell quality should follow layer guidelines.

Onset of layPeriod of time of 17-25 weeks of age nutrition

How to develop feed intake as the bird is growing and laying its first egg

Laying nutrition

How to feed hens for achieving as many as saleable eggs as possible during the laying period

FEED DESCRIPTION AND MANAGEMENT

Type of feed The feed should fulfill the maintenance, growth and production needs. The feed should be adjusted when:

• Egg mass% lay x egg size changes: DO NOT change amino acids if the % lay drops unless the egg mass% lay x egg size (% lay x size egg) is dropping too;
• Body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. changes: body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. affects energy needs, around +/-4 kcal every 50 grams of body weigh change;
• Feed intake changes: housing temperature will impact the feed intake. Hot temperatureBirds don’t like temperature over 26 C reduces the feed intake and vice versa.

Feed management on farm

Due to the variability of the raw materialsEach year raw materials change the composition due to the seeds, agricultural management, weather, storage time and transportation. the nutrient composition of the feed varies, to avoid this challenge we recommend to follow the Chart 1 decision tree:

• 40 % in the morning and 60 % in the afternoon (chart 2).
• Layer hens should clear all feed left in the feeder during the noon period.
• The time at which the feeder is empty depends on the lighting programYou need to decide the lighting program in the rearing, not in the production.

Nutrients requirements

Recommendations below are based on egg mass% lay x egg size production. >After the Onset feed it is recommended to use the 60–58 egg mass% lay x egg size recommendation until the target egg weightCheck that your egg weight follows the management guide standard. is achieved. The other recommendations can be applied to control the egg sizeLighting program is part of the management to control egg size. on target or when the egg mass% lay x egg size production drops as the layer hen gets older.

Energy

The energy recommendationThe most expensive nutrient in the diet of this guide doesn’t take into account the effect of the temperatureIt affects the energy needs of the birds. in the needs of the layer hen. It needs additional adjustments by the nutritionist. Most of the energy intake will be used for maintenance. The body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. of the bird drives the energy requirement (see chart 3).

There are different models to approach the energy evaluation, literature references (INRA, FEDNA, NRC . . .) usually in MEn and calculations based on formulasThere are formulas based on mathematic models to make some calculations. This formula are as good as the practical data they are based on., whereby the different elements of the raw materials are taken into account. Due to the variability of the values given by different systems, the recommendation of energy is defined as a range.

Energy recommendationThe most expensive nutrient in the diet is calculated for a specific body weightOnce the hen achieves the mature body weight, they shouldn’t grow much more until end of production. of the bird and might need adjustments (see foot notes of table 16).

Amino acids

Most of the amino acidThey are the based for building the complex proteins. intake will be used for egg mass% lay x egg size production. The egg mass% lay x egg size, % lay x egg sizeEgg size depends on the breed, body weight, light program and nutrition, drives the amino acidThey are the based for building the complex proteins. needs (chart 4)

The total amino acid recommendationThis are the amino acids in the raw material, but it doesn’t  mean they are available for the bird. is based on a feed with 85 % digestibility. It will need further adjustments by the nutritionist based on the digestibility of the diets of each customer. The formulation can be done using total or digestible AAThe bird will absorb the amino acids available in the gut in a form accessible for the carriers in the intestine.. Do not use both values at the same time.

Working with digestible AAThe bird will absorb the amino acids available in the gut in a form accessible for the carriers in the intestine. is highly recommended when low digestibleA highly digestible raw material is higher than 80% raw materials are used in the diet (see table 24 for the Ideal Protein RatioIt is key to keep a balance of the different amino acids recommendation).

Minerals and vitaminsVitamins are essential for the metabolism of the birds. Need to have reliable suppliers.

The vitamin and mineral requirement is shown in table 21.

Ca/P

Ca and P requirement is shown in table 20.

Adapt the data in table 11 to suit the feed intake target.

Example: Av PAvailable fosforus is a way of defining the needs of P of the birds. requirement after peak 380 mg: if feed intake is 115 grams, the mini- mum amount in feed should be 0.33 %.

Formulation Tips

Crude Protein

Using the minimum amount of crude protein is recommended if there is limited information in nutritionWhen making nutrition information is key for the success. Quality control systems are really needed. about the raw materials.

Fat

Added fatThe fat is a rich source of energy. will reduce the dustinessThe layer hens don’t like small particles. of mash feed (1 – 2 % based on cost impact).

Ca/P balanceIn nutrition the excess is as bad as the deficiency. The calcium and phosphorus block each other if they aren’t added in the right amount.

• Levels of Ca and P must be adapted as the layer hen gets older.
• An excessBirds don’t need excess of nutrients or deficiency of P can cause eggshell issues in the short or long term.
• Coarse limestone is necessary for egg- shell quality. It can be replaced in part by oyster shells.
• Table 23 indicates the limestone particle ratio in layers.
• Table 22 indicates how much grit should be added directly to the feeding system.

Others

• EnzymesThey have to be used to improve the utilization of the raw materials and for the reduction of the undigested nutrients. One of the few additives that save money.: use and effect in the diet should be based on the available raw materials in the diet.
• Antioxidants: protect against oxidationThe peroxides can affect the integrity of the oil, need to “detoxified” them with antioxidants of the oils in the feed mill and the oxidationPigments are highly sensible to the oxidation and they lose the coloring activity very quickly if they are oxidized. of fats and others in the diet.
• Organic mineralsThey are co-factors in the enzyme reactions.: provide additional benefits to the existing inorganics and may reduce the inclusion levels of the mineralsOrganic mineral levels are lower as they are more available than inorganic minerals.

Feed Structure

Mash feed is the most commonly used feed throughout the world. Layer hens tend to eat the larger particles avoiding the fine particle s which is where most of the key nutrients are. Therefore, it is vital for successful nutrition to have a uniform particle structure. It is even more important in non-beak treated birds. CrumbleA good crumble isn’t easy to make, it needs a balance of raw materials and good practices at the feed mill. and pellet forms can be used as long as the structure holds in the feeding system of the birds and it doesn’t become a fine particle mash.

Feed Quality

Nutrients

Good information is needed to formulate a realistic diet. A combinationBased on the point of action, chose the combination that works for you. of available literature, wet chemistry methods and/or NIR is necessary to generate an updated matrix of the raw materials we use.

Microbiology

There are no specific guidelines in place, however the lower the contamination, the better the performance parameters. Ensure adequate control measures are in place to prevent microbiological risk factorsA veterinary should evaluate all the risk factors to decide of using or not a vaccination. in the diet.

OxidationPigments are highly sensible to the oxidation and they lose the coloring activity very quickly if they are oxidized.

Oils in the feed mill and fat in the diet are the commonest components of oxidationPigments are highly sensible to the oxidation and they lose the coloring activity very quickly if they are oxidized.. The quality control plan of raw materials should include analysis of the oxidationPigments are highly sensible to the oxidation and they lose the coloring activity very quickly if they are oxidized. status of oils, evaluating at least two parameters of the available methods.

Mycotoxins

Follow the guidelines available in your country and literature to prevent negative effects on layer hen health and production. Adapt the use of mycotoxinMycotoxins are difficult to find in the feed and raw materials. It is important to have a good quality control system to find them. binders to suit the level of risk in the diet and the contamination load in the raw materials.

Antinutritional factor

Good understanding of the ANF will allow higher or lower inclusion levels of the raw materials.