With the onset of warmer spring temperatures, changes in energy demand for chickens become critical. As temperatures rise, increased energy intake can lead to higher body weight in chickens, which may not necessarily improve egg production. In fact, excessive energy can reduce the egg-laying rate. To optimize productivity, it's important to adjust the metabolizable energy content of feed, ideally keeping it around 2700 kcal. This helps maintain a high egg production rate. One effective way to achieve this is by reducing the proportion of corn and other cereals in the feed, thereby balancing the energy levels more effectively.
As the egg production rate increases, so do the protein requirements. When hens reach a 50% laying rate, their diet should contain at least 15.5% protein. For every additional 10% increase in egg production, the digestible protein level should be raised by 0.5%, but should not exceed 18.5%. This can be achieved by incorporating more fishmeal, soybean meal, and other high-quality protein sources into the feed to support sustained egg production.
Mineral needs also shift as egg production rises. Hens require more calcium to produce strong eggshells. A deficiency in calcium can result in soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, which negatively affects overall productivity. Therefore, calcium levels in the feed should be increased from 2% to 3% or even 4%, depending on the stage of production. Phosphorus levels should also be adjusted, typically increasing from 0.5% in winter to 0.6%. If hens show signs of reduced appetite, adding a small amount of salt (up to 0.1%) and including mineral supplements can help restore their health and performance.
Lastly, vitamin requirements also increase as egg production rises, especially during the spring season when hens are more active. Supplementing the feed with essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and B-complex can support overall health, immune function, and reproductive efficiency. Ensuring adequate vitamin intake is crucial for maintaining high egg production and quality throughout the laying cycle.
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