Asian Agribiz streamed the final session of the Layer Feed Quality Conference 2022 on May 25. Led by Doug Korver, Professor of Poultry Nutrition at University of Alberta in Canada, it addressed how to set up layers for a profitable mid to late‐lay. Below are some highlights.
Key concepts in feeding modern layers for long-term productivity
There are four key concepts in modern layer nutrition to keep in mind to achieve long-term productivity, said Xabier Arbe, Managing Director of H&N International. These concepts, he said, cut across different genetics. First, increase the feed intake at the onset of lay as fast as possible. Second, design feed based on nutrient intake, production goals, and cost. Third, adjust layer feed formulation based on egg mass and calcium/phosphorus needs to meet the birds’ changing requirements. Fourth, produce the egg demanded by the market.
Hybrid feed is a new approach to early production
In layer operations today, most producers use a pre-lay diet followed by a superstarter diet to transition layers into production. However, Mr Arbe said the use of superstarters does not help because their high energy content reduces the birds’ feed intake at a time when it should be increasing. A new approach is to give a hybrid feed. Hybrid feed has the energy and fiber content like the developer diet to stimulate feed intake and expand the gut. It also has high levels of amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus like layer diets because the birds are growing and may already be producing their first eggs.
