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In spring, after hens enter their peak egg-laying period, it's crucial to adjust the nutrient composition of their feed to meet their changing nutritional needs and maximize breeding efficiency. Proper feed management during this time is essential for maintaining high egg production and overall hen health.
1. **Adjusting Energy Levels**
During colder months, the metabolizable energy in chicken feed is typically around 2800 kcal per kilogram. However, as temperatures rise in spring, increasing energy intake can lead to weight gain rather than improved egg production. This may even reduce the laying rate. To optimize performance, the metabolizable energy should be lowered to approximately 2700 kcal. This can be achieved by reducing the proportion of energy-dense grains like corn in the feed.
2. **Modifying Protein Content**
Laying hens require more protein as their egg production increases. When the laying rate reaches 50%, the feed should contain at least 15.5% protein. For every 10% increase in egg production, the digestible protein should be increased by 0.5%, but not exceeding 18.5%. Adding protein-rich ingredients such as fishmeal or soybean meal helps meet these requirements effectively.
3. **Managing Mineral Requirements**
As egg production rises, so does the demand for minerals like calcium and phosphorus. A lack of calcium can result in soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, which negatively affects productivity. To prevent this, calcium levels in the feed should be increased from 2–3% to 4%, while phosphorus should be raised 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 mineral supplements can help improve their condition.
4. **Enhancing Vitamin Intake**
With higher egg production comes an increased need for vitamins. To support this, vitamin supplementation should be carefully managed. In addition to fortified feed, increasing the proportion of fresh vegetables in the diet can provide natural sources of essential nutrients. Winter diets usually include about 15% vegetables, but this should be increased to around 32% in spring. Additionally, offering a small amount of pelleted feed at night—around 8:00 AM—can further support the hens' nutritional needs when their laying rate exceeds 75%.
By making these adjustments, farmers can ensure that their hens remain healthy, productive, and well-nourished throughout the spring season. Proper feed management is key to achieving better egg quality, higher yields, and long-term profitability in poultry farming.