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In spring, after hens reach their peak egg-laying period, it's crucial to adjust the nutrient composition of their feed to meet their specific nutritional needs and maximize breeding efficiency. Proper feeding management is essential to maintain high egg production and overall health.
1. **Adjusting Energy Requirements**
During colder winter months, the metabolizable energy in chicken feed is typically around 2800 kcal per kilogram. However, as temperatures rise in spring, increasing the energy content 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 reduced to about 2700 kcal/kg by decreasing the proportion of corn and other energy-dense grains in the feed. This helps maintain a healthy weight and supports consistent egg production.
2. **Modifying Protein Levels**
Laying hens require higher levels of protein during their peak laying phase. As egg production increases, so should the protein content in the feed. 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 sources like fishmeal and soybean meal can help meet these requirements effectively.
3. **Managing Mineral Needs**
As egg production rises, so does the demand for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency in calcium can result in soft-shelled or shellless eggs, which negatively affects productivity. To prevent this, calcium levels in the feed should be increased from 2% to 3% or even 4%. Phosphorus content should also be adjusted, rising from 0.5% in winter to 0.6% in spring. 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 and egg quality.
4. **Adjusting Vitamin Intake**
With higher egg production comes an increased need for vitamins. In addition to including vitamin supplements directly in the feed, it's beneficial to incorporate more fresh vegetables. The vegetable content in the feed should be increased from around 15% in winter to approximately 32% in spring. Additionally, when the laying rate exceeds 75%, providing a small portion of pelleted feed at night (around 8:00 PM) can further support the hens' nutritional needs and enhance their overall performance.
By carefully adjusting the feed composition according to the changing needs of laying hens, farmers can ensure better egg production, healthier birds, and greater profitability.