How to formulate the best feed for your commercial laying birds
Formulating the best feed for commercial laying birds requires consideration of their nutritional needs for optimal egg production. Here are detailed steps to help you formulate a feed:
Learn More1. Determine nutrient requirements: Consult poultry nutrition references or consult with a poultry nutritionist to determine the nutrient requirements of your laying birds based on their age, breed, and production goals. Key nutrients include protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.
2. Select energy sources: Choose energy sources such as grains, oilseeds, and fats/oils. Commonly used grains include corn, wheat, and barley. Oilseeds like soybean meal and canola meal provide both energy and protein.
READ ALSO Top 10 Best Management Practice Tips for Better & Quality Broiler Production
3. Determine protein sources: Select high-quality protein sources to meet the protein requirements of the laying birds. Common protein sources include soybean meal, fish meal, and poultry by-product meal. These sources provide essential amino acids necessary for egg production.
4. Include essential amino acids: Some amino acids are essential for laying birds but may be deficient in certain feed ingredients. Identify any limitations in amino acid content and consider adding synthetic amino acids or using feed ingredients that have a balanced amino acid profile.
5. Incorporate vitamins and minerals: Include a premix or separate sources of vitamins and minerals to ensure the birds receive adequate amounts. Essential vitamins include vitamin A, D, E, and B-complex vitamins. Important minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.
READ ALSO 4 Natural Ways to Deworm Chickens with Prevention Tips
6. Determine feed additives: Depending on the specific requirements and challenges, consider adding feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, or organic acids. These additives can improve gut health, nutrient utilization, and overall performance.
7. Test feed ingredients: Conduct laboratory analysis of feed ingredients to determine their nutrient composition, including protein, energy, fiber, and moisture content. This data will help in accurate formulation and balancing of the feed.
8. Formulate the feed: Use software programs or consult with a poultry nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet that meets the nutrient requirements of your laying birds. Consider the nutrient content of each ingredient, their cost, availability, and any nutrient interactions.
9. Quality control: Regularly test the finished feed to ensure it meets the desired specifications. Monitor factors such as particle size, moisture content, and feed conversion ratio to optimize feed efficiency and bird performance.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to receive More updates directly on your WhatsApp!
10. Adjustments and evaluation: Monitor the performance of the laying birds, including egg production, egg quality, and bird health. Make adjustments to the feed formulation if needed based on observed results or consult with a nutritionist for fine-tuning.
It’s important to note that formulating a feed requires knowledge and expertise in poultry nutrition. It is recommended to work with a qualified poultry nutritionist or seek professional advice to ensure optimal results for your specific flock and production goals.
🧩DR JOSEPH DEJI-FOLUTILE
-Advertisement-
We do everything possible to supply quality information for farmers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
