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Some important information
- There is 6 or 7 type of feed required in different phases of production for layers in the entire life cycle
- Layer birds consume feed for its energy needs
- All other nutrients are required to adjust according to energy
- The key to successful nutritional management today is through optimizing (maximizing) bodyweight of the pullet.
Bodyweight and Egg Size
Pullets that are on-target or slightly above target weight at maturity will inevitably be the best-producing birds for the shell egg market.
But early maturity should be delayed – The traditional concern with early maturity has been too small an egg size.
Summers and Leeson (1983) concluded that body weight is the main factor controlling early egg size
Bodyweight is an important criterion for adequate early production, there is still insufficient evidence regarding optimum body structure and composition.
Nutrients such as protein, methionine and linoleic acid can influence egg size throughout the laying cycle, these nutrients have only moderate effects on early egg size.
Rearing Period Nutrition
Chick Starter 1 & 2 (0 to 9 Weeks)
Starter ration aims to produce a good skeleton, organ development, feathering, skin condition and help to promote an active immune system.
At-6 weeks already 85% of the skeleton has been developed.
This is achieved by feeding the starter feed ad libitum with the correct balance and absolute levels of essential amino acids, energy, vitamins, minerals and a minimum concentration ( 1 .3 per cent) of Linoleic Acid.
Starter 1
| Starter I | |
| Feed to a bodyweight of | 230g |
| Approx age (weeks) | 4 |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2860 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 18 |
| Calcium, % Min | 1.2 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.48 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.89 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.67 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.59 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.2 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.21 – 0.24 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.2 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.875 |
Normally it is adequate to feed Starter 1 to 4 weeks of age or when the bodyweight is around 230g.
The cumulative feed consumption of Starter 1 feed in this period is about 490g.
This amounts to the consumption of 88g of protein and 1400 Kcal. Of metabolizable energy. Double crumbled 3mm pellets are giving good results
Starter 2
| Starter II | |
| Feed to a bodyweight of | 670g |
| Approx age (weeks) | 5-9 |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2800 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 17 |
| Calcium, % Min | 1.2 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.46 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.81 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.63 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.54 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.18 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.18 – 0.24 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.2 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.875 |
Starter-2 is 5 per cent less expensive than Starter 1.
Starter-2, feed is to be given up to 9 weeks of age or when the bodyweight of 670g is achieved.
The expected feed consumption of Starter-2, feed is around 1512. This results in the total intake of 257g of protein & 4233Kcal of energy.
Grower / Developer
| Grower / Developer | |
| Feed to a bodyweight of | 1090g |
| Approx age (weeks) | 10-15 |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2685 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 15.7 |
| Calcium, % Min | 1.2 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.42 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.68 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.56 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.46 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.18 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.18 – 0.24 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.2 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.875 |
This is 8 per cent less expensive than Starter 2. lt also accounts for 44 per cent of rearing feed.
A reduced nutrient density and an increased content of crude fibre (5-6 per cent), during this period, is beneficial.
This diet is to be given up to 15 weeks of age. The requirement is 2303g in this period. This results in the intake of 362 g of protein and 6183 kcal. of energy.
Pre-Lay Ration
| Prelay | |
| Feed to a bodyweight of | Until 0.5% HDP |
| Approx age (weeks) | 16-17 |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2680 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 16 |
| Calcium, % Min | 2.5 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.42 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.7 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.57 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.48 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.18 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.17 – 0.24 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.2 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.875 |
It is to be given two weeks before the onset of production (about 16 weeks of age).
The prelayer diet has about twice the calcium content of developer ration as well as higher levels of protein and amino acids.
Utilization of pre-lay diets has a strong positive effect on eggshell quality. In two weeks 875g of feed is required, lt results in the intake of 140g of protein and energy of 2345Kcal
Phase 1
| Phase I (0.5% HDP to 40 weeks) | |
| Feed consumption g/d | 110 |
| Approx age (weeks) | 0.5% HDP to 40 week |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2550 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 14 |
| Calcium, % Min | 3.9 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.4 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.61 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.55 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.48 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.17 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.16-0.22 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.1 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.15 |
Phase-1 feed is to be used from 0.5% production to 40 weeks of age.
In this phase 670mg of lysine is recommended. The ideal amino acid ratios for best performance are specified.
The minimum crude protein recommended in this phase is 15.5%.
Phase 2
| Phase II (Above 41 week) | |
| Feed consumption g/d | 110 |
| Approx age (weeks) | above 41 weeks |
| Metabolizable Energy. Kcal/kg | 2550 |
| Crude Protein, % Min | 13.7 |
| Calcium, % Min | 4 |
| Phosphorus (available), % Min | 0.39 |
| Dig. Lysine, % Min | 0.59 |
| Dig. Methionine+Cystine, % Min | 0.5 |
| Dig. Threonine, % Min | 0.45 |
| Sodium, % Min | 0.17 |
| Chloride, % Min – Max | 0.16-0.22 |
| Linoleic acid, % Min | 1.1 |
| Choline (Min) Kg/ton | 1.15 |
The phase-2 feed is recommended from 41 weeks.
The minimum lysine specified for this phase is 650mg
The Ideal Amino Acid ratios are also specified. The minimum protein recommended for this phase is 15%.
Poultry Feed Historical Background
There is no evidence to suggest that the energy level of diets needs to be changed as the birds progress through a laying cycle
The layer’s peak energy needs are most likely met at around 35 weeks of age when production and daily egg mass output are maximized.
The layer quite precisely adjusts its intake according to needs for energy
to energy is the most important consideration during formulation.
Importance of Choline
Preferably Choline is added directly into the mixer rather than via a vitamin premix because of its hygroscopic nature.
Caution
Change diet at the recommended target bodyweight, the approximate age is a guide only.
Feed the prelay diet two weeks before the onset of egg production, when most pullets show some enlargement and reddening of their combs.
Be prepared to change to the phase 1 diet at no later than 0.5% daily egg production, as the pre-lay diet does not contain sufficient calcium to sustain egg production.
50 % of added calcium carbonate should be 2 mm size in grower and developer diet to develop gizzard.
Max chloride should be 0.24%.
How to formulate feed for BV300 – BV300 Layer Pre Lay Ration
As we know that this ration is given just 2 weeks before laying
Calcium is increased in the diet
Increase calcium in the diet may increase the load on kidneys
Requirements of BV300 for PreLay
Protein – 16%
Energy – 2680 Kcal/Kg
Calcium – 2.5%
Av. Phosphorus – 0.42%
Sodium – 0.18%
Chloride – 0.18%
Methionine – 0.57%
Lysine – 0.7%
Linoleic acid – 1.2%
Nutrients present in Ingredients (table)
The first step is the inclusion of protein
We will calculate ingredients inclusion in 1000Kgs
First of all, we left some slack space say; 83kgs in which supplements will be added
We need protein – 16% that means 160Kgs
Now, we include Bajra 20% (i.e. 200Kg), Mustard Cake 5% (i.e. 50Kg) & DORB 7% (70Kg) which contribute 47.8Kg CP and we need 112.2Kgs more
83 + 320(kg) space have been used now 112.2Kg protein is needed from 597Kg ingredients
For that, we will use the Pearson method
Pearson Sq. method – To calculate remaining CP
Total ingredients = 597Kgs
Protein 112.2Kgs
Protein% = 112.2X100/597 = 18.79%
Pearson
First step is the inclusion of protein
Now maize & Soy DOC are proportionate for 597kgs
Maize inclusion = 29.21 X 597 / 39 = 447.07kgs
Soy DOC inclusion = 9.79 X 597 /39 = 149.92Kgs
Now protein have been balanced for 16% (160Kgs)
Bajra+Mustard Cake+DORB = 320Kg = 47.8Kg CP
Maize = 447.07kg @9% = 40.2Kg CP
Soy DOC = 149.92Kg @48% = 71.96Kg CP
47.8 + 40.2 + 71.96 = 160Kg CP (16%)
Second step is the Balance of energy (ME)
Energy Protein ratio is imp. Which is 167.5 for starter
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
Energy comes 2692Mcal (which is almost equal to 2680 recommended)
We do not need to add oil, if incase energy is lower than required we must add oil to complete it.
Third step is the Balance of Phosphorus (Av.P)
Av. Phosphorus req is 0.42% or 4.2kg
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
Total Av. Phosphorus comes 1.602Kg 4.2-1.6 = 2.6Kg is required
To complete phosphorus we need to use DCP, DCP contains 21% Calcium & 20% Phosphorus
>> 2.6/0.2 = 13Kg DCP is required; use PHYTASE cautiously
Fourth step is the Balance of Calcium (Ca)
Calcium required for Prelay ration is 2.5% or 25kg
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
Calcium from feed comes out to be 1.03Kg and from DCP around 2.73Kg so total become 3.76Kg
We need 25Kg Calcium (25-3.56 = 21.24Kg Calcium is needed)
21.24/0.36 = 59Kg LSP is required; 50 % of added calcium carbonate should be 2 mm size
5th & 6th step is the Balance of Sodium (Na) & Chloride (Cl)
Na & Cl req. is 0.18% or 1.8kg/ton
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
| Sodium | 0.089 | 0.029 | 0.06 | 0.035 | 0.028 |
| Chloride | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.042 |
We need 1.8Kg Sodium (1.8-0.24= 1.55Kg Sodium is needed)
Salt contribute 1.8×0.39 = 0.702Kg Sodium, remaining sodium will be fulfilled by Soda (1.55-0.702=0.848). Required Soda 0.848/0.27=3.14Kg
Seventh step is the Balance of Methionine (DLM)
DLM req. is 0.57% or 5.7kg/ton
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
| Sodium | 0.089 | 0.029 | 0.06 | 0.035 | 0.028 |
| Chloride | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.042 |
| Meth+Cys | 1.38 | 1.55 | 0.66 | 0.4 | 0.28 |
The requirement is given for methionine + cysteine
We need 5.7Kg Methionine (5.7-4.28= 1.41Kg Methionine is needed)
Requirement is given for Methionine + Cysteine
Cystine is a semi-essential amino acid, synthesized from Methionine.
Methionine is converted in Cysteine on a molecular basis; consequently, 1g of Methionine is converted in 0,8g of Cystine on a weight basis.
Eighth step is the Balance of Lysine (Lys)
LYS req. is 0.7% or 7kg/ton
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
| Sodium | 0.089 | 0.029 | 0.06 | 0.035 | 0.028 |
| Chloride | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.042 |
| Meth+Cys | 1.38 | 1.55 | 0.66 | 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Lysine | 0.71 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.357 |
The requirement is given for 7kg/t
(7-6.87= 0.12Kg Lysine is needed)
Ninth step is the Balance of Choline
Choline req. is 0.1875% or 1.875kg/ton
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
| Sodium | 0.089 | 0.029 | 0.06 | 0.035 | 0.028 |
| Chloride | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.042 |
| Meth+Cys | 1.38 | 1.55 | 0.66 | 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Lysine | 0.71 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.357 |
| Choline Chloride | 0.22 | 0.39 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
(1.875-0.843= 1.03Kg Choline is needed)
Tenth step is the Balance of Linoleic Acid
Linoleic req. is 1.2% or 12kg/ton
| Maize | Soy DOC | Bajra | Must. cake | DORB | |
| INCLUSION (Kgs) | 447.07 | 149.92 | 200 | 50 | 70 |
| Protein % | 40.2 | 71.96 | 20 | 18 | 9.8 |
| Energy (Mcal) | 1488.76 | 382.3 | 610 | 89 | 122.5 |
| Av. Phosphorus | 0.581 | 0.554 | 0.2 | 0.140 | 0.126 |
| Calcium | 0.089 | 0.494 | 0.08 | 0.325 | 0.049 |
| Sodium | 0.089 | 0.029 | 0.06 | 0.035 | 0.028 |
| Chloride | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.042 |
| Meth+Cys | 1.38 | 1.55 | 0.66 | 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Lysine | 0.71 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.357 |
| Choline Chloride | 0.22 | 0.39 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| Linoleic Acid | 8.94 | 0.6 | 2 | 0.175 | 0.28 |
(12-11.99= Linoleic inclusion is not needed)
Formula
Maize – 447.07Kg
Soy DOC – 149.92Kg
M.cake – 50Kg
Bajra– 200Kg
DORB – 70Kg
DCP – 13Kg
LSP – 59Kg
Salt – 1.8Kg
Soda – 3.15Kg
DLM – 1.41Kg
Lysine – 0.12Kg
Total formula – 995.47Kg
Premix Formula
Threonine – 0.0Kg
Vit. Premix (DSM) – 0.5Kg
Trace Min (Kemtrace) – 0.75Kg
Toxin Binder – 1Kg
IMPETUS Probiotic – 0.2Kg
Enzyme – 0.4Kg
Acidifier – 1Kg
Maduramycin – 0Kg
Choline – 1Kg
Vitamin C Coated – 0Kg
Liver tonic– 0.25Kg
Phytase – 0.1Kg
Grofort – 0Kg
Total – 5.2Kg
Our total formula (995.47 + 5.2) is ready with 1000.67Kg weight
For customized feed formula, feed medicines & additives you can click here to message
What next…..
Just like this, you can make feed for other phases
Layer feed formulation is more or less same (minor changes like the inclusion of marble grit and linoleic acid etc)
In the next articles, we try to explain about important ingredients in detail like choline function and inclusion, feed antibiotics, vitamin premixes, mycotoxin binders etc.
For balanced customized feed, formulation write at ibnester@gmail.com or message on WhatsApp
We can formulate feed for any type of bird – BV300, BV330, BV380, Suguna Lohman, Skylark Bovans, Shaver’s, Desi Egg Laying Hens, Khaki Campbell & Indian Runner Ducks etc.
