LAYERS FEED TRANSITION.

February 3, 2024

The transition of feed is one of the most crucial aspects of poultry farming, especially when it comes to layers. Feed is the most significant factor in poultry farming, as it makes up 70% of the total production cost. Therefore, it’s essential to closely monitor the feeding program to achieve the desired rate while ensuring that your poultry gets adequate feed.

The chicken feed contains all the proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for proper growth at each growth stage. Therefore, farmers must provide different types of feeds at each growth stage of their chicken. A farmer who plans and monitors feed transition carefully can obtain a faster growth rate, increased egg production, and efficient feed usage.

Why should farmers ensure food feed transition for their poultry?

Layers are a unique type of bird that needs a specific nutritional balance to maintain their egg production at the optimal level throughout their life cycle. A well-structured and timely feed transition ensures that the chicken’s digestive systems can adapt smoothly. It also ensures that your birds receive all the necessary nutrients and minerals at each growth stage. If farmers do not plan for a good feed transition for their poultry, they may end up with reduced egg production, low-quality eggs, and poor health of their flocks. As a result, they will obtain low profits for their enterprise.

Gradual feed transition.

Farmers need to be mindful of the impact that feed transition can have on the digestive systems of layers poultry. To ensure a smooth transition, it is recommended that farmers start by gradually introducing new feed formulations by mixing them with the old feed. Over time, the ratio of new feed should be increased until it completely replaces the old feed. It is vital to closely monitor the response of your layers to the new feed formulation. In addition, evaluate key performance factors such as growth rate, general poultry health, egg production, and rate of feed intake regularly. In case you notice any negative response on your layers poultry, you should address them immediately, majorly by adjusting the feeding transition ratio. Furthermore, in such a case, consult a local government poultry veterinarian to address your case if the effects persist.

The program for feeding layers poultry

Chick Mash.

This is the fast feed the chick consumes as they hatch. These are feed for layer chicks. Farmers feed Chick Mash from Day 1 to Week 8 of the chicks’ life. During this period, the average feed consumption per chick is 2.1 kg.

Growers Mash

To ensure a smooth transition to the next phase, start mixing the Chick Mash with Growers Mash in Week 8. Farmers feed Growers Mash to their chicken from Week 8 until they start laying eggs, typically around 16–18 weeks.

During the Growers Mash phase, the total feed consumption per bird is 6.5 kg.

Layers Mash

Once the chickens are 18 weeks old, farmers should start incorporating some Layers Mash into their diet. Layer’s Mash is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of layer chicken. It would be best if you fed your poultry layers mash when 5% of your chicken start laying eggs until the end of their productive life.

As the hen enter the lay phase, the feed consumption will gradually increase to 140 grams per bird per day. These hen will continue to lay efficiently until approximately 85–89 weeks. After this point, the egg production may taper off, and the cost of feeding may exceed the egg production.

Conclusion

Feed transition is an important aspect farmers need to consider while planning to start a poultry farm. A well-organized plan is crucial to enhance the health, productivity, and general performance of the poultry. Farmers can ensure a smooth dietary change by implementing a gradual change of each feed for every stage of growth.