Detailed Explanation of Feed Adjustment Key Points for Laying Hens During Peak Production

1. Reduce energy feed. In spring, as temperatures gradually rise, continuing to feed the high-energy feed used during the wintering period will cause laying hens to gain weight, thereby affecting the egg production rate. The scientific approach is to reduce the proportion of grain-based feed such as corn in the daily ration.

2. Increase the protein level. Hens consume a relatively large amount of protein during the laying period, and their consumption is related to the hen's egg production rate. Therefore, the protein raw materials in the feed should be increased according to the rise in the hen's egg production rate. The method is to appropriately add high-quality fish meal, soybean cake, etc. to the daily ration, and to add as few miscellaneous meals as possible when cost permits.

3. Increase the mineral content. Hens have an increased demand for calcium during egg laying. If the feed is deficient in calcium, eggshell quality will be affected, thereby increasing broken eggs, and in severe cases it will cause hens to lay soft-shelled eggs and shell-less eggs. Phosphorus deficiency, like calcium deficiency, can also cause discomfort in laying hens, such as feather pecking, vent pecking, egg pecking and other pica behaviors. Therefore, once laying hens are found to have indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss and other phenomena, the cause should be identified and the content of mineral additives in the daily ration should be increased accordingly.

4. Supplement vitamins. Especially vitamin D. When there is a long-term deficiency in the daily ration, the egg production of laying hens decreases, the eggshells become soft and thin, and the absorption of calcium will also be seriously affected. When hens lay more eggs, their vitamin consumption also increases, so some green feed can be appropriately provided, and the amount of multivitamins in the feed should be increased at the same time.