Reserves and opportunities in the cost-efficient feeding of layer hens

Abstract

The primary objective of our publication is to provide a review of the amino acid and P recommendations for layer hens and to propose requirements for Hungarian nutritionists that would allow improving the economics of egg production. Another objective is to present the opportunities and limitations of using the continuously increasing volumes of byproducts in the interest of reducing the feeding costs of layer hens. The latest research findings clearly show that the protein and amino acid supply of layer hens in the commercial production practice of Hungary is, with a very few exceptions, far too excessive. Several research data suggest that the crude protein, amino acid and phosphorus contents of the diets can be substantially reduced without impairing the performance of the animals, and this can result in lower feed costs beside the same level of income. There is no reason to set the crude protein content of layer hen diets higher than 16%. The daily requirements of intensive layer hybrids can be met by feeding 900 mg total lysine and 300 mg total methionine. The amino acid requirements of layer hens can be determined more accurately when feed formulas are based on digestible amino acid instead of total amino acid contents. The P requirement of layer hens can be amply satisfied even if the total P content of the diets is as low as 5 g/kg. DDGS can be successfully used in layer diets at the rate of 10−15%. Higher DDGS percentages during the second half of the production cycle can moderate the adiposity of layer hens, which may be reflected in lower mortalities and a slower decline of production. The feeding of rapeseed meal to brown egg laying hens can be suggested with restrictions only; in white egg layers, however, it can be a cost-efficient ingredient of layer diets besides amino acid supplementation.