· Feed additives
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· Nutritional deficiencies and diseases
· Anti-nutritional factors
· Hot climate feeding management
· Pre-breeder and breeder nutrition
· Separate sex feeding
Role of feed additives in layer feeds
Enzymes: Phytase (1000–2000 FTU/kg) reliably improves P availability and supports performance; carbohydrases (xylanase, β-glucanase) enhance energy yield in wheat/barley diets. Probiotics/prebiotics (Lactobacillus, Bacillus, MOS) improve gut integrity and may improve egg metrics under challenge. Organic acids aid pathogen control; antioxidants (vitamin E, Se) protect yolk lipids and support immunity. Recent trials confirm phytase benefits in 2024 layers and synergistic effects when combined with dietary Ca management and feeding time.
Nutritional deficiencies/diseases in layers
Key deficiency syndromes include: Ca/Vit D3 → thin shells, osteoporosis/cage-layer fatigue; Mn → perosis; I → goiter and poor production; Vit A → epithelial lesions, lower fertility; Vit E/Se → poor immune function and embryo viability. Field diagnosis integrates feed analysis, bone breaking strength, shell quality metrics, and serum minerals. Management: verify premix potency, storage, and uniform distribution; confirm Ca source quality/solubility.
Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in layer feedstuffs and their effects
Common ANFs: gossypol (cottonseed), glucosinolates/erucic acid (rapeseed/canola), tannins (sorghum), non-starch polysaccharides (viscosity), phytate (mineral chelation). In layers, free gossypol ≥0.15% can depress production and discolor yolks; high-glucosinolate rapeseed impairs performance and thyroid function. Mitigation: select low-ANF cultivars, apply thermal/solvent or fermentation processing, and include appropriate enzymes (phytase, NSPases). 2024–2025 studies reaffirm particle-size/processing and ingredient choice as first-line controls.
Feeding management during hot climate
Heat stress reduces feed intake, alters endocrine status, and impairs shell and albumen quality. Evidence-based countermeasures:
- Shift feeding to cool hours; consider midnight feeding to increase Ca availability for nocturnal shell formation.
- Increase dietary energy density with fat; maintain electrolyte balance (DEB ≈ 240–280 mEq/kg) via Na/K/Cl; consider bicarbonate for alkalinity.
- Supplement vitamin C (200–300 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100–200 IU/kg) to mitigate oxidative stress; ensure ample, cool water.
Recent reviews (2024) quantify the decline in egg metrics under heat and support these nutritional interventions.
Pre-breeder and layer breeder nutrition
Targets: precise BW curves and uniformity (CV% ≤10) during rear; structured transitions (grower → developer → pre-lay) to build skeletal reserves without excessive fat. At onset of lay, elevate Ca gradually; ensure vitamin E/Se, omega-3s, and trace minerals for fertility/hatch. Use controlled-intake programs and feeder space that guarantee uniform distribution. Contemporary breeder guides outline phase-specific nutrient tables and management checkpoints.
Separate-sex feeding
Where feasible (especially in breeders), feeding males and females separately allows lower-Ca, tailored-energy male diets (preventing Ca-related kidney issues and obesity) and higher-Ca female diets that support shell formation. Uniform feeder access and correct feeder height are critical to avoid skewed intake. Breeder handbooks provide practical feeder-space and system guideline.
