Feeding programs for laying hens

The Right Diet for Feeding Laying Hens

Feeding laying hens is a key factor in ensuring high egg production, strong eggshells, good protein quality, and a long productive period. In modern poultry farming, where every egg reflects economic efficiency, the right diet is crucial. It’s especially important to provide hens with everything they need: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

Laying hens have high dietary requirements because their bodies expend significant resources daily to form eggs. For comparison: producing one egg requires up to 6 g of protein, 2 g of lipids, 2–3 g of calcium, and a broad range of vitamins. Without proper feeding, this process becomes unstable, leading to reduced laying performance, thin-shelled eggs, or even complete cessation of egg-laying.

Feeding laying hens should be not only sufficient but also balanced. In industrial farming, specialized compound feeds with precise nutrient content are used. In small farms, mixes are often prepared manually, but in any case, it is important to follow nutritional standards. Proper feeding ensures not only a high egg yield but also the overall health of the bird throughout its productive cycle.

Structure of a Complete Diet for Laying Hens:

• 60–70% — grains (wheat, corn, barley).
• 10–15% — protein components (oilcake, meal, soy).
• 5–10% — mineral components (shell, chalk, phosphates).
• 2–3% — premix, BMVD (protein-mineral-vitamin supplement).
• Additionally — vitamin and mineral supplements.

Compound feed is a complete, balanced feed produced industrially. Its advantages include consistent quality, scientifically validated composition, and convenience. For laying hens, feed types such as PK-1 and PK-2 (for starter and production phases) are typically used.

In private care, grain mixtures are often used with added protein and mineral components. This feeding method requires mandatory inclusion of BMVD and premixes, or else the bird will suffer from vitamin deficiencies.

BMVD (protein-mineral-vitamin supplement) is a concentrate that contains everything necessary for poultry health: amino acids, trace elements, calcium, phosphorus, salt, as well as fat- and water-soluble vitamins.

Premix is an even more concentrated product, containing vitamins A, D, E, B group, macro- and microelements: calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants.

Proper dosage of these supplements guarantees: strong eggshells, high egg production, healthy liver and digestive tract, and a bright yolk (thanks to carotenoids).

Laying hens should be fed according to their age and laying phase. During the starter period (up to 18 weeks), to build a healthy body, strong skeletal system, and good muscle mass, the diet should include: grower feed (PK-5), sufficient protein, essential vitamins, BMVD, and mineral supplements.

When laying begins (from 18–24 weeks), the hen’s body starts producing eggs. It is important to gradually switch to compound feed PK-1 or PK-2, which provides protein, calcium, and energy. Premixes and vitamins should be added regularly.

Proper and nutritious feeding is critical during the peak laying period (24–60 weeks), as this is the main period of intensive egg-laying, and any disruption in feeding immediately affects egg quantity and quality. The diet should include high-quality compound feed or balanced mixtures, daily BMVD, premixes, vitamin supplements, and constant access to fresh water. After 60 weeks, productivity declines. The diet can be slightly reduced in energy value, but not in mineral content.

Successful poultry farming is the result of a systematic approach to bird maintenance and feeding. Here are practical tips that will help both smallholders and owners of industrial farms.

Compound feed should be certified, free of impurities, and have a clear composition. Avoid cheap market mixes without labels — such feeds may contain toxins and molds.

Premixes and BMVD are not luxuries but necessities. If you feed with grain mixtures rather than ready-made compound feed, your hens will not receive the necessary amount of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without supplements. Their regular use increases laying performance by 10–20%; reduces the number of brittle eggs; improves yolk color; prevents cannibalism and mortality.

Feeding Laying Hens

This is not just about pouring grains into a feeder. It’s a complex and responsible process that requires knowledge, attention, and consistency. To obtain stable, high-quality eggs, a farmer should:

• provide a balanced diet with sufficient energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins;
• feed birds on time and regularly, according to their age and production phase;
• use compound feed, if available, or high-quality grain mixtures with mandatory inclusion of BMVD, premixes, and other supplements;
• ensure clean water, fresh air, proper lighting, and hygiene;
• monitor results: laying performance, feed consumption, egg quality;
• conduct preventive measures, vaccinate the birds, and monitor their health.

Although this program is focused on laying hens, similar principles partly apply to other types of poultry, such as quails or broilers. However, their specific needs must be taken into account: quails are more sensitive to calcium deficiency, and broilers have entirely different metabolism and protein needs.

Rational feeding is the key to high productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability. By investing in quality supplements, premixes, and proper feed, you invest in stable results.