How layer feed formulas for U.S. white and EU red layers were created

Ioannis Mavromichalis, PhD

The feed formulas included in the layer section of Feed Strategy’s Feed Formulation Library have been developed by Ioannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., for WATT Global Media. They are intended for reference use only, and as such they should not be used for any other purpose. Please, read carefully the disclaimer that comes along the downloadable spreadsheet that contains the formulas in their native format.

Nutrient specifications

Each commercial genetic line of layers has its accompanying set of nutrition and management guides. The formulas presented here are not intended to replace these guides. Instead, an average set of nutrient specifications has been used – similar for white and brown layers – so that we can examine how feed is formulated under different conditions, in the U.S. and Europe, respectively.

The nutrient specifications for each genetic line should be used as the starting point with the practicing nutritionist testing different challenge scenarios to accommodate actual commercial conditions at each layer operation.

Feed intake

For the purposes of this exercise, it has been assumed that modern genetic lines will consume during the laying period approximately 100+ and 110+ grams/day feed for white and brown genetics, respectively.

The actual feed intake should be controlled and monitored to match the body weight, environmental conditions, management and facilities, and egg weight mass produced per day under actual commercial conditions.

White versus brown layers

White layers are usually slimmer with a lower body weight than brown layers. The former also produce more eggs of a smaller size/weight than the latter. White layers require less feed and nutrients per day than brown layers and they are preferred for markets that do not require a brown fresh egg and for industrial egg usage.

In contrast, brown layers, more common in the EU than in the U.S., are used for markets that pay a premium for brown and/or large fresh eggs.

Pre-layer diet

Whether a pre-layer diet is used is a matter of debate among nutritionists.

A pre-layer diet is the feed provided from the time pullets are moved from the development facilities to the layer facilities and until they start producing enough eggs (determined by genetics) to justify the introduction of the first layer diet.

A pre-layer diet is identical to the first layer diet with about half (2%) of calcium found in that diet (4%). The reasoning behind a pre-layer diet is that hens are introduced gradually to a very high-calcium diet, i.e. from about 1% in the development phase to 4% in the layer phase, and that hens, which actually start laying earlier than the rest, do not deplete their body calcium reserves which has detrimental effects on life-long performance, health, welfare and survivability.

Limestone versus other calcium sources

Limestone is very variable in calcium concentration and unless there are guaranteed specifications, other sources of calcium should be used. Calcium carbonate is a pure source of calcium with 38% guaranteed calcium concentration. However, calcium carbonate is always more expensive than limestone.

In the end, it is all about balancing cost versus performance. Eggshell strength suffers the most when feed calcium concentration is unpredictable.

Fine versus coarse calcium sources

Due to the nature of the way eggs are formed, it is advised that about 50% of the calcium source be provided as fine material and 50% as coarse material. This ensures hens have enough calcium available from dietary sources when they need it most (during the night and early hours of the day) when the eggshell is formed, and feed intake is virtually nil.

Today, genetic houses provide specific guidelines regarding the exact ratio of fine to coarse for their hens, and these guidelines should be followed. A very common practice is to use fine limestone and/or calcium carbonate and coarse oyster shells and/or seashells. Shells provide a prime source of calcium that helps in cases of poor eggshell strength.

Extended egg cycle

Modern genetics provide for an extended egg cycle. Whereas 20 years ago hens completed their egg cycle in about 50 weeks, today this cycle extends to up to 100 weeks. This is a result of genetic development toward earlier maturity and reduced egg formation time.

To this end, the formulas presented in this addition to the Feed Formulation Library are designed to represent an egg cycle in three phases: before its peak (several weeks), during the peak of production (the majority of time), and post-peak (the last few weeks).

When each phase starts, and where it ends is to be determined by each genetic line. More intermediate phases are possible, but this is a local decision to be made by each individual nutritionist. The formulas presented here are for an extended egg cycle.

Additives

These formulas are usually supplemented with additives that are based on cost/benefit analysis and often local preference. Such an additive is phytase. There is a plethora of articles published on the vast array additives available and a qualified nutritionist should be consulted for this purpose.

Layer feed formulas

There are two sets of formulas in this library.

Set I - U.S. white layers

Feed formulas for U.S. white layers during the development phase | Weeks 0 to 17

Feed formulas for U.S. white layers during the production phase | Weeks 18 to 100

Set II - European red layers

Feed formulas for EU red layers during the development phase | Weeks 0 to 17

Feed formulas for EU red layers during the production phase | Weeks 18 to 100

Download the spreadsheet

Layer Feed Formulations are available in a downloadable MS Excel spreadsheet, which includes four sets of formulas — U.S. white and EU red in the development and production phases — with three variations each: starter, grower and developer.

DOWNLOAD Layer Feed Formulations

DISCLAIMER: All information under the section of Animal Feed Formulation Library is provided only as an information resource. It is not to be used or relied upon for any academic, commercial, public, private or other purposes. This information is not intended to be education for students or any other professional and does not create a student-mentor relationship. This information is not intended to be consulting for private or public entities and persons and does not create a client-consultant relationship. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Please consult with your local nutritionist, extension professional, feed representative or specialist, veterinarian or animal science technician before making any nutrition-related decisions or for guidance about any specific nutritional or other issue.

Ioannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., WATT Global Media and their owners, affiliates and employees shall have no liability for any damages, loss, injury, financial or animal performance and results, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance provided in this section, even after your consulting with your advisers.

Copyright: Dr. Ioannis Mavromichalis and WATT Global Media retain all rights under law regarding the copyright of materials presented herewith under the section FEED FORMULATION LIBRARY. If you desire to use any of this material, please inquire at WATT Global Media or directly with Mavromichalis.