How to make Poultry Feed for old layers

How to make Poultry Feed for old layers

Making poultry feed for layers requires balancing essential nutrients to support egg production. Here’s a basic guide to formulate a nutritious feed:

Ingredients:
1. Grains (Energy Source):
– Corn (maize), wheat, sorghum, or barley.
– Quantity: 50–60% of the total feed.
– Purpose:Provides energy for daily activity and egg production.

2. Protein Sources:
– Soybean meal, fish meal, sunflower meal, or peanut meal.
– Quantity:18–22% of the total feed.
– Purpose:Supports growth and egg production.

3. Calcium Source (for eggshells):
– Ground limestone or oyster shells.
– Quantity:8–10%.
– Purpose:Ensures strong eggshell formation.

4. Phosphorus Source:
– Dicalcium phosphate or bone meal.
– Quantity:1–2%.
– Purpose:Helps in skeletal development and eggshell formation.

5. Vitamins and Minerals:
– Additives: Premixed vitamin and mineral packs designed for layers, or individual vitamins like Vitamin D3, A, E, and trace minerals like manganese, zinc, and iodine.
– Quantity:1–2%.
– Purpose:*Helps with immunity, reproductive health, and overall vitality.

6. Fat/Oil (Optional):
– Vegetable oil or animal fats.
– Quantity:1–3%.
– **Purpose:Provides energy and helps improve palatability.

7. Salt:
– Quantity:0.3–0.5%.
– Purpose:Helps balance electrolytes.

Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Mix the Base Grains:
Combine the main grains like corn, wheat, and barley. This will form the bulk of the feed.

2. Add Protein Sources:
Add the soybean meal or fish meal to boost the protein content necessary for egg production.

3. Include Calcium Sources:
Add ground limestone or oyster shells for calcium, crucial for forming eggshells.

4. Add Phosphorus:
Incorporate dicalcium phosphate to balance the calcium and phosphorus ratio for proper bone and eggshell development.

5. Mix Vitamins and Minerals:
Add the vitamin and mineral premix to cover any deficiencies and ensure optimal health.

6. Blend the Fat/Oil:
If you want to boost the energy content, add fats or oils. Ensure it’s well mixed.

7. Include Salt:
Add the salt last and thoroughly mix it into the feed to distribute evenly.

Sample Feed Formula (Per 100kg):
– 60 kg corn
– 20 kg soybean meal
– 5 kg fish meal
– 8 kg ground limestone/oyster shells
– 2 kg dicalcium phosphate
– 2 kg premix of vitamins and minerals
– 1 kg salt
– 2 kg vegetable oil (optional)

Feeding Tips:
– Ensure the feed is well-mixed and stored in a dry place.
– Provide plenty of fresh water alongside the feed.
– Adjust the protein level if the birds show signs of poor production or low energy.

This is a basic guide, and the exact formula may need to be adjusted based on local ingredient availability and the specific needs of your flock.