Extending the productive life of egg-laying hens brings numerous advantages. However, as hens age, their nutritional requirements change, and egg quality often declines. To ensure optimal performance and sustainability, farmers must adapt their feeding and management strategies.
The Shift to Longer-Living Layers
Traditionally, commercial egg-laying flocks are replaced at around 72 weeks of age due to reduced egg production and compromised shell quality. However, advancements in genetics have made it possible for layers to remain productive up to 100 weeks of age without the need for molting. This shift has significant benefits:
1. Increased Productivity
A hen can now produce approximately 500 eggs in 100 weeks, compared to just 360 eggs in 80 weeks. This boost in output reduces the overall cost per egg.
2. Cost Efficiency
Extending the production cycle spreads the initial investment in pullets over a longer period, reducing the cost per bird and per egg.
3. Environmental Benefits
Longer cycles reduce the carbon footprint per kilogram of eggs by optimizing resource use and minimizing waste.
4. Meeting Demand
The growing global demand for eggs is better supported with longer production cycles, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eggs.
However, achieving these benefits requires a focus on quality. Success lies in optimizing nutrition, health management, and stress mitigation throughout the hen’s life.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Layer Longevity
Egg production is a complex biological process involving multiple organs and systems, including the oviduct, ovary, liver, and hormones. Understanding these processes is critical to sustaining productivity and quality over an extended period.
Starting Early: The First Weeks
Dr. Saritha Saraswathy, a global applied poultry nutritionist at Trouw Nutrition, emphasizes that layer longevity begins on day one. During the first weeks of life, pullets experience rapid functional growth, requiring a diet rich in highly digestible protein and energy.
Failing to meet these early nutritional needs can lead to:
Undersized pullets with inadequate body weight.
- Poor feed intake capacity.
- Weak bones and underdeveloped organs.
All of these factors reduce a hen’s ability to sustain long-term productivity.
Peak Production and Beyond
At peak production, around 60 weeks, the nutritional focus shifts to maintaining optimal eggshell quality and egg size. This period places immense pressure on mineral metabolism and liver function. Adjustments to trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants can help address these metabolic challenges.
During peak production, stressors like vaccination can also reduce feed intake, highlighting the need for precise diet formulations.
Addressing Aging Challenges
As hens age, egg weight tends to increase while shell quality deteriorates. These challenges require specific nutritional interventions:
Amino Acids: Balancing amino acids, particularly lysine, can slow the decline in shell quality and optimize egg weight.
Calcium and Phosphorus: Higher levels are essential to support shell strength in older hens.
Antioxidants: Vitamins and phytogenics combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Recent studies have shown that reducing lysine levels in older hens can improve shell quality without significantly affecting egg production. These findings underline the potential of tailored nutritional strategies for older layers.
Predictive Models for Precision Feeding
Advances in predictive models now allow poultry producers to fine-tune feeding strategies based on the specific needs of different breeds and production stages. Trouw Nutrition’s layer model integrates open-source data and proprietary research to predict nutrient requirements and optimize feeding programs.
Set to launch in 2025, these recommendations aim to support farmers in achieving sustainable and profitable egg production through tailored nutrition plans.
Comprehensive Care for Long-Life Layers
Achieving layer longevity involves more than just extending a hen’s productive life. It requires a holistic approach that prioritizes:
Health: Preventing diseases and minimizing stress are crucial for sustaining productivity.
Nutrition: Providing age-appropriate diets ensures the bird remains healthy and productive.
Management: Proper housing, hygiene, and stress management enhance overall performance.
Practical Tools and Innovations
To support poultry producers on this journey, Trouw Nutrition has developed innovative products like Erliva ChickCare and Erliva PullyCare. These solutions address the unique needs of layers at different stages of their life cycle, ensuring optimal health and productivity.
The Road to Sustainability
As the poultry industry shifts toward sustainable growth, layer longevity plays a pivotal role. By embracing the concept of long-life layers, producers can achieve:
Increased profitability through reduced costs and higher output.
Enhanced resource efficiency, reducing the environmental impact of egg production.
Improved animal welfare by minimizing flock turnover and associated stress.
Final Thoughts
The journey to layer longevity begins on day one and continues throughout the hen’s life. By combining advanced nutrition, health management, and innovative technologies, poultry farmers can unlock the full potential of their flocks. With ongoing research and practical solutions, the industry is well-positioned to meet the challenges of sustainable egg production.
Embrace the long-life layer today, and adapt accordingly to achieve a more profitable and sustainable future.
