The demands on modern poultry for optimal productivity are immense. As the industry evolves, early-life nutrition plays a pivotal role in setting birds up for a lifetime of health and productivity. Recent studies have shed light on innovative feeding strategies that optimize the growth, maturation, and reproductive performance of both layers and broiler breeders.
The Importance of Early Nutrition in Poultry
Increased productivity in layers and broilers necessitates precise nutritional strategies during the early life stages. For example, the egg industry is pushing the boundaries by extending the laying period of hens to 100 weeks or longer. This translates to a white-feathered pullet producing up to 500 eggs in its lifetime—a remarkable feat that demands meticulous care during the pullet phase.
Despite extensive research on the laying phase, the pullet rearing period remains underexplored. Dr. Martin Zuidhof, a professor at the University of Alberta, emphasized, “We aim to understand how dietary energy and protein during rearing impact lifetime productivity. Our goal is to prepare pullets for success during the laying phase.”
Key Research Insights
This groundbreaking research was conducted by a team led by Zuidhof, including graduate students Thiago Noetzold and Jo Ann Chew. Their focus encompassed:
1. Dietary Energy Adjustments for Layer Pullets:
Experiments used both precision feeding systems and conventional feeding.
Birds were given rations with low (2,600 kcal/kg), standard (2,800 kcal/kg), or high (3,000 kcal/kg) energy levels, or allowed to choose their preferred energy level.
Results indicated that lower energy levels increased feed conversion ratios and daily feed intake, while restricted feeding reduced body weight and heightened feeding motivation.
2. Protein Reduction in Layer Pullet Diets:
Birds fed varying amino acid levels (60% to 110% of standard guidelines) showed no difference in the onset of lay or early egg production.
Lowering protein levels could significantly reduce feed costs and nitrogen emissions without compromising productivity.
3. Feeding Strategies for Broiler Breeder Pullets:
Research manipulated growth curves to advance pubertal growth spurts, leading to earlier sexual maturation and increased egg production.
Advancing the growth spurt by one week resulted in three additional eggs per bird.
Practical Takeaways for Producers
Adjusting Dietary Energy Levels
Producers should consider increasing dietary energy during the pullet phase. This promotes higher body weights before sexual maturation, ensuring a smooth transition into the laying phase. Unrestricted feeding may lead to abdominal fat deposition, but a balanced approach ensures nutrient allocation primarily for egg production.
Lowering Protein Requirements
Reducing amino acid levels in layer pullet diets can align with birds’ actual nutritional needs, decreasing feed costs and minimizing environmental impacts. Nutritionists should work closely with producers to formulate customized diets.
Optimizing Broiler Breeder Growth
Encouraging higher feed intake earlier in life allows broiler breeder pullets to achieve ideal body composition for laying. Precision feeding systems can relax growth restrictions, increasing body weight by 5-10% compared to conventional growth trajectories.
Implications for Industry Standards
The research highlights the potential to update industry feeding guidelines. For broiler breeders, advancing the pubertal growth spurt through tailored feeding strategies offers significant benefits, including improved fertility. Studies showed a 5% fertility boost with precision feeding compared to conventional methods.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
By refining feeding practices, producers can reduce feed waste and environmental impact. Lowering amino acid levels in diets cuts nitrogen emissions, while precision feeding ensures optimal nutrient utilization, saving costs without sacrificing productivity.
Supporting Research and Collaboration
This research was supported by Egg Farmers of Alberta, Egg Farmers of Canada, Alberta Hatching Egg Producers, Canadian Poultry Research Council, Aviagen, and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). It also forms part of a larger European public-private partnership project, emphasizing global collaboration in advancing poultry nutrition.
Conclusion
Early-life feeding strategies are a game-changer for poultry production. From extending the laying period in layers to optimizing growth in broiler breeders, these findings pave the way for more sustainable, cost-effective, and productive poultry farming. By leveraging precision feeding systems and re-evaluating nutritional standards, producers can achieve better outcomes for their flocks while contributing to a more sustainable industry.
Producers should consult with nutritionists and integrate these findings into their practices to unlock the full potential of their birds. The future of poultry farming lies in innovation, and this research offers
a roadmap for achieving excellence in productivity and sustainability.
