Chicken Coops: Four Key Considerations When Formulating Feed for Chickens Raised in Cages

To ensure that laying hens receive a balanced diet, poultry farmers typically formulate different feed mixtures tailored to the hens’ nutritional needs, thereby achieving nutritional equilibrium and promoting healthy growth. However, it is crucial to adopt a rational and scientifically sound approach when preparing these diets. Many farmers still fall into common misconceptions; below, we will examine four key considerations for proper feed formulation.

1. Do not exceed the recommended level of limestone powder: Limestone powder is a common ingredient added by poultry farmers when formulating feed. However, it is important to note that excessive or rapidly increasing levels of limestone powder in the diet can lead to hypercalcemia in laying hens, placing additional strain on the kidneys, causing renal swelling, and resulting in diarrhea. When formulating feed, farmers should gradually increase the amount of limestone powder as the hens’ egg production rises, avoiding the addition of too much at once.

2. Crude protein levels should not be excessively high: Protein is an essential nutrient for laying hens, and some producers mistakenly believe that increasing crude protein will result in larger eggs and improved egg quality. This is incorrect, as excessive soybean meal in the diet can lead to incomplete absorption, irritate the intestines, accelerate metabolism, and cause yellowing and thinning of the droppings, thereby reducing feed conversion efficiency. Typically, the crude protein content in layer diets should be around 16%; therefore, producers must strictly regulate this level. When dietary protein is too high or the energy–protein ratio is imbalanced, it can weaken the liver and kidneys of laying hens, promote excessive uric acid deposition, and even lead to gout.

3. Preventing Mold Growth in Raw Materials: With summer now upon us, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can easily lead to mold contamination in feed. Farmers must not feed moldy feed to laying hens, as such feed contains certain mycotoxins that can irritate and damage the intestinal mucosa, increasing its permeability and resulting in diarrhea.

4. Salt levels must not be too high: Salt is an ingredient added during feed formulation to stimulate appetite and help prevent feather pecking and vent pecking. However, if farmers add excessive salt to layer diets, hens may become thirsty and drink large quantities of water, leading to overhydration and frequent severe diarrhea. Additionally, farmers should be mindful that fish meal contains a relatively high salt content; therefore, when supplementing with salt, it is crucial to maintain appropriate levels to avoid excessive dietary sodium, which can trigger diarrhea in laying hens.