Prolonging laying cycles: Supporting production in laying hens

A combination of increased feed costs, avian influenza outbreaks and Covid-19 market disruptions led to a decrease in restocking hens and therefore a reduction in the supply of eggs, explains Paula McCooey, poultry manager at Alltech Ireland

Now, in 2023, consumers seeking cheaper protein sources due to the cost-of-living crisis have turned to eggs, driving up the demand. This tightness of supply and increase in demand has led to an increase in egg prices, which are expected to remain relatively high throughout 2023. 

In the dynamic world of egg production, seizing opportunities is paramount for success. The current market presents a window of opportunity for egg producers to capitalize on elevated egg prices by extending the laying cycles of their flocks. By carefully managing factors that influence hen health, welfare, and egg quality, producers can optimise their operations for maximum profitability while meeting consumer demands for high-quality eggs.

Leveraging mineral nutrition for sustainable egg production

There are many nutritional and management factors to consider when thinking about prolonging the laying cycle. The earlier these are put in place, the better chance there is of supporting the hen as she ages. Adjusting the diet to meet the changing nutritional needs of older hens can help sustain egg production. Combining gut health and organic mineral technologies allows each bird to get the most out of its feed and achieve its potential, with enhanced overall health, better performance and even stronger shells. 

Historically, standard poultry diets have contained inorganic sources of minerals such as copper sulphate and zinc oxide to meet birds’ requirements for minerals to maintain normal bodily functions and produce eggs. However, minerals from inorganic sources, which are reactive in the premix and in the gastrointestinal tract, result in low bioavailability. 

Organic minerals are more suitable than inorganic minerals in several ways. The organic minerals in Alltech’s Bioplex provide trace mineral nutrition in a form as close to nature as possible. Bioplex minerals are bound organically to amino acids and a range of peptides, which means they can help the mineral get all the way from the premix through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the site of absorption. This results in high bioavailability, meaning that lower levels can be included in feed and less will be excreted. 

Mineral nutrition plays an important role in:

Health and welfare: Extending laying cycles doesn’t mean compromising hen welfare. Proper nutrition, veterinary care, and stress reduction strategies are essential to maintaining the overall health and productivity of the flock. Mineral nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and well-being of the layer flock. Adequate levels of trace minerals like zinc and selenium are known to bolster the immune system, reducing susceptibility to diseases and infections. As layer hens are exposed to various stressors, a nutritionally fortified diet can contribute to their resilience, ultimately leading to increased egg production and longer, more productive laying cycles.

Egg quality: Maintaining high egg quality is crucial for consumer satisfaction and repeat business. Producers must ensure that eggshell integrity, size, and internal quality remain consistent as hens age. Calcium and phosphorus are the primary minerals that impact eggshell quality, while other trace minerals like zinc, manganese, and selenium contribute to various physiological processes critical for optimal egg production. Balancing these minerals in the diet ensures that hens have the necessary building blocks to produce strong eggshells, maintain bone health, and support overall metabolic functions.

Shell strength: Eggshell quality is a hallmark of consumer satisfaction, and stronger eggshells lead to fewer breakages, reduced seconds and higher profitability for the farmer. Removing inorganic minerals and replacing them with lower levels of Bioplex minerals has been shown to improve overall performance and higher eggshell strength in layers. Farmers can expect to see a noticeable enhancement in eggshell strength, reducing seconds and losses during handling and transportation.

Regular monitoring of egg production rates, egg quality, and health indicators is necessary to make informed decisions. This data-driven decision-making will help producers monitor and compare performance as hens age. Alltech has developed a tool for assessing the quality of the eggs being laid in a production system. When eggshell quality is made measurable, reportable and verifiable, producers can truly assess the effects of any changes they make.

Sustainability: Proper mineral nutrition aids in optimising feed conversion rates, ensuring that the nutrients provided translate effectively into egg production. This not only reduces feed wastage but also minimizes the environmental impact of egg production by reducing excess nutrient excretion. In addition, feeding organic minerals in the form of Bioplex at lower inclusion levels has also been shown to reduce the amount of mineral waste in the litter, reducing environmental impacts.

Conclusion

In the face of high egg prices, egg producers have a unique chance to capitalize on the current market dynamics. Producers can boost their profits by extending laying cycles. Nutrition is key to this, and by providing layer hens with the right balance of essential trace minerals, farmers can enhance and maintain eggshell quality, flock health, and overall productivity. 

This strategic approach not only benefits the producer’s bottom line but also resonates with the growing consumer demand for high-quality, responsibly produced eggs.