In the winter months when egg production in laying hens is at its lowest or even stops, it's essential to manage their feeding in a way that supports their health while minimizing costs. By carefully managing feed intake and using available resources effectively, you can maintain your flock without relying heavily on expensive commercial feeds. This approach not only reduces the cost of raising chickens but also maximizes economic returns by focusing on small, yet impactful details.
The process can be broken down into three key steps. First, gather any leftover plant materials from the fall, such as sweet potato vines, bean husks, rice straw, sorghum stalks, and corn cobs. These are considered roughage and can be crushed using a grinder for better consistency. Then, prepare various supplements like soybean meal, fish meal, bone meal, trace minerals, and amino acids. The more diverse the roughage, the better, as it helps create a balanced diet.
Second, mix the roughage with the supplements. Aim for 80-85% roughage and 15-20% fine feed along with additives. This combination not only saves on feed costs but also keeps the hens feeling full. The concentrated feeds, when combined with the additives, are more easily digested and absorbed by the hens’ bodies, providing the energy needed to maintain body temperature and metabolic functions. In some cases, this method may even result in small amounts of egg production during the colder months.
Third, as spring approaches and egg production begins again, gradually replace the roughage with more energy-dense ingredients like corn, dried pumpkin, and sorghum. Increase the amount of fishmeal, soybean cake, peanut cake, bone meal, and lysine to boost the hens' performance. This final step helps maximize feed efficiency and ensures the best possible economic return from your poultry operation. By following these steps, you can successfully manage your laying hens through the winter while keeping costs low and productivity high.
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