In the sweltering summer heat, laying hens often face challenges such as reduced appetite and lower feed intake, which can significantly impact their egg production. To ensure consistent and high egg yields during this season, it's essential to adjust the hen’s diet with a strategy known as "three increases and one decrease." This approach helps maintain their health and productivity despite the heat stress.
First, increasing protein levels in the feed is crucial. High temperatures can cause a significant drop in feed consumption, and if not compensated for, it may lead to inadequate nutrition. Insufficient protein directly affects egg production. Therefore, the protein content in summer diets should be 1–2% higher than in other seasons. This can be achieved by adding more soybean meal or cottonseed meal, which can make up 20–25% of the feed. In addition, including animal-based protein sources like fishmeal, blood meal, or shrimp waste at around 5–7% of the total feed can further support their nutritional needs.
Second, mineral supplementation should be adjusted accordingly. During summer, most laying hens are in the mid-to-late peak production phase, and their calcium requirements increase. It's important to maintain a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, with calcium levels in compound feed generally set at 3.8%. Too much calcium can reduce feed palatability, while too little can lower egg production. To address this, shell powder can be offered separately in a free-choice feeder, allowing hens to consume it as needed without affecting their overall feed intake.
Third, incorporating green feeds and heat stress additives can greatly benefit the hens. Adding fresh, juicy vegetation like grasses or leafy greens can help meet vitamin needs, sometimes even eliminating the need for additional vitamin supplements. These feeds also improve the taste of the diet, reduce feed costs, and enhance overall digestion. The amount of green feed should not exceed 30% of the total diet. Additionally, including heat stress relievers like vitamin C or baking soda in the feed can help mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures on the hens' performance.
Lastly, reducing energy-dense feeds is an important adjustment. In summer, the energy required for thermoregulation is much lower than in colder months. Therefore, ingredients like corn or sorghum, which are high in energy, should be limited to no more than 50% of the diet. Instead, low-energy roughage such as bran can be introduced, typically making up no more than 20% of the feed. This helps keep the hens comfortable and reduces the risk of overheating.
By carefully adjusting the diet according to these four principles, poultry farmers can effectively support their laying hens through the summer months, ensuring continued productivity and health.
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