Report Synopsis
Feed Efficiency and Targeted Genetic Selection as the Key for Sustainable Performance and Profitability in Laying Hens
The global population is forecast to reach 9.7 billion in 2050. Eggs are one of the best sources of high-quality protein. To assure the number of eggs to satisfy the rising food demand without compromising economic losses, the feed efficiency of laying hens needs to be improved. More efficient feed systems will not only give economic benefits to farmers but will also have a positive impact on the environment.
This study aims to identify the best way to achieve the most profitable feed efficiency. During the study tour the available tools for layer profitability were assessed. Moreover, market opinion on feed additives for layers was evaluated to see how genetics and artificial intelligence can help with feed efficiency improvement.
Feed additives are substances and chemical compounds which are added to feed but are not essential and do not constitute basic nutrients. The feed additives which were discussed during the study are probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, enzymes, organic acids, medium-chain fatty acids and phytobiotics. Feed additives should be used more often in laying hens’ diets as they can improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production, health and consequently profitability of the birds.
Poultry farming is the fastest growing livestock husbandry sector. The average improvement of FCR for layers is around 0.005 kg feed/dozen eggs/year. White laying hens are more profitable and sustainable compared to brown layers. The production traits like FCR, egg production and liveability are better for white layers. Moreover, white laying hens can be kept for more than 100 weeks and the carbon footprint is lower compared to brown layers.
The new technologies which can significantly improve gut health and target feed formulation for laying hens are still in the process of development. The biggest challenge for technological improvement is balancing low costs with high functionality. It would be helpful to organise meetings of farmers from the same area to compare anonymously their production data. In this way it would be easier to get the solutions for best practice.
Even though sustainability is currently a big topic, there is no space for any products which only improve sustainability in laying hens. Egg producers prioritise production output and feed intake over feed efficiency metrics. This is why it’s more difficult to get egg producers to change diets solely for improving feed efficiency. However, there are numerous feed additives which improve the quality of feed and, at the same time, improve nutrient utilisation efficiency, egg production and the health status of birds which in turn leads to less ammonia emissions and reduces the carbon footprint.
Sylwia Sobolewska
BEMB Trust
