The major breeding traits in layer genetics are still performance oriented, which means saleable eggs, persistency, feed conversion ratio and viability. Additionally, geneticists are facing new challenges in terms of desirable behaviour and a nice appearance of the hens until the end of their productive lifetime.

These new challenges need further support from general management and overall nutrition as well. As an example of nutritional deficiencies, the so-called post peak dip in the early production period should be mentioned. This situation is mainly based on a too low daily feed intake or too low dense feed.

In the worst case these deficiencies can provoke unwanted behaviour in layer flocks and will harm the productivity of the flock in the long term. The energy intake of a layer bird must be split into 2/3 demand for maintenance and 1/3 for egg mass production. This implies acknowledging the importance of the environmental temperature and good feathering of the birds. Both factor – low temperature and impaired feathering – ultimately lead to an increased nutrient demand and daily feed intake.

When focussing on the nutritional details we have the “old A-B-C”, which says: amino acids – especially the sulphur amino acids – methionine and cystine. However, let’s consider this topic as a “given fact”, which everybody takes care. In terms of the previously mentioned new challenges we have a “new A-B-C”, which says: feeding on gut health, layer type birds are fond of fibre, feed structure – as an urgent quality aspect – and feeding strategies in rearing and more. These ideas have already been proven in many countries and are even devoted the highest interest in the scientific community.

One aspect is the topic of crude fibre, resulting from raw materials such as sunflower products, barley or oats. Furthermore, there are fibre concentrates based on lignocellulose available in the market. As layer birds are fond of fibre, the content of crude fibre in compound feed can even reach up to 7% without affecting the performance in a negative way. In non-cage systems we need to see feathers in the litter at all times. If they have disappeared, they will have been eaten by the hens – which should be understood as indicating a deficiency of structure and fibre in general. In addition, the rearing period should never be neglected as the basis for later production period. This was pointed out by a professional rearing company in the Netherlands as: “EVERY mistake which has happened in rearing, will be seen later on in production period!”

Adjusting the egg weight is an all-time big topic all over the world – it is either too low or too high. There is a varying demand within short periods, which genetics are not able to follow up. Nutrition and good flock management therefore have to take over this responsibility. A well-proven approach to controlling egg weight is a qualitative restriction of the egg-weight-driving nutrients, whilst keeping the energy level constant in order to avoid increased daily feed intake as a way to limit too high daily feed intake.

Another pressing issue in layer nutrition regarding productivity and the birds’ behaviour is the structure of the mash feed. The feed structure needs to aim at homogeneity and some coarseness – both being the overall basis for good and uniform feed and nutrient intake as well as healthy digestion. Specialists in the UK would say “Birds need to have ‘some grist in the diets – in order to support gizzard activity!”

Some further breeding targets nowadays directly focus on welfare aspects, which in the end support productivity as well. One aspect is the ultrasound investigation of bone densitometry, which aims for strong bones and ultimately strong egg shells. Another one is measuring the upper beak length of the hens; aiming at lower mortality and good feather cover.

Some take home messages:
• Be aware of the impressive genetic potential of today’s layer breeds– persistency and long viability.
• The egg shell quality will be the oneand- only reason to finally sign off a flock.
• Focus on the “control” of egg weight at all times – either support or control.
• Support liver and gut health.
• Support docile behaviour of the hens.
• Put (much) more focus on rearing and pullet quality.
• Accept the importance of optimal mash feed structure as an overall basic requirement for gut integrity and health.
• Apply new and proven additives as supporters of gut health.
• Feed the hens according to the performance – egg mass output – in order to avoid deficiencies as this could “provoke” a severe negative gut health challenge and feathering problems.

Robert Pottgüter