What if you knew the precise feed your layers need to reach the exact egg sizes your markets demand? What if the same breed could produce eggs of different sizes – and stay longer in production, and with no changes to the lighting programme? And what if all this works with competitive cost efficiency? A way of cost and resource-optimised production of bespoke eggs at the best price-performance ratio – all based on scientific proof!
The scientific research behind this concept of cost and resource-optimised production seeks to maximise targeted egg production at increased longevity of layers. The goal is to keep up optimal results at a stable high until 100 or more weeks of age in a single cycle. And that goal is within reach!
Feed plays a key role in achieving greater goals in egg production. Markets have different requirements for egg sizes. Demands may change quickly during the life of birds when customer expectations vary. Researching feed requirements for specific egg sizes means far more than the perfect egg in any condition, any market, any climate, any housing or with any locally-available feed. It also means waste prevention, efficiency gain and the ability to safely produce exactly to demand – a game-changer, especially in large-scale productions.
Long-term needs
Today, there is little research about layer hens in long cycles and even less about their long-term needs. Most research is based on the use of different raw materials and feed additives. Genetic brands are but a handful worldwide and leadership in this circle means taking steps first. Only one genetic supplier of layer parent stock worldwide invests into conducting its own exclusive scientific research in a dedicated facility of controlled conditions, equipped with modern analytics.
Founded in 1945, H&N International’s focus has always been on parent stock for layers and egg production, and on achieving best results continuously in all markets, all climates, any housing and with any kind of feed. Founders Arthur and Mary Heisdorf considered scientific research key. They already deployed IBM computers as vital parts in breeding and result analytics before computing played a role in NASA’s moon mission!
Precision
Precision in production is precision in profit generation. H&N International selects breeds able to lay saleable eggs every 24 hours and allow egg producers to keep their flocks up to 100 weeks and beyond, soon even to 120 weeks of age in a single cycle. In 2023, H&N International partnered with Turkish egg producer Evrenkaya Yumurta to use their research facility with 144 family cages. Located nearby a commercial farm and feed mill, it replicates real-life working conditions of egg producers. Researchers aim for accurate results as the nutritional requirements mirror the reality of layer hens producing eggs in farms around the world.
Feeding strategies
In close coordination with the genetic department, the team of nutritionist develops and executes the trials. Current research determines the amino acids requirements for different target egg weights while using the same lighting programme in the most efficient way by feeding low-nitrogen diets. Initial results show the versatility of H&N International’s birds – one and the same breed can produce different egg sizes by way of controlling the amino acid intake, no matter what the lighting programme. Egg size remains stable without significant variations unless the amino acid intake is changed. This sensitivity to amino acid intake gives egg producers and nutritionist the opportunity to create variations in the diets so birds will produce the very egg size a producer wants at any time.
In addition, low-nitrogen diets tested at levels below current industry standards demonstrate enhanced amino acid digestion efficiency in H&N birds, further improving production profitability. Effects of different diets in high temperature conditions have been examined and more research will follow here to support egg producers especially in hot climates.
Future goals are to develop new feeding recommendations, analyse yet more parameters, raise awareness for feeding strategies and implementation of the research findings in feeds for egg producers.
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