01/31/2026
Vitamin D is responsible for normal growth, egg and shell quality, and reproduction in laying hen, and it is of particular importance when hens are raised indoors. Selenium plays a critical role in semen quality, hatchability, egg production, and maternal programming. A laying hen requires 0.06 ppm of selenium in their daily diet to maintain egg production. In broiler breeders, a recommended daily diet of 0.2-0.3 ppm of selenium is recommended. The B vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and H or B7 (biotin). These vitamins help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide the body with energy. They also support the nervous system, help maintain the muscles used for digestion, and keep skin, hair, eyes,mouth, and liver healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for poultry growth, development, and productivity. Optimum levels of amino acids are just as important as the overall protein content in feed. The average period of the first egg laying cycle is from 20 to 72 wks in commercial laying hens, and maximum egg production is obtained around 40 to 48 wks of age. Thereafter, egg production gradually decreases with increases in egg weight and reductions in eggshell quality. Therefore, dietary strategies are required for the maintenance of egg production after the peak in the egg laying cycle. Amino acid requirements for persistent egg production may be higher than those for normal egg production, and the challenge is to provide high-density amino acid diets to older hens because aging reduces the efficiency of liver function.
Vitamin D 3 is required for the normal absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency can result in rickets in young growing chickens or in osteoporosis and/or poor eggshell quality in laying hens, even though the diet may contain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D plays a major role in Ca and P metabolism in the intestine and bones of birds in order to maintain Ca homeostasis. Vitamin D is responsible for normal growth, egg and shell quality, and reproduction in laying hen, and it is of particular importance when hens are raised indoors. Selenium plays a critical role in semen quality, hatchability, egg production, fertility and maternal programming. Ensure adequate available levels of all vitamins and trace minerals. Avoid dolomitic limestone containing more than 3% magnesium as this impairs calcium utilization. Phosphate sources should contain less than 0.25% fluoride and defluorinated rock phosphate should contain between 4 to 6% sodium to ensure solubility of phosphorus. Maintain a 2:1 ratio of calcium to available phosphorus for broilers and pullets and 12:1 ratio for layers. Avoid excess sodium (above 0.30%) and chloride (above 0.40%) in feed.Avoid water with sodium above 500 ppm, chloride above 500 ppm, nitrogen (as NO3) above 50 ppm and sulphur (as sulphate) above 1000 ppm Monitor sulphur level in feed. This can be a problem when using high levels of rapeseed and/or Canola meals. Total feed sulphur should be less than 0.5%. Avoid high levels of tannins. Monitor the use of ingredients such as high tannin sorghum, sunflower meal, some types of marigold, Canola and rapeseed meals. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for poultry growth, development, and productivity. Optimum levels of amino acids are just as important as the overall protein content in feed. The three most critical amino acids in poultry diets are lysine, methionine, and cysteine.
Lysine:
Critical for muscle growth and maintenance, lysine supports feather development and overall body condition. Deficiencies in lysine can lead to stunted growth,
poor muscle tone, and reduced feed efficiency.
Methionine:
Methionine is essential for feather production, particularly for show birds where feather quality is paramount. It also supports metabolic processes and aids
in the synthesis of other amino acids. Methionine is often the first limiting amino acid in diets reliant on vegetable proteins.
Cysteine:
As a sulphur-containing amino acid, cysteine is vital for feather keratin synthesis and protein metabolism. It can partially derive from methionine but still requires sufficient dietary levels to meet the needs of birds, especially during moult or feather regeneration.
Balancing these amino acids is critical because even if total protein levels meet recommendations, deficiencies in one amino acid can limit overall performance.
Avoid amino acid imbalances and excess protein. Also be aware that freeze-dried mealworms sold at any feed store are typically 50 percent protein, but can trigger kidney failure if too many are provided. Should you choose to feed your chickens mealworms, then allow them no more than one teaspoon per day.
