The cost of feed for laying hens typically makes up 60% to 70% of the total production expenses. However, feed waste can account for 3% to 8%, or even more than 10%, of the total feed consumed. This means that reducing feed waste and improving feed efficiency can significantly boost the profitability of a poultry farm.
One effective method is to start feeding chicks at 6 to 9 days old. This not only helps prevent health issues but also saves about 3.5 grams of feed per day during the growing phase and 5.5 grams during the laying period. Additionally, each egg produced can save around 12 grams of feed.
Using cages is another way to optimize feed use. Caged systems provide a stable environment with less movement and higher stocking density, which reduces heat loss and, in turn, lowers feed consumption. It's estimated that cage rearing can save between 20% and 30% of feed compared to traditional methods.
Implementing proper environmental controls is crucial. Laying hens perform best when temperatures are between 13°C and 21°C. In cold weather, when temperatures drop below 8°C, each 100 hens may consume an extra 1.5 kg of feed daily, yet their egg production drops. Similarly, in hot weather, feed intake decreases, which also affects egg output. Providing shelter from extreme temperatures ensures better performance and lower feed costs.
Proper feed management is essential. Avoid feeding moldy or poor-quality feed, as nutrient deficiencies are a major source of waste. Feed should not be too fine, as this can lead to dust loss and difficulty in eating.
Adjusting feed based on the season can also improve efficiency. In winter, chickens need more energy, so increasing the proportion of energy-rich feeds is beneficial. During summer, reducing energy content slightly can help maintain productivity without overfeeding.
Using alternative protein sources can cut feed costs. Cheap options like insects, earthworms, fish by-products, meat scraps, and plant-based residues can replace part of the expensive fishmeal. These alternatives, when properly balanced, support chicken growth and egg production.
Incorporating feed additives such as methionine, lysine, vitamin B12, and olaquindox can enhance feed utilization. For example, adding 0.1% methionine can increase protein absorption by 2–3%, while lysine can reduce crude protein usage by 3–4%.
Adding vitamin C to feed—about 50 grams per ton—can boost egg production by over 10% and reduce feed consumption by more than 15%. This simple addition offers a significant return on investment.
By combining these strategies, poultry farmers can maximize feed efficiency, lower costs, and improve overall profitability.
Neck Massager
Whether it's from sleeping weird, working out too hard, or sitting hunched over for hours staring at your computer, most of us have dealt with kinks in our necks from time to time. According to a peer-reviewed article from Marco Funiciello and Zinovy Meyler, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, one of the best ways to soothe aches and pains in your neck is through massage therapy.
While going to a massage therapist can be a relaxing experience, it can also be quite expensive. So if you don't have the time or money to get a professional massage, investing in a portable, at-home neck massager is a cost-effective alternative. The handy gadgets can knead out tight knots and melt stress away with ease.
There are many kinds of neck massagers on the market, including portable handheld models, devices that wrap around your neck, and even manual massager rollers. Some boast special features like adjustable heating controls so you can apply heat therapy to painful spots, while others are designed to target pressure points for migraine relief.
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