Role of Prelay Nutrition in Modern Layer Management

Vijaysingh Lonkar

Authors

Vijaysingh Lonkar KNP College of Veterinary Science Shirwal, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur

Keywords:

Prelay Nutrition, Prelay Calcium, Energy and Protein

Abstract

Genetic, nutritional, and management efforts were adopted to extend the laying cycle with efficient production in layers. The poultry industry targets layers to get 500 eggs in a 100-week laying cycle positively impacted by manipulating the pullet nutrition because the layer's performance depends on her pullet stage performance. If the feeding programs for pullets are well designed and implemented, egg producers can take advantage of today's modern layer's tremendous genetic potential. The prelay period typically begins two to three weeks before the ovulation of the first ovum. Substantial body reserves before egg production (prelay period) are indispensable to achieve satisfactory hen performance. At the onset of egg production, calcium reserve are crucial in maintaining egg production and eggshell quality. A prelay diet with moderate calcium (2.0-2.5%) allows for the build-up of the medullary bone calcium reserves and maintains eggshell qualities. Dietary energy and protein are the critical nutrients in maturing pullets. The egg production performances improved by feeding pullets with high-energy and high-protein diets during the prelay period. Feeding a prelay diet containing 2700 kcal ME/kg diet and 18% CP with 2.0-2.5% calcium is the best combination for pullets 2-3 weeks before the start of egg production.

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