ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2024 75 to the transfer of the birds that happens on many occasions around the same time. The good news, there are tools to support the laying hens during this specific period from a nutritional point of view. The main focus should be on creating and maintaining optimal gut health, as this directly influences nutrient absorption and overall performance in later life. Optimizing gut health starts with minimizing external nutritional stressors, like mycotoxins, hard to digest raw material or changes in feed structure. • Mycotoxins can have detrimental effects on gut health. Regular monitoring of mycotoxin levels and applying methods to reduce the impact of the present mycotoxins is highly recommended. • Especially during the phase of metabolic changes, enzymes can support nutrient utilization and support gut health. It is recommended to use at least a minimum dose of enzymes (including phytase and an NSP enzyme that is suitable for the raw materials used) at the start of lay. • Using good digestible and high-quality raw materials helps to improve nutrient utilization, without overloading the hen with metabolic pressure. Therefore try to minimize the use of hard to digest raw materials. Next to this, try to prevent big differences in the inclusion of raw materials, as well as differences in feed structure between different diets. • Managing calcium levels in the different dietary stages is crucial, particularly during the early stages of egg laying. While calcium is absolutely essential for proper eggshell formation, excessive levels can negatively impact gut health and the calcium metabolism. It is strongly advised to have a smooth transition (for example in multiple steps) in calcium levels from the rearing phase towards the first layer phase. • Some phytogenics, pre- or probiotics, and organic acids have shown positive effects on gut health, mainly in reducing inflammation, improving the intestinal barriers or improving digestion, they can be of good support to minimize gut health disturbances. • Coarse fibers have a positive impact on gut peristalsis and therefor on overall nutrient utilization and digestive health. In the field we see good results of adding 2% of coarse fiber materials (like oat hulls), on digestive health and feather cover. Basically, a laying hen converts feed and water into eggs and feces. For this reason, intestinal integrity is essential for maintaining the productivity and profitability of laying hens through the number of eggs produced per hen housed, the flocks’ laying persistency, feed conversion, egg weight and internal and external egg quality. Having a close look at intestinal integrity, and responding with nutritional interventional, will increase the chance of having a successful flock. We can conclude that in order to have a perfect start for your laying hen flock, and to ensure the maximum genetic potential over the hens’ lifetime, it is key to prioritize on gut health until the peak of production is over. Various nutritional solutions can support you in your management practices to support the basis of a healthy and productive laying hen flock. Regular flock monitoring, as well as adjusting the diet based on the hens requirements, are crucial for long-term success in egg production and the overall well-being of your laying hen flocks. About Estella Leentfaar Estella Leentfaar obtained her master’s degree in animal sciences from Wageningen University and Research in 2016. Next to her specialization in animal nutrition and adaptation physiology, Leentfaar holds a European master in Sustainable Animal nutrition and feeding. She started her career at Trouw Nutrition (a Nutreco company), she joined Hendrix Genetics Layers in 2019. Currently Leentfaar is part of the Global Technical core team, as one of the nutritionists.
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