ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 35 KEY CHALLENGES IN MODERN LAYER PRODUCTION Egg producers today face a complex mix of economic, regulatory and ethical pressures. With the globally increasing demand for meat and eggs, poultry farmers must optimise feed conversion, growth rates and laying performance. At the same time, there is growing public concern regarding animal welfare, antimicrobial resistance and the environmental footprint of animal production. This has led to stricter regulations on antibiotic use and a shift toward more sustainable and welfare-oriented production models. These demands are particularly challenging in intensive farming systems, where high stocking densities and intensive feeding can lead to increased stress, digestive disorders and immune suppression. Furthermore, declining egg production and reduced shell stability with increasing laying periods often lead to early culling. This reduces economic and ethical efficiency of layer farming, especially considering rising pullet and rearing costs. Therefore, innovative, holistic strategies are needed to ensure animal health, minimise pharmaceutical interventions and optimise performance throughout the whole laying period. Targeted feeding strategies can support digestion, metabolism and the Phytogenic feed additives for layers address complex economic, regulatory and ethical pressures while supporting gut health, immunity and performance. By promoting intestinal integrity, microbial balance and nutrient absorption, these natural strategies help layers remain productive longer. With multifunctional bioactive compounds, they offer preventive benefits, reduce veterinary interventions, and enhance egg quality—raising questions about how holistic feeding approaches can reshape sustainability and resilience in intensive poultry systems. Phytogenic Feed Additives for Layers: NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR GUT HEALTH AND LONGEVITY Dr. Iris Wortmann Technical Sales Manager Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition Anne Möddel Team Lead Technical Sales Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition Dr. Bernhard Eckel Vice President Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition
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