How to make layers mash: a guide to preparing nutritious poultry feed

Layers mash is a specially formulated feed designed to meet the nutritional needs of laying hens. Providing a balanced diet for hens is crucial for maximizing egg production, ensuring the birds’ health, and improving the overall efficiency of poultry farming.

Making your own layers mash allows you to customize the feed according to the specific needs of your flock and can often be more cost-effective than buying commercial feeds.

In this article, we will discuss how to make layers mash, including the essential ingredients, the preparation process, and tips for ensuring that the feed is both nutritious and safe for your laying hens.

1. essential ingredients for layers mash

To make a nutritious layers mash, the first step is to gather the essential ingredients. The mash should contain a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support the laying hens’ egg production and overall health. The primary ingredients typically include:

a. Grains: The bulk of the mash should consist of grains, such as maize (corn), wheat, or sorghum. These grains provide the energy needed for egg production.

b. Protein sources: Protein is crucial for the development of eggs. Good sources of protein for layers mash include soybean meal, fish meal, and sunflower meal.

c. Calcium: Laying hens require a higher level of calcium to support strong eggshells. Crushed limestone or oyster shell can be added to the mash to meet this requirement.

d. Vitamins and minerals: A balanced mix of vitamins (such as vitamin A, D, and E) and essential minerals (like phosphorus and salt) should be incorporated into the mash to support the hens’ overall health and egg-laying ability.

e. Fats: Vegetable oils or animal fats can be added to provide essential fatty acids that support energy levels and overall health.

2. formulation of layers mash

The formulation of layers mash will depend on the specific requirements of the hens, including their age, breed, and stage of egg production.

Generally, the feed should be high in energy and protein during the peak of egg-laying production. A typical formulation for adult layers mash is approximately:

a. 60-70% grains (such as maize or wheat)

b. 10-15% protein sources (such as soybean or sunflower meal)

c. 10-15% other ingredients (such as vegetables, greens, or ground-up shells)

d. 2-4% calcium sources (such as limestone or oyster shell)

e. 1-2% vitamins and minerals

If you are making layers mash for younger birds (pullets), the formulation will slightly differ, as they will need more protein for growth but less calcium than adult hens.

Always consider adjusting the proportions based on the age and production stage of your flock to meet their specific nutritional needs.

3. preparing the layers mash

The preparation of layers mash is a relatively simple process. First, start by grinding the grains to a fine consistency, especially if you are using whole grains.

You can use a hammer mill or a grain grinder for this purpose. The finer the grind, the easier it will be for the hens to digest the feed and extract nutrients.

Next, mix the ground grains with the protein sources, such as soybean meal or fish meal. You can also include other additives like vegetable meal, sunflower seeds, or alfalfa meal to enhance the nutritional profile of the mash.

After combining the grains and protein, mix in the calcium supplement (e.g., crushed limestone or oyster shells), making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the feed. Add any necessary vitamins and minerals, either in the form of a pre-mixed poultry supplement or by using individual ingredients like salt, ground-up eggshells, or bone meal.

Finally, you can add fats, such as vegetable oils or fish oils, to the mix. These fats provide a concentrated energy source for the hens and support overall health.

Once all ingredients are combined, ensure the mash is thoroughly mixed to create a consistent and homogenous feed. Store the mash in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

4. feeding layers mash to hens

When feeding layers mash to your hens, it’s essential to ensure that they have constant access to fresh feed. You can provide the mash in feeders designed for poultry, making sure that the hens can easily access the feed without waste.

It’s also important to offer fresh water at all times, as hydration is crucial for digestion and egg production.

Feed your hens in controlled portions to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Typically, an adult hen will consume around 120-150 grams of layers mash per day, depending on their size, breed, and stage of egg production.

Adjust the quantity of feed based on your flock’s consumption and health to avoid both feed wastage and malnutrition.

It’s also essential to observe the hens’ condition regularly. If they show signs of poor egg production or health issues, you may need to review the feed formulation and make adjustments to their diet to better meet their nutritional needs.

5. benefits of making your own layers mash

Making your own layers mash offers several advantages over purchasing pre-mixed commercial feeds. One of the primary benefits is cost savings.

By sourcing ingredients locally or in bulk, you can often reduce the cost of poultry feed and have greater control over your flock’s diet.

Another advantage is that you can customize the feed to the specific needs of your hens. For example, if you notice that your hens are laying soft eggs or showing signs of calcium deficiency, you can increase the amount of calcium in the mash.

Similarly, if you want to improve the energy levels of your flock, you can adjust the amount of grains or fats in the formulation.

Additionally, making your own layers mash ensures that you are using high-quality ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial feeds.

This can contribute to healthier, more productive hens and a more sustainable farming operation.

In conclusion, making layers mash at home is a practical and rewarding way to provide your laying hens with a nutritious and cost-effective diet.

By carefully selecting and formulating the right mix of ingredients, you can ensure that your hens receive all the nutrients they need for optimal egg production.

Whether you are managing a small backyard flock or a larger poultry operation, preparing your own layers mash can improve the health and productivity of your birds while also reducing feed costs.

With proper preparation and monitoring, layers mash can be a highly effective and sustainable feed option for any poultry farmer.

Read Also: Optimizing Layers Feed Formulation for Enhanced Egg Production and Poultry Health