August 28, 2009
Schothorst releases new feed energy table for layers
Schothorst Feed Research has introduced a novel energy table, which is developed specifically for laying hens.
The table is the first of its kind, as all current energy evaluation tables for poultry were based on digestibility experiments conducted with either adult roosters fed or maintenance level or broilers, said Schothorst.
The table''s major advantage is that all digestibility coefficients of nutrients from feedstuffs used in the equations to calculate the energy content are determined with producing laying hens and at feed intake and calcium levels that are common in practice.
Furthermore all digestibilities are determined in the same research institute and laboratory under standardised conditions. The table also contains an extensive list of feedstuffs used in the global feed industry.
The age of the birds and the feed intake level have a large effect on the energy utilisation in poultry. Layers generally have a better capacity to digest NSP-rich feedstuffs than previously determined in digestibility experiments under other conditions.
The high Ca level in the diet exerts a considerable effect on fat digestion. The new AME values of feedstuffs have changed significantly, varying from slightly lower to up to 25-percent higher.
Therefore a feed table that is focused on the target animal, the laying hen will enable nutritionist to formulated diets more accurately, closer resembling practical conditions and utilising the physiological capacity of modern layers. It changes the ranking of feedstuffs in the formulation and also reduces feed cost.
Depending on the feedstuff market prices and availability the cost price can be reduced up to EUR1 per tonne of feed.