Generally, laying mash is composed of corn or soybean meal, poultry mineral mix, calcium and organic ingredients. The exact ingredients of this feed vary by location. While corn based rations are typical in this area, organic and non-GMO feeds are also available. Regardless of the exact ingredients, the key is that the mash be balanced for the needs of laying hens.
Contents
Price
There are several factors to consider when buying layers mash chicken feed. This particular type of chicken feed contains higher crude protein than grower chicken feed. Higher crude protein is essential for the chicken’s development and production of eggs. If you’re not going to use starter feed for your chickens, you’ll need to transition to layers mash as their primary source of nutrition. Broilers are usually fed layers mash after they have outgrown starter feed. Typically, broiler feed has 20-22% crude protein.
As a general rule, 80% of your layers’ feed should be grain-based. Mash is made by grinding grains and adding water. It contains a sand-like texture and can cause clogging feeders and messy eating. Pellets are easier to handle than mash and pellets. Typically, you’ll need to buy a commercial feed mill to mix the grains and other ingredients. A food processor or hand-operated meat grinder can grind grains for chicks, and it’s also possible to mix it yourself.
Nutritional value
A nutritionally complete layer feed is a must for growing and mature chickens. Treats and snacks dilute the value of a balanced feed, so limit their use to about two tablespoons per bird. Too much or too little of one nutrient can result in aggressive behavior, obesity, reduced egg production, feather picking, and reduced eggs. A layer chicken’s diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals and contains only the essential nutrients it needs.
While laying mash is grain-based, it also contains limestone, bone, and meat scrap, as well as extra protein, vitamins, and minerals. Layers need protein, calcium, and other nutrients for their body functions, and these nutrients are in laying mash. However, laying mash may decrease egg production if the chicken is fed too much scratch. Therefore, a mix of a laying mash with a grain-based scratch feed can be an excellent choice.
Health benefits
Layers mash chicken feed contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are needed for the development of a chick’s body. Its composition is similar to that of the best poultry feeds, but with added nutrients. Because of its smaller particle size, mash is easy to digest by baby chicks. The added benefits of mash include its cost, affordability, and health benefits for your chickens.
One of the main benefits of layer mash chicken feed is that it contains a high level of calcium. Without enough calcium, the eggshells of your chicks may become soft. Additionally, if your hens’ diet is lacking calcium, it may be forced to use its bone calcium for eggshells, which can compromise her health. Besides eggshells, layers mash chicken feed has all the vitamins and minerals your chickens need for healthy growth.
Suitable for all classes of poultry
The proposed rules for ready-to-cook carcass weights for six different classes of poultry have been reviewed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the American Poultry Science Association (APS). The proposed changes would affect the age and sex requirements for the various categories of poultry, and therefore, consumers’ prices. The poultry trade association’s comment on the proposed rule stated that it would affect the poultry industry, retailers, and consumers.
Poultry require six classes of nutrients for good health and reproduction. Usually, nature supplies these elements, but indoor poultry feed must be supplemented with a balanced supply of these nutrients. For example, lack of fresh water hinders the growth of young poultry and results in low egg production in laying flocks. Besides, fresh water dries up the digestive tracts of poultry, which in turn leads to early moulting and poor egg production.
