Formula feed for laying hens

Abstract

To provide a new compound feed that has metabolic energy of approximately 3000 kcal / kg or more and has egg production rate and egg weight equivalent to or greater than conventional feed, in order to improve feed efficiency from a comprehensive perspective, including not only egg productivity but also a reduction in feed intake and feces volume. [Solution] Formula feed for laying hens containing grains, soybean meal and oils and fats, with a metabolic energy content of 2960 to 3100 kcal / kg.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a compound feed for laying hens, and more specifically to a compound feed having high metabolizable energy that achieves both a reduction in food intake and maintenance of egg production performance. [Background technology]

[0002] Poultry farming includes layer chickens and broiler chickens, and they are raised with feed that is appropriate for their stage of development. Conventionally, the metabolizable energy (ME) per 1 kg of feed for layer chickens is generally 2850 kcal / kg, and there have been reported cases where egg production and egg weight have decreased when the ME exceeds 3000 kcal / kg, so compound feed with such high metabolizable energy is not normally used.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes the results of an investigation into the effects of differences in crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) in feed on food intake, egg production rate, egg weight, feed conversion rate, etc. in commercial egg-laying hens raised in a hot environment, and the results show that the best performance was achieved when ME was 2700 kcal / kg, but when it was 3100 kcal / kg, all performances showed a tendency to decrease. In addition, Non-Patent Document 2 describes that when feed with different metabolizable energy (AMEn) of 2700, 2775, 2850, 2925, or 3000 kcal / kg was fed, both egg production rate and egg weight decreased as AMEn increased (p≦0.05).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a feed additive for laying hens that contains 8 to 16 parts by weight of fats and oils, 12 to 20 parts by weight of vegetable protein, and 2 to 5 parts by weight of methionine and has a metabolic energy of 4000 kcal / kg or more in order to prevent a decrease in productivity of laying hens during the cold season, such as a decrease in survival rate and egg yield. However, details such as the metabolic energy value and ingested amount of compound feed prepared using this feed additive are unknown. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Almeida VR et al., Crude protein and metabolizable energy levels for layers reared in hot climates. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science,2012 / v.14 / n.3 / 159-232 [Non-Patent Document 2] Ribeiro PAP et al., Effect of dietary energy concentration on performance parameters and egg quality of white leghorn laying hens. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science,2014 / v.16 / n.4 / 381-388 [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 3-58254 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Thus, although various studies have been conducted on the productivity of laying hens and the metabolizable energy of feed, it has been believed that increasing the metabolizable energy of feed does not necessarily increase egg productivity, and rather that the crude protein or amino acid level in the feed is the most important nutrient affecting the performance of laying hens.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a new compound feed that has metabolic energy of approximately 3000 kcal / kg or more and has egg production rates and egg weights equivalent to or greater than those of conventional compound feeds, in order to increase feed efficiency from a comprehensive perspective, including not only egg productivity but also a reduction in feed intake and fecal volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the efficiency of amino acid utilization by adjusting the type and amount of soybean meal as an ingredient in compound feed, supplementing essential amino acids, and adding fats and oils to increase metabolic energy value.

[0010] That is, the present invention includes the following embodiments. (1) A compound feed for laying hens containing grains, soybean meal and fats and oils, and having a metabolizable energy of 2960-3100 kcal / kg. (2) The compound feed for laying hens according to (1), wherein the soybean meal content is 15 to 30 mass %. (3) The compound feed for laying hens according to (1) or (2), wherein the blending ratio of the oil or fat is 3.5 to 6 mass%. (4) A compound feed for laying hens according to any one of (1) to (3), having a crude protein content of less than 18.5% by mass, a lysine content of 0.75% by mass or more, and a total content of methionine and cystine of 0.65% by mass or more. (5) A compound feed for laying hens according to any one of (1) to (4), having a crude fiber content of less than 2.5%. (6) A compound feed for laying hens comprising grains, soybean meal and fats and oils, the blending ratio of soybean meal being 15-30% by mass or more, the blending ratio of fats and oils being 3.5-6% by mass, the crude protein content being less than 18.5% by mass, the lysine content being 0.75% by mass or more, the total content of methionine and cystine being 0.65% by mass or more, the crude fiber content being less than 2.5%, and the metabolic energy being 2960-3100 kcal / kg. (7) A compound feed for egg-laying hens according to any one of (1) to (6), for reducing the feed conversion ratio (feed intake / egg production) of egg-laying hens when the hens are allowed to freely consume feed to 2.0 or less throughout the entire period from 18 to 51 weeks of age. (8) A compound feed for laying hens according to any one of (1) to (7) for reducing feces volume. (9) A compound feed for laying hens according to any one of (1) to (8) for reducing the incidence of dirty eggs. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The compound feed for laying hens of the present invention has egg production rate and egg weight equivalent to or greater than those of general compound feeds, while improving feed efficiency from an overall perspective by reducing the amount of feed consumed and the amount of feces. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the weekly food intake of laying hens (Julia Light) fed in the control group, the example 1 group, and the example 2 group. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) each week of laying hens (Julia Light) fed in the control group, the example 1 group, and the example 2 group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] (definition) In this specification, "laying hens" refers to hens (chickens) that lay eggs to be shipped for consumption. Brands of commercial hens raised for egg production include Julia Light and Boris Brown. Female chicks are kept in groups in brooding cages until they reach about 120 days of age, after which they are moved to adult cages for egg production. Laying hens start laying eggs at about 150 days of age, lay the most eggs at 32-36 weeks of age (224-252 days of age), and then the egg production rate gradually decreases and they are used for production until they reach 80-85 weeks of age (560-595 days of age) (Tasaki Takeo, "Chicken Farming Handbook", Yokendo, 1993, p. 244).

[0014] In this specification, "amount of food consumed" refers to the amount of food eaten, and is synonymous with "feed intake." "Formulated feed" refers to a mixture and preparation of two or more types of feed ingredients in a certain formula to provide sufficient nutrition to the target livestock. "Soybean meal" refers to the residue left after squeezing soybeans, which contain about 20% oil. Powder made by grinding soybean meal is also called soybean meal. Soybean meal contains about 44% to 48% crude protein and has an excellent amino acid balance.

[0015] In addition, the term "metabolic energy" as used herein refers to apparent metabolic energy, which means the total energy of ingested feed minus the total energy contained in feces, urine, and gaseous digestive products. The metabolic energy can be determined by actually measuring each feed composition using a general method for measuring the amount of energy. Furthermore, the metabolic energy value of chicken feed is generally calculated based on the ME value or the like listed in the composition table of the Japanese Standard Feed Composition Table (2009 edition, compiled by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), so such a calculation method can also be used.

[0016] (Formulated feed for laying hens) In one embodiment of the present invention, a compound feed for laying hens is provided that contains grains, soybean meal, and oils and fats, and has a metabolic energy of about 2960 to 3100 kcal / kg. In a preferred embodiment, the metabolic energy of this compound feed is about 3000 to 3100 kcal / kg. The soybean meal component contained in the feed of this embodiment may be either so-called "low-pro soybean meal" with a crude protein content of about 44% or so-called "high-pro soybean meal" with a crude protein content of about 48%. The crude protein content of normal soybean meal is about 44% and is called low-pro soybean meal, whereas the dehulled soybean meal is called high-pro soybean meal. The crude protein content of this dehulled soybean meal is about 48%, which is about 10% higher than that of normal soybean meal. In this embodiment, it is preferable that at least a part of the soybean meal contains dehulled soybean meal, and it is more preferable to use substantially all dehulled soybean meal. There is no particular restriction on the type of dehulled soybean meal, and any commercially available one can be used. For example, Showa Sangyo's brand name "HiPro Soybean (Meal)" can be mentioned as an example. Here, "substantially all" means that as long as the effects described below are obtained, even if a small amount of normal soybean meal is unintentionally mixed in, it is acceptable.

[0017] In the feed of this embodiment, the amount of soybean meal required to ensure the same protein content can be reduced to about 10% by using dehulled soybean meal as at least a part or substantially all of the soybean meal component. As a result, in the feed of this embodiment, the soybean meal content may be about 15 to 30% by mass, preferably about 18 to 25% by mass, of the total amount of the feed.

[0018] In the early egg-laying stage, hens continue to grow into the large chick stage, and once egg-laying begins, the egg production rate and egg weight increase rapidly, resulting in an increase in egg production. This has led to the importance of protein and amino acid content in feed during the egg-laying stage. In particular, egg weight is said to be greatly affected by the crude protein (methionine) intake in the feed. On the other hand, if the crude protein level in the feed is increased, one of the other raw materials must be reduced in compensation. Therefore, in the compound feed of this embodiment, even if the crude protein content is less than 18.5% by mass, the lysine content is set to 0.75% by mass or more, and the total content of methionine and cystine is set to 0.65% by mass or more, thereby maintaining an optimal amino acid balance and increasing the freedom of design of the compound feed.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the feed, the amount of grains (corn, milo, etc.) and fats and oils, which are the main ingredients of the feed, can be increased compared to conventional feeds by the amount of soybean meal reduced. Specifically, the amount of grains can be increased to approximately 60% by mass, and the amount of fats and oils can be increased to approximately 3.5 to 6% by mass.

[0020] Energy is an important nutrient for egg laying. In general, fat is added to increase the amount of energy. However, since fat has a lower digestibility than starch, it is said that high-fat feed puts a strain on the stomach and intestines because of its long intestinal retention time. In the compound feed of this embodiment, the amount of fat is set to 3.5 to 6% by mass, thereby increasing the metabolic energy amount of the feed while suppressing the strain on the stomach and intestines. The fat used as a raw material for the feed of this embodiment may be either vegetable fat or animal fat, but animal fat is preferred from the viewpoint of cost. "Vegetable fat" refers to fat derived from the seeds of plants, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, palm oil, olive oil, and safflower oil. "Animal fat" is a general term for fats and oils obtained from animals, and includes, for example, medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides derived from animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens, tallow, yellow grease (YG), lard, head, etc.

[0021] Raw materials other than soybean meal and animal fats and oils to be mixed in the mixed feed of this embodiment can be any raw materials known in the art without any particular restrictions. Examples of such raw materials include grains such as rice, brown rice, rye, wheat, barley, corn, milo, and soybeans; manufacturing residues such as corn gluten meal, corn germ meal, corn gluten feed, and corn steep liquor; vegetable oils and fats such as linseed oil cake and palm oil cake; vegetable oils and fats such as soybean oil and rice oil; inorganic salts such as magnesium sulfate, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, potassium iodide, cobalt sulfate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, calcium phosphate, and choline chloride; amino acids such as lysine and methionine; vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, vitamin E, calcium pantothenate, nicotinamide, and folic acid; animal feeds such as fish meal, skim milk powder, and dried whey; fresh grass; and hay.

[0022] The amount of each component in the compounded feed for laying hens of the present invention may be appropriately increased or decreased according to the age of the laying hens within the above-mentioned composition range. For example, in the early laying stage (around 17 to 39 weeks of age), the amount of crude protein may be increased since the egg production rate increases as the hens grow, and in the middle laying stage (around 40 to 50 weeks of age) and late laying stage (after 50 weeks of age), the eggshell strength decreases with the age of the hens, so the amount of calcium and other ingredients, which are raw materials for eggshells, may be increased.

[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, a compound feed for egg-laying hens is provided for reducing the feed conversion ratio (feed intake / egg production) when the egg-laying hens are allowed to freely ingest the feed. As shown in the examples described later, the feed conversion ratio is preferably 2.0 or less for the entire season at 18 to 51 weeks of age. Alternatively, the feed conversion ratio at the peak of egg-laying (for example, around 30 to 40 weeks of age) is preferably 1.8 or less. This effect is considered to be obtained by reducing the amount of food consumed while maintaining egg productivity. Therefore, when the typical egg-laying hens are allowed to freely ingest the feed, the average amount of food consumed at 17 to 51 weeks of age is about 100 (g / day / bird) or less, and even at the peak of egg-laying (for example, around 30 to 40 weeks of age) is about 110 (g / day / bird) or less. By reducing the amount of food consumed by egg-laying hens, the effect of reducing the amount of chicken manure can also be obtained. Chicken manure is mainly processed into compost, but there are often cases where odors and pests are generated during processing, causing environmental problems for the surrounding area, and cases where the price of compost is so low that the processing costs cannot be recovered. Reducing the amount of chicken manure can be a major problem-solving measure at egg production sites.

[0024] The amount of chicken manure can also be reduced by reducing the crude fiber content in the feed. By using grains or protein raw materials with relatively low fiber content instead of high-fiber brans and vegetable oil cakes, the crude fiber content of the compound feed can be reduced. The compound feed of this embodiment does not use low-digestible soybeans, and has a crude fiber content of less than 2.5%, preferably less than 2.0%, thereby reducing the amount of chicken manure associated with egg production.

[0025] Furthermore, by reducing the amount of food consumed, sufficient nutrition can be supplied to laying hens even when their appetite is reduced in hot environments, and secondary effects can be obtained such as reduced feed transportation costs and improved marketability by reducing the amount of dirty eggs through reduced chicken manure.

[0026] (Feeding time and method) The timing of feeding the compound feed of this embodiment may be either the rearing period or the adult period of the laying hens, but it is preferable to feed during the adult period from the viewpoint of increasing egg productivity. There is no particular limitation on the feeding method, and examples thereof include ad libitum feeding or restricted feeding, but ad libitum feeding, which allows the hens to freely consume as much feed as they want at any time, is preferable. The form of the feed may be any of mash feed, pellet feed, and crumble feed. EXAMPLES

[0027] Materials and Methods Julia Light chickens were used as test chickens, and 100 chickens were used per test plot. Three test plots were set up in total as shown in Table 1. Phase 1 was from 17 weeks to 39 weeks of age when the large chicks were introduced, and Phase 2 was from 40 weeks to 51 weeks of age. The control plots used were control CP18 (phase 1) and control CP17 (phase 2) (both manufactured by Japan Feed Co., Ltd.), which are general layer chicken feeds. The test plots were Example 1, where ME was 3000 kcal / kg and a 5% reduction in the amount of food consumed was expected, and Example 2, where ME was 3,050 kcal / kg and a 7% reduction in the amount of food consumed was expected. The mixture ratio and nutritional design value of the test feed were as shown in Tables 2-1 and 2-2. The raw materials for the test group did not contain low-digestible corn (rice bran, corn gluten feed, DDGS), and were mainly composed of corn, soybean meal, and animal fats (YG). In consideration of the fluidity of the feed, the amount of YG added was set at a maximum of 5.2%. The amino acid design was based on the Japanese Standard Poultry Feed (2011 edition) and on past tests, which was assumed to be able to achieve egg weights at the level specified in the manual. The feeding management was in accordance with the Julia Light Manual, 3rd edition (Gen Corporation). Feed was given ad libitum.

[0028] [Table 1]

[0029] [Table 2-1]

[0030] [Table 2-2]

[0031] (Measurement items) Egg laying rate and egg weight were measured daily, and weekly averages were calculated. Food intake (g / bird / day) was calculated by measuring the amount of remaining food every 2 or 3 weeks and subtracting this from the amount of food fed. Body weight (n=20) was measured weekly from 17 to 25 weeks, every 2 weeks from 26 to 37 weeks, and every 3 weeks from 38 weeks onwards. Feces weight was measured at 27, 34 and 51 weeks of age. Fresh feces weight and dry matter weight were calculated for 3 days (n=50). The incidence of soiled eggs was measured from 34 to 51 weeks of age. Regardless of the amount of feces attached, all eggs that had feces attached to them were judged to be soiled.

[0032] <Results and Discussion> The production results during the test period are shown in Table 3, Figures 1 and 2. The egg-laying rates during the test period were 89.8, 89.4 and 89.1% for the control, Example 1 and Example 2, respectively, which were good results compared to the manual value of 82.6%. The egg weights during the test period were 59.7, 59.4 and 59.5g for the control, Example 1 and Example 2, respectively, which were also good results compared to the manual value of 59.4g. The amount of eggs consumed during the test period was 108.0, 101.5 and 99.2g / day / bird for the control, Example 1 and Example 2, respectively, which were 6% and 8% lower in the amount consumed compared to the control. According to Figure 1, which shows the weekly changes in food intake, it was lower in the Example 1 and Example 2 groups than in the control group throughout the entire period, but during the 30-40 week period including the peak egg-laying period, the control group exceeded 110 g / day / bird, whereas it was lower in the Example 1 and Example 2 groups. ME intake was 308, 304, and 302 kcal / day / bird in the control group, Example 1, and Example 2 groups, respectively, and CP intake was 19.1, 16.4, and 16.5 g / day / bird in the control group, Example 1, and Example 2 groups, respectively.

[0033] [Table 3]

[0034] From the above results, it was suggested that the layer's intake was adjusted by the ME intake, not by the CP intake, as in the test results in Non-Patent Document 2. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 2.01, 1.91, and 1.87 in the control group, Example 1 group, and Example 2 group, respectively, over the entire period from 18 to 51 weeks, and the results showed that the control group had improved by 0.10 and 0.14 in Example 1 group and Example 2 group, respectively. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the FCR at the peak of egg laying (for example, around 30 to 40 weeks of age) was 1.88 in the control group, while it was 1.77 and 1.74 in Example 1 group and Example 2 group, respectively. This was due to the fact that the daily egg volume was similar, but the intake amount was reduced. The survival rate remained high at 99% in each group.

[0035] In a study using feed with ME of 3000 kcal / kg or more, similar to this study, Ribeiro et al. (Non-Patent Document 2) reported that increasing ME in the feed reduced the amount of food eaten, but at the same time, the egg mass per day decreased. This is presumably because the amino acid values ​​of each feed were constant, and therefore the intake of each nutrient, including amino acids, decreased with the decrease in the amount of food eaten.

[0036] In this test, by designing each amino acid in a well-balanced manner and using easily digestible ingredients, it is believed that high egg production performance was maintained and food intake was reduced by more than 5%, even when using feed with ME of 3000 kcal / kg or more.

[0037] The weight change during the test period is shown in Table 4. Throughout the test period, the weights of the Example 1 and Example 2 groups were greater than that of the control group. This was thought to be due to the fact that the intake of water-soluble fiber, which inhibits nutrient absorption, was less than that of the control group, and the amount of excess protein intake was also less, allowing the animals to save energy on protein excretion.

[0038] [Table 4]

[0039] The chicken feces weights measured at 27, 34 and 51 weeks of age are shown in Table 5. The average fresh feces weights (50 birds, 3 days) at 27, 34 and 51 weeks of age were 15.5, 12.5 and 12.0 kg for the control, Example 1 and Example 2 groups, respectively, which were 80% and 77% of the control group for Example 1 and Example 2 groups, respectively. Similarly, the average dry feces weights (50 birds, 3 days) were 4.4, 3.1 and 3.2 kg for the control, Example 1 and Example 2 groups, respectively, which were 70% and 72% of the control group for Example 1 and Example 2 groups, respectively. The decrease in chicken feces weight in both test groups was thought to be due to a decrease in the amount of food eaten, as well as a decrease in the intake of fiber that chickens cannot digest and absorb.

[0040] [Table 5]

[0041] The incidence of soiled eggs is shown in Table 6. The average incidence of soiled eggs from 34 to 51 weeks of age was 12.1, 9.7 and 8.9% for the control, Example 1 and Example 2 groups, respectively, resulting in a decrease in the incidence of soiled eggs in the test groups compared to the control group. This was thought to be due to the smaller amount of chicken manure discharged.

[0042] [Table 6]

[0043] This test confirmed that the use of the compound feed of the present invention with ME3000kcal / kg or ME3050kcal / kg compared to a general control feed (ME2850kcal / kg) maintained high egg production and reduced the amount of food consumed. In addition, a reduction in feces weight and soiled egg production was confirmed compared to the control feed. From the above, it was expected that the use of the compound feed of the present invention would improve egg production costs by reducing feed costs, delivery costs, feces processing costs, and soiled eggs. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] The compound feed of the present invention reduces the amount of food consumed by 5% or more and the feed requirement (FC) by 0.1 compared to conventional compound feed. In the poultry industry, the amount of feed used is reduced, which is expected to reduce transportation costs, and the amount of chicken manure and dirty eggs are reduced, leading to improved product yields.

Claims

1. Contains grains, soybean meal and animal fats and oils, The blending ratio of the soybean meal is 18 to 25% by mass, The blending ratio of the animal fats and oils is 3.5 to 6% by mass, Crude protein content is 14 to 17% by mass; Lysine content is 0.83% by mass or more, The total content of methionine and cystine is 0.74% by mass or more, A crude fiber content of less than 2.0% by mass; and A method for reducing the amount of feces and the incidence of dirty eggs in laying hens, comprising feeding the laying hens a compound feed having a metabolizable energy of 2,960 to 3,100 kcal / kg.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the laying hen is a Julia Light.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of feces can be reduced to 72% or less in terms of dry feces weight ratio relative to a control feed, wherein the control feed is CP18 or CP17.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the incidence of dirty eggs can be reduced to an average value of 9.7% or less for eggs produced by laying hens aged 34 to 51 weeks.

5. A food product comprising grains, soybean meal and animal fats and oils, The blending ratio of the soybean meal is 18 to 25% by mass, The blending ratio of the animal fats and oils is 3.5 to 6% by mass, Crude protein content is 14 to 17% by mass; Lysine content is 0.83% by mass or more, The total content of methionine and cystine is 0.74% by mass or more, A crude fiber content of less than 2.0% by mass; and A commercial egg production method comprising feeding laying hens a compound feed having a metabolizable energy of 2960 to 3100 kcal / kg.

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