Both the quality and quantity of feed delivered to your laying flock will have a defining impact on the quality and quantity of eggs they yield in return. So at Humphrey Feeds & Pullets we focus on the size and shape of our feeds as much as their nutritional content.
Why grist size matters
Most laying flocks will be fed mash as it is a cost effective form of feed that encourages the birds to eat for longer. The term covers a variety of loose particles up to 3mm in size, carefully balanced to provide the right mix of nutrition, energy and performance for the flock’s specific needs.
However, there is little point providing this balanced diet if the birds eat selectively, waste feed and don’t develop healthily. So how do we ensure that your investment in a high quality diet is protected?
Grist size is key.
Supporting healthy hens
The loose particles of mash can help the physical development of the gizzard and support proper digestion, provided the particles are carefully sized to match the growing pullet.
There are also psychological benefits to proper grist presentation – the right grist size will provide interest for the birds, stimulating foraging behaviour and slowing down feed intake to occupy them for longer. Providing the right stimulation and nutrition in this way helps ensure calm and happy birds, helping to maintain good feather cover and productivity.
Minimising waste
If the grist is too fine, the feed will be powdery. This is unattractive to hens, and small, dusty particles may be spread and lost, leading to waste. Particles too small or large for their beak size and oral cavity can also be too difficult for hens to pick up, or they may pick out larger particles in preference. Such selective feeding can disrupt the careful balance of ingredients.
Feed producers must therefore calculate the appropriate grist size with care to ensure that the flock actually consumes the full , balanced diet.
Optimising function
The right grist size can also improve operational efficiency by keeping feed lines clear. If grist is too small and dusty, for example, this can lead to clogging which causes stress to the flock as well as requiring intervention.
How we ensure proper grist size for your feed
First, we source our feed ingredients with care to provide consistently high quality. We use the best ingredients from known origins and monitor the quality and consistency of the feed throughout the process. This means that our raw materials not only provide the right nutrition, but that they are tasty enough to encourage birds to eat the right amount.
Then we custom mill all our feeds fresh on site to ensure they are just right for your flock. With over 400 different diets available, we use electronic controls to adjust the motor speed and screens on our grinder to tailor both ingredients and grist size to the age and nutritional demands of your birds.
The right grist size for your flock
By feeding the right-sized grist to your laying flock you are optimising their chances of good health and meeting their breed targets. As they develop, both the flock’s nutritional and physical grist demands will change, so it makes sense to tailor their feed accordingly.
Humphrey Feed & Pullets has a team of Poultry Specialists ready to advise on the best feed formulation and presentation for your poultry. Call now to find out how we can help you choose the right diet for healthy, productive hens.
