Keeping your poultry flock productive and healthy starts with the right nutrition. Whether you're managing layers or broilers, the right feed makes all the difference to egg yield, growth rates, and overall flock performance.

Kathryn Thompson :: Wednesday 21st May 2025 :: Latest Blog Posts

Feeding Your Flock: Nutrition Tips for Laying Hens and Broilers

Keeping your poultry flock productive and healthy starts with the right nutrition. Whether you're managing layers or broilers, the right feed makes all the difference to egg yield, growth rates, and overall flock performance. As seasons shift, so too should your feeding strategy-what works in winter won't always work in summer. In this guide, we'll share practical, commercial-focused poultry nutrition tips to help you maximise efficiency and output all year round.

Why Nutrition Matters in Commercial Poultry Farming

In poultry farming, nutrition directly influences productivity, bird health, and overall business performance. Every component in a ration-whether protein, energy, vitamins or minerals-affects growth rates, egg output, and feed conversion efficiency.

For laying hens, the right nutritional balance supports consistent egg production, strong shells, and good feathering. Broilers need tailored feed throughout each growth stage to achieve optimum weight without compromising welfare or increasing mortality rates. Small imbalances in feed quality or formulation can quickly lead to setbacks in performance, wasted resources, and increased costs.

Feed is one of the largest investments on any poultry unit. Making it work harder by aligning it with the birds' needs and the demands of each production stage is vital. Efficient feed use means faster growth, better egg yield, and a healthier flock overall.

UK broiler production has recently reached record highs, underlining the importance of operational efficiency in a growing market. For commercial poultry farmers, precision nutrition isn't a luxury-it's a necessity for maintaining competitiveness and meeting performance targets.

Seasonal Adjustments for Optimal Feed Efficiency

Spring/Summer Feeding Considerations

As temperatures rise, poultry behaviour and nutritional needs shift. Birds eat less in hot weather, which can impact both growth in broilers and egg production in layers. To maintain performance, summer rations should be more nutrient-dense-delivering essential protein, energy, and minerals in a smaller volume of feed.

Hydration becomes critical. Ensure constant access to clean, cool water and consider adding electrolytes during extreme heat to support hydration and reduce heat stress. Feed intake tends to drop during the hottest parts of the day, so early morning and late evening feeding can help maintain intake levels. Good ventilation and shaded areas also support feed efficiency during warmer months.

Autumn/Winter Feeding Strategies

Colder weather increases birds' energy requirements as they work to maintain body temperature. This is particularly important for layers, where energy deficits can quickly lead to reduced egg production. Rations should include higher energy content and balanced protein levels to support performance through shorter days and lower temperatures.

Moisture control becomes more important in winter. Damp feed and bedding can lead to mould growth and increase the risk of respiratory issues. Store feed properly and monitor humidity in housing. Supplementing with vitamins, especially A, D, and E, can support immune function and reduce seasonal stress, keeping flocks healthy and productive throughout the colder months.

Nutrition Tips for Laying Hens

Consistent egg production relies heavily on a well-balanced diet. For commercial layers, protein is a top priority-typically between 16–18%-to support ongoing egg formation and maintain body condition. Inadequate protein can lead to a noticeable drop in laying and poor feather quality.

Calcium is equally critical, with layers requiring around 3.5–4% in their feed to produce strong, high-quality eggshells. A blend of soluble and insoluble calcium sources helps ensure absorption throughout the day and night, especially during shell formation which occurs mostly overnight.

It's also worth reviewing lighting and feed timing. Aligning feed access with peak laying periods can further support performance. Partnering with a trusted feed supplier like BW Feeds ensures your rations are precisely balanced for maximum output and bird health.

Nutrition Tips for Broilers

Broiler performance hinges on getting the right nutrition at each stage of growth. Young chicks require high-protein starter feeds-typically 20–24%-to support rapid tissue and muscle development. As birds mature, protein levels are gradually reduced while energy content is increased to drive efficient weight gain.

Feed conversion is the key metric in broiler production. Well-balanced rations that optimise amino acid profiles and energy sources improve growth rates while reducing feed waste. Additives such as enzymes and organic acids can enhance gut health, leading to better nutrient absorption and lower mortality. Consistent feeding schedules and minimised stress (e.g. from temperature fluctuations or overcrowding) help support steady growth and prevent metabolic issues.

Working with a feed supplier like BW Feeds allows producers to fine-tune rations based on genetics, age, and production goals-maximising efficiency while maintaining welfare and carcass quality.

Choosing the Right Feed for Your System

Selecting the right feed for your system is vital to achieving consistent results at scale. Whether you're running a free-range layer unit or a broiler enterprise, rations must align with your birds' needs, housing setup, and production targets. BW Feeds offers bespoke feed solutions designed to support optimal performance, whether you're focused on egg output or growth rates.

Seasonal adjustments, tailored nutrition, and consistent feed quality all play a role in maintaining flock health and productivity. By working with a trusted supplier, you gain more than a feed-you gain expertise, support, and a commitment to your farm's success.

For guidance on optimising your poultry rations, speak to our team at BW Feeds. We're here to help you get the most from every bird, every season.