Layer feed procurement: shell quality, cost per egg and 90+ weeks of persistency
Layer productivity is measured in eggs per hen housed and cost per egg. With extended production cycles now pushing past 90 weeks, feed programs must sustain shell quality, egg size and internal quality while managing calcium, phosphorus and amino-acid supply. FeedMatch runs supplier-neutral tenders for the ingredients that matter most to laying farms and layer integrators.
Procurement challenges we solve
- Coarse vs fine limestone ratio for late-lay shell quality
- Digestible lysine 0.72-0.85% depending on age
- Trace-mineral form (organic vs inorganic) affecting shell colour
- Managing energy density in floor-house vs cage systems
- Palm oil / soy oil price swings altering ration cost
Feed program by stage
Reference stages nutritionists use when specifying rations. FeedMatch quotes ingredients for every phase.
| Stage | Duration | Nutrient target | Focus | Key ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullet grower | 6 – 14 weeks | 16% CP | Skeletal + medullary bone development, uniform body weight | Corn, Soybean meal, Sunflower meal, Limestone fine |
| Pre-lay | 15 – 18 weeks | 17% CP | Calcium storage in medullary bone, oviduct priming | Corn, Soybean meal, Limestone coarse 50%, DCP |
| Peak lay | 19 – 45 weeks | 18% CP, 4.2% Ca | Maximum egg mass, shell strength, digestible AA supply | Corn, Soybean meal, DDGS ≤ 10%, Limestone coarse 60%, Fat |
| Late lay / post-peak | 46 – 90+ weeks | 16 – 17% CP, 4.4% Ca | Maintain shell quality, prevent hen fatigue | Corn, Soybean meal, Limestone coarse 70%, Phytase, Trace minerals |
Every offer normalised on feed-safety standards
Related buyer questions
Where do I get quotes for layer rations?
Quoting runs through the layer feed supplier panel, by phase and delivery format.
Layer feed suppliersFrequently asked questions
How much limestone should I feed a laying hen?›
During peak lay a hen needs 4.0-4.5% dietary calcium, with 55-65% supplied as coarse (2-4 mm) limestone particles for gradual overnight release into the shell gland. In late lay increase coarse-particle share to 70%.
Is DDGS acceptable in layer feed?›
Yes — up to 12% inclusion delivers competitive cost and improves yolk colour thanks to natural xanthophylls. Cap for organic or specialty programs and always require aflatoxin + DON specifications.
How do I procure feed for a cage-free layer flock?›
Cage-free rations typically need +1-2% higher energy for extra activity, plus a coarser texture to reduce feather pecking. FeedMatch can shortlist suppliers offering cage-free verified rations with structured audit trails.
Run a supplier-neutral RFQ for poultry — layers today
We shortlist audited suppliers, normalise their offers on quality and CIF cost, and hand you a single decision-ready comparison.