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1. Nutrient Requirements Of Commercial And
Breeder Layer.

2. Introduction
Layer Nutrition depend on :
 strain of Bird
 Breed /Genetics
 Production stage (pre-lay, peak, late lay)
 Feed Intake
 Environmental conditions (temperature, housing).
The layer’s peak energy needs are most likely met at around 35
weeks of age.

3. Importance
Commercial Layer:
Bred for high table egg production
Require optimal energy, protein, calcium, and amino acids
Breeder Layers:
 Raised to produce fertile eggs for hatching
 Need balanced nutrition for fertility, embryo development, and
chick quality.

4. Layer
Growth Phases
Broiler growth is divided into:
1. Starter (0-6 weeks)
2. Grower (6-10 weeks)
3. Developer (10-16 weeks)
4. Pre-Lay (16-18 weeks)
5. Laying (18-72+ weeks)
Each phase has specific nutritional requirements
to support rapid growth and feed efficiency

5. Starter (0-6 weeks)
Commercial Layer Breeder Layer
Crude Protein % 20-21 21-22
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2900-2930 2800-2900
Calcium % 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.2
Phosphorus (Available) % 0.45-0.5 0.45-0.5
Na % 0.15-0.18 0.15-0.20
Lysine % 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.2
Methionine % 0.4–0.45 0.45–0.50
Trace mineral
(Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se, I )
Standard level for growth and
immunity
Slightly higher level for immune and organ
development
Vitamins
(Vitamin A, D3, K, E, B12 etc)
Standard level for growth and
immunity
Slightly higher level for immune system
maturation.

6. Commercial Layer Breeder Layer
Crude Protein % 18-19 18-19
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2900-2930 2800-2900
Calcium % 0.8-1.0 1.0-1.2
Phosphorus (Available) % 0.35-0.45 0.45-0.5
Na % 0.15-0.18 0.15-0.20
Lysine % 0.8-0.85 0.75–0.80
Methionine % 0.4–0.45 0.35–0.40
Trace mineral
(Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se, I )
Standard level 15-25% higher level
Vitamins
(Vitamin A, D3, K, E, B12 etc)
Standard level Slightly higher level for immune system maturation.
Grower Phase (6-10 weeks)

7. Commercial Layer Breeder Layer
Crude Protein % 16-17 15-17
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2800-2900 2700-2800
Calcium % 1.0-1.5 (increased gradually) 1.5-2.0 (support medullary bone preparation)
Phosphorus (Available) % 0.35-0.40 0.40-0.45
Lysine % 0.7-0.8 0.75–0.80
Methionine % 0.4–0.45 0.35–0.40
Na % 0.15-0.18 0.15-0.20
Trace mineral
(Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se, I )
Standard level Elevated to support future fertility and hatchability
Vitamins
(Vitamin A, D3, K, E, B12 etc)
Standard level Slightly higher level for immune system maturation.
Developer(10-16 weeks)

8. Commercial Layer Breeder Layer
Crude Protein % 16-1 15-16
Metabolizable Energy (Kcal/kg) 2800-2900 2700-2750
Calcium % 2.25 2.0-2.5 (increased gradually)
Phosphorus (Available) % 0.40-0.45 0.40-0.45
Lysine % 0.7-0.8 0.75–0.80
Methionine % 0.45-0.47 0.35–0.40
Na % 0.15-0.18 0.15-0.18
Trace mineral
(Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se, I )
Standard level Elevated (often chelated)
Vitamins
(Vitamin A, D3, K, E, B12 etc)
Standard level Higher level for reproductive organ development.
Pre-Lay (16-18 weeks)

9. Approximate age 18-32 wks 32-44 wks 45-60 wks 60-70 wks
Feed intake (g/bird/day) 90 95 95 100 100 105 100 110
Crude protein (%) 20.0 19.0 19.0 18.0 17.5 16.5 16.0 15.0
M.E (kcal/kg) 2900 2900 2875 2875 2850 2850 2800 2800
Calcium (%) 4.2 4.0 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.3 4.6 4.4
Phosphorus (avl) (%) 0.50 0.48 0.43 0.4 0.38 0.36 0.33 0.31
Na (%) 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.15
Lysine (%) 0.86 0.82 0.80 0.76 0.78 0.74 0.73 0.69
Linoleic acid (%) 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1
Methionine (%) 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.32
Laying/Production Phase (18-72+ weeks)
(For Commercial Layer)

10. Approximate age 18-32 wks 32-44 wks 45-60 wks 60-70 wks
Feed intake (g/bird/day) 100 110 115 120 115 120 110 115
Crude protein (%) 17.5 18 16.5 17.5 15.5 16.0 15.0 16.0
M.E (kcal/kg) 2700 2800 2750 2800 2700 2750 2650 2700
Calcium (%) 3.5 4.0 3.6 3.8 3.4 3.6 3.3 3.5
Phosphorus (avl) (%) 0.45 0.48 0.42 0.45 0.40 0.42 0.38 0.40
Na (%) 0.18 0.17 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.15
Lysine (%) 0.85 0.90 0.75 0.80 0.70 0.75 0.65 0.70
Vitamin A (IU) 10000 9000 8000 7500
Methionine (%) 0.35 0.40 0.32 0.35 0.30 0.32 0.28 0.30
Laying/Production Phase (18-72+ weeks)
(For Breeder Layer)

11. Energy
Requirements
Energy sources: Carbohydrates (cereal, animal and
plant protein sources ) and Fats (vegetable oils).
 Commercial layers use energy primarily for
maintenance, egg production, and
thermoregulation.
 Breeder layers require energy for maintenance,
egg production, and reproductive functions like
fertility and hatchability.
Phase
Commercial Layers
(kcal/kg)
Breeder Layers
(kcal/kg)
Starter (0–6 wks) 2900–2930 2800–2900
Grower (7–10 wks) 2800–2900 2600–2700
Developer (10–16 wks) 2700–2750 2700–2800
Pre-Lay (16–20 wks) 2800–2900 2700–2750
Layer Phase 2800–2900 2750–2850

12. Protein and
Amino Acids
 Commercial layers need amino acids
mainly for egg mass production and
body maintenance.

Breeder layers require higher and
balanced amino acids to support
fertility, embryo development and
hatchability.
Breeder layer
Parameter/
Nutrient
Starter
0-6 wks
Grower
7-10 wks
Developer
10-16 wks
Pre-Lay
16-20 wks
Laying
CP % 20.0 18.5 16.0 16.0 16
Methionine % 0.50 0.40 0.35 0.40 0.45
Met + Cys % 0.85 0.70 0.65 0.70 0.80
Lysine % 1.12 0.80 0.75 0.80 1.00
Threonine % 0.75 0.65 0.60 0.65 0.70
Valine % 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.62
Lucinine % 1.30 1.10 0.92 0.88 0.90
Tryptophan 0.22 0.20 0.19 0.20 0.22

13. Protein and
Amino Acids
Key amino acids:
 Lysine
 Methionine
 Threonine
 Lucinine
 Valine
 Histidine
 Cysteine.
Commercial layer
Parameter/
Nutrient
Starter
0-6 wks
Grower
7-10 wks
Developer
10-16 wks
Pre-Lay
16-20 wks
Laying
CP % 20.0 18.5 16.0 16.0 15
Methionine % 0.45 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.38
Me + Cys % 0.78 0.72 0.65 0.64 0.68
Lysine % 1.10 0.90 0.80 0.77 0.80
Threonine % 0.72 0.70 0.60 0.58 0.58
Valine % 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.67
Lucinine % 1.30 1.10 0.92 0.88 0.90
Tryptophan 0.20 0.18 0.16 0.15 0.17

14. Minerals
Breeder Layers need higher levels of minerals for:
• Eggshell strength
• Fertility and hatchability
• Embryonic development
 Organic/chelated forms of Zn, Mn, Se are often used
in breeder diets for better bioavailability.
 Calcium and phosphorus balance is more tightly
controlled in breeders to prevent shell defects and
embryo mortality.
Commercial layer
Parameter/
Nutrient
Starter
0-6 wks
Grower
7-10 wks
Developer
10-16 wks
Pre-Lay
16-20 wks
Laying
Calcium % 1.00 0.95 0.92 2.25 3.5
Available P % 0.45 0.42 0.40 0.42 0.31
Sodium % 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.15
Breeder layer
Parameter/
Nutrient
Starter
0-6 wks
Grower
7-10 wks
Developer
10-16 wks
Pre-Lay
16-20 wks
Laying
Calcium % 1.2 0.12 2.00 2.5 3.5
Available P % 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.40
Sodium % 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.15

15. Trace Minerals
 Bone Growth and Strength
 Enzyme and Hormone Activation
 Immune Function
 Electrolyte and Fluid Balance
 Prevention of Deficiency Disorders
 Energy and Nutrient Metabolism
Trace minerals
(per kg of diet)
Commercial layer Breeder layer
Manganese (mg) 60 110
Iron (mg) 30 70
Copper (mg) 5 10
Zinc (mg) 50 100
Iodine (mg) 1 1
Selenium (mg) 0.3 0.4

16. Vitamins Vitamins
(per kg of diet)
Commercial
layer
Breeder
layer
Vitamin A (I.U) 8000 8000
Vitamin D3 (I.U) 3500 3000
Vitamin E (I.U) 50 55
Vitamin K (I.U) 3 4
Folic acid (mg) 1 2
Biotin (µg) 100 150
Vitamin B12 (µg) 12 15
Niacin (mg) 40 45
Choline (mg) 400 800
Breeder layers need higher vitamin levels to
support:
 Reproduction (fertility, hatchability)
 Embryonic development
 Immunity and longevity
Vitamin E, A, D3, and B-complex, are important
antioxidant and provide metabolic support.

17. Water Requirements
Water is essential for :
• Thermoregulation
• Digestion
• Egg production
 Commercial Layers require ~200–250 ml/day mainly for egg mass and
metabolic support.
 Breeder Layer need ~250–300 ml/day for both egg production and
reproductive performance.
Breeders are more sensitive to heat stress and water quality, affecting fertility and
hatchability

18. Importance of Ca
Calcium (Ca) is important for:
 Eggshell formation
 Skeletal strength
 Muscle function
Commercial Layers require 3.5–4.5% Ca in the diet, mainly for daily eggshell production.
Breeder Layer need 2.5–3.5% Ca, balancing egg formation with reproductive health and
embryo viability.
Major sources: limestone, oyster shell, bone meal, and dicalcium phosphate.

19. Feed Additives
Growth Promoters such as Probiotics, Prebiotics and Enzymes (phytase, protease,
xylanase)
 Health Additives such as Coccidiostats and Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin E, selenium)
 Pigments such as Xanthophylls (e.g. marigold extract) to Improve yolk color.
 Organic Acids (Citric, formic, propionic acid) to Control pathogens and improve gut
pH
 Mycotoxin Binders (Clay, yeast cell wall extracts) to Neutralize feed toxins

20. Nutritional Innovations in
Layer Feeding
 Precision nutrition and phase feeding
 Use of advanced enzyme complexes
 Inclusion of probiotics, prebiotics, and organic
acids
 Enhanced antioxidant supplementation (vitamin E,
selenium)
 Use of chelated and highly bioavailable minerals

21. References
1. Leeson, S., & Summers, J. D. (2008).
Commercial Poultry Nutrition (3rd ed.).
Nottingham University Press.
2. NRC (1994). Nutrient Requirements of
Poultry