Purina Animal Nutrition is committed to animal excellence, putting innovation, expertise, and quality first. With that in mind, the Purina team has completed over 5,000 flock studies, focusing on backyard bird nutrition, health, and management. This October, an updated Layena Crumble and Pellet were introduced with some slight changes in formula to benefit overall flock health and production:
* Phytase has been added to allow organic phosphorus from plant-based ingredients to be more readily digestible to the chickens, so less inorganic phosphorus is needed in the diet. Less inorganic phosphorus is a great side-benefit, as it will reduce the amount of unused phosphorus in the chicken manure which in turn reduces the contribution of phosphorus from manure to the soil. Inorganic phosphorus can build up in the soil, with negative environmental impacts over time.
* Inulin, a prebiotic, which is a natural soluble dietary fiber comprised of several simple sugars linked together, to help support healthy digestion. Prebiotics are food for the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the gut, and are essential to keeping a healthy population of probiotics.
* Probiotics, specifically dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Pediococcus adicilacticii fermentation product, dried Bifiobacterium animalis fermentation product, and dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, also help support digestive health. A healthy digestive system is crucial for good immune systems and overall flock health.
At Linseisen's, we carry both Layena Crumbles and Layena Pellets, in 50 lb bags, and recommend transitioning young hens to it at 18-20 weeks of age. At this time, pullets (immature females) are starting to produce their first eggs and are ready to switch from the Purina Start&Grow crumbles. No additional oyster shell or grit is necessary, although some folks like to offer a separate free choice supply. Hens often enjoy table scraps and scratch grains (aka hen scratch), a natural way to encourage foraging and scratching. However, these "treat" foods should be limited to no more than 10% of the diet, otherwise the benefits of the Layena will be diluted and the overall diet unbalanced.
Additionally, if you're interested in a extra omega-3 production, Purina Layena Plus Omega-3 is available with all the same benefits plus added omega-3, resulting in 300% more omega-3 per egg. Layena Plus Omega-3 is available in 40 lb bags in a mini-pellet form.
Giving your hens high-quality feeds provides you and your families with the best eggs possible. It is trickle-down nutrition at its functional best and answers the age old question that it’s not the chicken or the egg, but in fact it’s the chicken AND the egg. If you put it in the hen, she will put it in the egg.