Vitamins for chickens: what are the names of drugs, dosage and what not to do for laying hens

A properly composed diet is the key to the he alth of laying hens and their good egg production. Many breeders make the mistake of using feed alone, but feed alone cannot provide the birds with all the vitamins they need for chickens. The problem is especially acute in winter. Therefore, you need to know which products contain certain substances. Otherwise, laying hens start to get sick and produce few eggs.

Why do laying hens need vitamins

First of all, such top dressing is necessary for the he alth of birds. Vitamins help protect against the following diseases that are common in chickens:

• viral diseases;
• feather falling out;
• cannibalism.

Also vitamins are important for egg production. As a rule, in the summer, chickens do not suffer from their deficiency, because they themselves receive useful substances from pasture. But in winter supplements are required.

Important vitamins and minerals for poultry farming

The lack of certain substances greatly affects the he alth of chickens and the quality of eggs. To avoid possible problems, first of all, you need to provide laying hens with the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin A - needed from hatching to maintain metabolism. With a lack of it, the eggs become smaller and the yolk turns pale.
2. Vitamin D - is responsible for the formation of a strong shell. Otherwise, it may not exist at all. In summer, birds get it thanks to the sun's rays, in winter, a lack of it leads to rickets, bone tissue is deformed.
3. Vitamin E - important for the fertilization of eggs.
4. B vitamins support the endocrine and digestive systems, essential for mucous membranes. Without them, anemia can develop.
5. Vitamin K is needed for good blood clotting.
6. Folic acid deficiency also leads to anemia, problems with growth, plumage and egg production.

Also don't forget minerals:

• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• iron;
• manganese;
• zinc.

Most of these substances are responsible for the formation of the skeletal system of the laying hen and the shell of the eggs she lays. Due to the lack of iodine, the goiter increases, the bird breathes heavily, lays eggs worse.

What fortified food is given to laying hens?

Most of the nutrients chickens can get from natural foods. The main thing is to provide the birds with such food in time.

Cereals

Among all products, it is cereals that form the basis of the diet of chickens. They provide the necessary energy and prevent many diseases. Among cereal crops, preference is given to the following:

• wheat (should make up 75-80% of the grain mass) - contains vitamins E, B and proteins;
• barley - should be germinated in winter;
• oats - it contains fiber and fat; give steamed and germinated;
• rye is high in protein, but given in small amounts;
• corn - pre-crushed, also fed in small quantities.

Root vegetables and vegetables

The following vegetables are recommended when raw:

• beets (sugar or fodder);
• carrot;
• cabbage.

They are preliminarily grated or finely chopped. You can also give potatoes, but only boiled.

Grains of legumes

All legumes are first soaked in water for about half an hour or more, then boiled in water. Otherwise, toxins remain in them, and the grains themselves are too hard when raw. Chickens are fed beans, black and white beans, soybeans, lentils, peas.

Mealy feed

Chickens are better at digesting grains in the form of flour, while they also get all the fiber they need. For the manufacture of such feed, wheat, barley, rye, corn, amaranth, and soy are used. The mixture obtained after grinding is added to any feed.

Protein food and worms

This food contains many amino acids that laying hens need for energy and development. Protein is found in many plant and animal foods. Chickens can even be given cottage cheese, meat, meat and bone meal. Fish will also be useful, but in small quantities, otherwise the eggs will acquire a characteristic smell.

Worms would be a good addition. Their use will improve egg production. You can breed worms directly on farms using any organic material.

Food supplements

Food supplements are used to improve the he alth of laying hens, increase immunity and egg production:

• flour from coniferous branches;
• probiotics;
• dry seaweed;
• fish oil;
• water with unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Greens

If possible, send chickens to free range so that they themselves find the necessary food. Otherwise, use finely chopped greens. Even ordinary grass will do, you can collect dandelion, tops left after vegetables.

Other products

First of all, chickens need to be provided with fresh water. Don't get dehydrated. Crackers increase egg production. They can be crushed or soaked in water. However, fresh bread, especially yeast bread, will lead to fermentation in the stomach. Also, poultry farmers are advised to put cut gourds, such as pumpkin, in a chicken coop or a place for walking chickens. They eat birds and radishes.

What to add in winter?

In winter, laying hens cannot themselves extract all the necessary substances from pasture. The lack of light also affects, so top dressing is especially important. To avoid beriberi, you need to make a supply of greenery from summer or autumn. It is dried, finely ground and added to feed.

Also use vegetables suitable for long storage. Each fruit must be carefully examined. They should be strong, without rot.

Foods that should not be given to birds

To maintain the he alth of birds and increase egg production, you need to carefully select products. Some of these may be harmful to chickens:

• s alt in large quantities;
• unripe nightshade vegetables and their leaves;
• onions can lead to anemia and even death;
• dried and uncooked legumes;
• dry rice is bad for the intestines;
• raw eggs cause cannibalism;
• apple seeds.

Some breeds of chickens cannot eat citrus fruits. Therefore, when choosing a diet, consider the name of the layer variety.

When do you need vitamin top dressing

In the summer, with fresh greens and sunshine, chickens don't usually need extra vitamins. Such a need arises in the following cases:

• under stress, such as during transportation;
• in winter, so that the chickens do not freeze and suffer from beriberi;
• if there are sick birds - vitamins will be a good prevention.

To avoid he alth problems, birds are often given various drugs. For example, multivitamin Undevit supports metabolism well. A well-chosen preparation will provide the body with the necessary substances.

Vitamin D dosage for broilers

Vitamin D must be in the diet. With its shortage, growth worsens, various diseases occur. The first sign is joint enlargement.

In summer, this vitamin is obtained from the sun, but in winter it must be added to the water. You can give low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, whey, or feed the birds with boiled eggs and fish oil every day. But an overabundance of the vitamin can harm the functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, the dosage is calculated taking into account the degree of insufficiency.

Natural vitamins for broiler chickens

If it is not possible to use vitamin complexes, natural products will do. For broilers, fresh herbs (especially green onions), needles, cottage cheese, carrots, fodder yeast and fresh beets are most useful. And, of course, clean water is a must.

If you provide chickens with the necessary substances, you can achieve high egg production. Nutrition has a strong influence on laying hens and broilers. Without the right substances, birds even die.

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