Nutrition at the Onset of Lay: The Hidden Driver of Lifetime Layer Performance

In modern egg production, success is often judged at peak lay or later in the cycle. Yet mounting evidence from applied research shows that the most decisive period for lifetime performance occurs much earlier — during the transition from rearing to laying.

The onset of egg production represents one of the most biologically demanding and economically sensitive phases in a hen’s life. Within a short timeframe, the bird must complete structural growth while activating a highly energy- and nutrient-intensive reproductive system. How this transition is managed nutritionally has profound implications for egg production, egg weight development, shell quality, skeletal health, and flock longevity.

Research and field experience from H&N International GmbH, a global leader in layer genetics and nutrition, consistently demonstrate that performance gaps observed later in life often originate during this early-lay window.

A Biological Turning Point with Long-Term Consequences

At the onset of lay, the hen undergoes rapid physiological transformation. The ovary, previously inactive during rearing, becomes highly vascularized and metabolically active. At the same time, medullary bone — a specialized calcium reservoir required for eggshell formation — develops at peak intensity.

This period is also marked by a sharp increase in nutrient requirements. Energy, amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus must simultaneously support:

• Maintenance and final body development

• Reproductive organ growth

• Skeletal mineralization

• Initiation of egg formation

  
  

If nutrient supply or feed intake fails to match these escalating demands, the consequences can persist throughout the production cycle. Delayed egg weight development, compromised shell quality, and increased skeletal fragility are often the result — outcomes that directly affect production economics.

Early Nutrition Programs Lifetime Performance

One of the most critical insights from H&N International’s applied research is that early-lay nutrition “programs” the hen for the rest of her productive life.

Calcium supply during the onset of lay, for example, does more than meet immediate shell requirements. Adequate dietary calcium levels — particularly when supplied in appropriate particle sizes — support medullary bone development, reducing the risk of calcium depletion from structural bone later in life. Birds that begin lay with insufficient calcium reserves are more prone to shell quality deterioration and fractures during extended production cycles.

Similarly, amino acid supply during early lay plays a decisive role in reproductive organ development and egg weight establishment. Research shows that higher digestible amino acid density during this phase allows hens to reach key production milestones earlier while setting a stable egg weight trajectory — without compromising persistency.

Feed Intake: The Often Overlooked Performance Lever

While nutrient specifications are essential, they only deliver value if birds consume sufficient feed. During early lay, hens face rising metabolic demands at a time when voluntary feed intake may lag behind requirements.

Strategic dietary design — including moderate energy density, aligned fiber levels, and adequate salt inclusion — has proven effective in sustaining feed intake during this critical phase. Ensuring intake keeps pace with demand is fundamental to unlocking the bird’s genetic potential.

From Fixed Phase Feeding to Situational Nutrition

The insights from early-lay research point toward a broader shift in nutrition philosophy: from rigid phase feeding to situational nutrition.

Other than relying on generic feed phases, situational nutrition adapts nutrient supply to the bird’s physiological state, production objectives, and long-term health. Hybrid Feeding strategies — which bridge rearing and laying nutrition from light stimulation to early production — are one applied example of this approach, designed specifically to support the biological realities of the onset of lay.

Linking Nutrition, Genetics, and Economics

Modern layer genetics offer unprecedented production potential, but realizing this potential requires precise nutritional alignment. Performance gaps between genetic capability and commercial results often reflect mismatches during early life stages rather than failures at peak production.

Closing these gaps demands an integrated understanding of biology, nutrition, and economics — an approach that underpins the work of H&N International’s nutrition and research teams.

Featured Expertise at the Advanced Poultry Nutrition Forum 2026

These critical themes will be explored in depth at the Advanced Poultry Nutrition Forum 2026, where H&N International GmbH will contribute expert insights grounded in research and commercial application.

Dr. Xabier A. Ugalde, H&N International GmbH

Topic: Nutrition Management for the Modern Layer

• Situational nutrition across the laying cycle

• Feeding strategies to support longevity and skeletal integrity

• Functional amino acids and their role in modern layer performance

  
  

Dr. David C. Pintado, H&N International GmbH

Topic: Maximizing Layer Genetic Potential

• Current performance facts and observations

• Evaluating performance gaps between genetic potential and commercial outcomes

• Identifying nutritional opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability

Why This Matters Now

As production cycles extend and economic pressure intensifies, early nutritional decisions have never been more important. The onset of lay is no longer a short transitional phase — it is the foundation upon which lifetime performance is built.

Understanding and managing this phase through evidence-based, situational nutrition is fast becoming a defining capability for progressive egg producers.