Producers in western Europe are applying split feeding for flocks.  Day feed contains appropriate levels of protein and energy for the internal components of an egg and the late feed contains a higher level of calcium to promote shell formation.  Experiments conducted by a nutrition company in Holland demonstrated increased numbers of marketable eggs using the system.  A flock aged 91 to 94 weeks of age yielded 66.7 percent saleable eggs.  When moved to a split feeding program from 95 to 98 weeks of age, saleable eggs increased to 69.3 percent.  Despite the fact that hen-week egg production declined from 73.2 percent on single feeding to 72.2 percent on the split-feeding schedule.

The NutriOpt option to the Hotraco Fortica® control panel is designed to implement a split feeding program.  To convert to a split-feeding system would obviously require a separate bin for the high calcium late-day/night feed with augers to distribute the diet separately from day feeding.  Additional information can be obtained from the Hotraco Agri website by clicking on to the company logo on the right side of the Welcome page.