Feeding Chicken (Layer) with Corn Silage
This page analyzes the use of corn silage as a feed source for chicken (layer). At 8% crude protein and 70% TDN, corn silage is meets energy but not protein as a sole feed for chicken (layer) at maintenance level (requires 16% CP and 70% TDN). Below you will find daily feeding rates, costs across herd sizes, and a life-stage breakdown showing how requirements change through the production cycle.
Corn Silage for Chicken (Layer) by Life Stage
Feed requirements change significantly across life stages. The table below shows the daily as-fed quantity of corn silage needed for each chicken (layer) life stage, along with whether the feed meets the adjusted protein and TDN requirements for that stage. Life stages with higher demands (lactation, growth) may require supplementation even if corn silage is adequate at maintenance.
| Life Stage | Daily DMI | As-Fed/Day | Protein Need | Protein OK? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullet (Growing) | 0.2 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 19.2% | No | $0.34 |
| Peak Production | 0.2 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 17.6% | No | $0.47 |
| Late Production | 0.2 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 14.4% | No | $0.41 |
Herd Feed Budget: Chicken (Layer) on Corn Silage
For operations feeding corn silage to multiple chicken (layer) animals, the table below projects total feed requirements and costs. These estimates use the maintenance-level feeding rate of 0.6 lbs as-fed per head per day at $50/ton.
| Head Count | Daily As-Fed Total | Monthly Tons | Annual Tons | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.6 lbs | 0.00 tons | 0.04 tons | $0.43 | $5.21 |
| 5 | 2.8 lbs | 0.02 tons | 0.18 tons | $2.14 | $26.07 |
| 10 | 5.7 lbs | 0.03 tons | 0.37 tons | $4.29 | $52.14 |
| 25 | 14.2 lbs | 0.08 tons | 0.91 tons | $10.71 | $130.36 |
| 50 | 28.5 lbs | 0.15 tons | 1.83 tons | $21.43 | $260.71 |
| 100 | 57.0 lbs | 0.30 tons | 3.65 tons | $42.86 | $521.43 |
Feeding Rates by Body Weight
The daily amount of corn silage varies with the individual animal's body weight. The table below shows as-fed feeding rates and monthly costs across a range of weights for chicken (layer).
| Body Weight | Daily DMI | As-Fed/Day | Monthly Feed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 5 lbs | $0.34 |
| 4 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 5 lbs | $0.34 |
| 5 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 6 lbs | $0.43 |
| 6 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.7 lbs | 7 lbs | $0.51 |
| 7 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.8 lbs | 8 lbs | $0.60 |
Nutritional Analysis: Corn Silage for Chicken (Layer)
Corn Silage provides 8% crude protein on a dry matter basis, while chicken (layer) at maintenance require a minimum of 16% crude protein. This means corn silage falls short of the minimum protein requirement by 8 percentage points. A protein supplement such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or a commercial protein block would be needed to balance the ration.
For energy, corn silage provides 70% TDN compared to the chicken (layer) requirement of 70% TDN. The energy content is adequate for maintenance and provides 0 percentage points of margin. Higher-demand life stages such as lactation or rapid growth may require energy supplementation with grain or fat even though the maintenance requirement is met.
The dry matter content of corn silage is 35%, meaning that for every 100 lbs of as-fed feed, the animal receives 35 lbs of actual dry matter nutrition and 65 lbs of water. At $50 per ton as-fed, the effective cost per ton of dry matter is $143. When comparing feeds, always use the dry matter cost rather than the as-fed cost to make fair comparisons between feeds with different moisture levels.
For a comprehensive feeding program, consider combining corn silage with complementary feeds that address any nutritional gaps. Browse the complete feed comparison to identify the most cost-effective supplements, or use the calculator to model different feed combinations. Always provide free-choice mineral supplementation and clean water regardless of the forage and grain program.
More Feeding Combinations
Explore other feed options for chicken (layer) or see how corn silage works for other species.
Livestock Feed and Supplies
Quality feeds, supplements, and equipment for your operation.
Some links above are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.