Layer Pellets — Livestock Feed Analysis
Layer pellets are a complete, balanced feed formulated specifically for laying hens, providing 16% crude protein, 3.5-4.0% calcium, and 70% TDN. These pelleted feeds combine corn, soybean meal, limestone, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins, and trace minerals in a convenient form that minimizes feed waste compared to mash feeds. Layer pellets are formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of hens in production without supplementation, though free-choice oyster shell should be provided for additional calcium to support eggshell quality. The high calcium content distinguishes layer feeds from all other poultry feeds and makes them unsuitable for roosters, chicks, or non-laying poultry. Layer pellets typically contain 2,750-2,850 kcal metabolizable energy per kg, supporting production of 250-300 eggs per year from modern laying breeds. Feed consumption averages 0.22-0.26 lbs per hen per day.
Which Animals Can Layer Pellets Feed?
The table below shows how Layer Pellets performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 16% crude protein and 70% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 16% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 70% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where layer pellets fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $160.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $326.67 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $146.67 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $35.00 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $40.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $35.00 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | No | $80.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | No | $50.00 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.33 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $2.00 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $5.83 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $2.10 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $1.87 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $42.00 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $18.00 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $50.00 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $240.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $133.33 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | Yes | $33.33 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $40.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Layer Pellets with other feeds in the complete-feed category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Layer Pellets | 90% | 16% | 70% | $400 | $444 |
| Broiler Starter | 90% | 22% | 78% | $450 | $500 |
| Horse Sweet Feed | 88% | 12% | 72% | $350 | $398 |
Feeding Guidelines for Layer Pellets
When incorporating layer pellets into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed layer pellets provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 16% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.6 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 70% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of layer pellets at $400 per ton translates to $0.200 per pound as-fed or $0.222 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.