A synopsis of recent work on the amino acid nutrition of layers

Abstract

Summary This review, a summation of work presented at the Virtual 2020 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting, addresses changes in laying hen performance and techniques to manage hens that require fine-tuning amino acid minimums. A look at past literature on amino acid responses in layers is presented. In addition, formulation trends are assessed with reference to sustainability. And finally, the rise of sustainable egg operations in the third world (e.g., One Egg) whereby vegetable protein for hens provides essential amino acids in the form of eggs to diets of people in poverty-stricken areas is discussed. A literature review in laying hens was conducted by assessing ideal protein citations, amino acid requirement citations, and 2 meta-analysis citations. It is concluded that as dietary CP trends downward that ideal protein research should continue to be conducted in diets that mimic practice, which are first limiting in Lys and are second limiting in the amino acid nutrient ratio in question. Furthermore, as CP continues to be lowered, care must be taken with the Leu nutrient minimum in the diet of hens whereby corn is the primary cereal, and subsequent assessments of Val and Ile in such diets warrant attention. Taken as a whole, meeting, rather than exceeding, amino acid needs of hens will allow for less dietary nitrogen inputs resulting in less environmental waste.