When should a commercial brown egg farm initiate a phase-feeding program (Phase I to Phase II to Phase III), and when do nutrient requirements transition?

A precise phase-feeding program optimizes nutrient intake, reduces feed costs, and prevents excessive body weight gain in aging brown layers. Phase I (onset of lay to 45 weeks) demands maximum nutrient density, with high protein (17.5% to 18%) and amino acids (methionine and lysine) to support both rising egg production and continued physical growth. Phase II (46 to 65 weeks) transitions to a lower protein (16.5%) and slightly higher calcium level (4.1%) as egg size increases and egg production slowly stabilizes. Phase III (66 weeks to depopulation) further reduces protein (15.5%) to control egg size and prevent thin shells, while increasing calcium to 4.5% to support the aging shell gland. Nutrient allocation models are detailed in the Poultry Encyclopedia, premium feed concentrates and premixes are sold on Poultry Plaza, daily feed ingredient rates are updated on Poultry Rates, and commercial egg operations are listed on Murghi Mandi.