Every novice poultry farm owner should know about the need for fish oil for laying hens and how to administer the drug correctly. A balanced diet ensures normal development of poultry, rapid weight gain, and increased egg production. A dietary supplement is one of the simple and effective solutions to avoid vitamin deficiency and increase resistance to disease.
Can chickens be given liquid fish oil?
Fish oil is an essential vitamin supplement to the diet when breeding birds.Most often used in liquid form, crushed capsules can be used.
The drug cannot be added to feed in its pure form. It is stirred in warm water in a ratio of 1:2 for uniform distribution. The solution is added to the prepared food and mixed thoroughly to prevent an overdose. When using specialized feed, the amount of the drug is reduced to avoid oversaturation.
Important! Calciferol in liquid form helps improve calcium absorption, which has a beneficial effect on the productivity of laying hens.
Composition and release form
The drug is available in the form of capsules coated with gelatin. It also exists in liquid form in dark bottles with a capacity of 100 and 500 milliliters.
The nutritional supplement is extracted from the liver and internal organs of cod or other marine fish. The drug has the appearance of a yellow oily liquid with a specific fishy odor.
The supplement contains beneficial vitamins and compounds:
- vitamins A (retinol), D (colecalciferol), E;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6;
- docosahexagenic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids,
- necessary microelements - iodine, bromine, phosphorus and sulfur compounds.
All components are natural compounds and are completely absorbed by the body.
Benefits and characteristics
Fish oil is a natural vitamin complex containing essential amino acids and trace elements necessary for both chickens and adult chickens. Useful properties of the drug:
- activates the body's immune defense, increases resistance to pathogenic microbes;
- prevents the development of rickets due to calciferol deficiency;
- improves egg production;
- strengthens the musculoskeletal system of broilers;
- strengthens the cardiovascular system of birds, reducing the level of cholesterol and triglycerides, strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- reduces the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, anemia, allergic reactions;
- reduces the mortality rate of young chickens.
The vitamin complex increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium in the body, promotes the synthesis of red blood cells, and reduces inflammation. With regular use of the supplement, the chicken's general condition improves and its immunity to common diseases is strengthened.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to serious illnesses. Signs of vitamin deficiency in chickens aged 2 to 6 weeks:
- developmental delay, uneven growth;
- weakness, loss of appetite;
- manifestation of rickets;
- bone deformation.
Symptoms of calciferol deficiency in adults:
- limb weakness;
- softening of the beak;
- decreased productivity;
- the appearance of eggs without shells.
These manifestations are especially noticeable in the winter-spring period against the background of general vitamin deficiency.
How and when to give fish oil to chickens
The drug is added to the mash in the following order: seven days in a row, then a week is skipped. In the summer-autumn period, when the bird has the opportunity to pluck grass and receive portions of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin supplements do not need to be used. Birds kept in cages all year round need to be regularly supplemented with vitamins.
Chickens
The drug begins to be introduced into the diet of chickens from the fifth day of life. The initial dosage of complementary feeding of fish oil to babies is 0.2 milliliters of the drug per head. As they grow, the amount of the drug is adjusted to 0.5 milliliters per pullet.
If you accustom chickens to the additive from an early age, it will be easier for them to get used to the specific taste and smell in the feed.
Laying hens
The initial dose of the vitamin supplement for laying hens is 0.2 milliliters. It is necessary to start with a small dose so as not to provoke an upset stomach in the bird. Gradually the amount of the drug is adjusted to 0.5 milliliters per day. Experienced farmers use the following dosage: half a teaspoon of the additive per 1 kilogram of porridge.
The natural preparation not only increases egg production, but also improves the quality of eggs, the yolk becomes bright orange.
Broilers
Broilers are entitled to double fortification. Chickens are given 0.2 milliliters per day, gradually increasing the dose to 1 milliliter. Adult broilers are given up to 5 milliliters per day, depending on the weight of the bird. The meat of chickens receiving a vitamin supplement becomes more tender and nutritious. If the bird is being prepared for slaughter, fish oil should be stopped at least a week in advance to avoid a fishy taste in the meat.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications for taking the drug. Side effects occur when the dosage of the medicine is violated or when an expired supplement is used. Undesirable reactions may occur if the vitamin supplement is stored incorrectly.
Diarrhea and deterioration in the general health of birds may occur.
Shelf life and storage conditions
The drug should be stored in the refrigerator or other cool, dark place. Sun rays lead to oxidation of the product: vitamin A becomes useless, and vitamin D acquires toxic properties. The bottle must be tightly closed. Shelf life – one year from the date of manufacture.
The supplement can be purchased at a regular pharmacy, pet store or veterinary pharmacy.
Fish oil is an unrivaled source of vitamins A and D for domestic birds. Taking a vitamin supplement is especially indicated in the winter-spring period, during short daylight hours, when the need for retinol and calciferol increases.