Best Poultry Feed for Layers in Nigeria | Maximize Egg Production

If you’re raising layer chickens in Nigeria, one of the most important factors for success is feeding your birds the right diet. Quality poultry feed directly affects egg production, hen health, and overall profitability. But with so many options available in the Nigerian market—local and imported—it can be confusing to know which feed is best for your layers.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the best poultry feed options for layers in Nigeria, the key nutrients your birds need, and practical tips for choosing the right feed. Whether you’re running a backyard operation or a medium-scale poultry farm, this guide will help you make the best decision for your flock.

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Why Poultry Feed Matters for Layers

Layer chickens require specific nutrients to stay healthy and produce eggs consistently. Unlike broilers, layers need a diet that’s high in calcium and moderate in protein, with a well-balanced supply of vitamins and minerals.

Poor-quality feed can lead to:

• Reduced egg production
• Thin or soft eggshells
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Low immunity and disease outbreaks
• Increased mortality

On the other hand, using the right poultry feed helps your layers:

• Produce more eggs regularly
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Lay eggs with stronger shells
• Recover faster from stress or illness

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Key Nutrients Every Layer Feed Must Contain

Before you choose a feed brand, it’s important to understand what your layers need daily:

Nutrient	Function
Protein (16-18%)	Supports egg formation and feather maintenance
Calcium (3-4%)	Essential for strong eggshells and bone health
Phosphorus	Works with calcium for skeletal and eggshell strength
Methionine	An amino acid that boosts egg production
Lysine	Helps in growth and development
Vitamin D3	Aids in calcium absorption
Energy (Carbs/Fats)	Keeps birds active and productive
Sodium	Maintains fluid balance and metabolic functions

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Best Poultry Feed Brands for Layers in Nigeria

Nigeria has a growing number of poultry feed producers offering layer-specific feed. These are some of the top-performing poultry feed brands trusted by Nigerian poultry farmers:

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1. Topfeeds Layer Mash

• Produced by: Premier Feed Mills Co. Ltd (Flour Mills of Nigeria)
• Location: Lagos & nationwide
• Why it’s great:
  • Balanced nutrients for high egg yield
  • Contains vitamins, amino acids, and minerals
  • Excellent digestibility and palatability
• Variants:
  • Chick mash (0–8 weeks)
  • Grower mash (9–18 weeks)
  • Layer mash (18 weeks and above)

✅ Best for farmers looking for a trusted, nationwide brand with consistent quality.

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2. Hybrid Feeds

• Produced by: Hybrid Feeds Nigeria Ltd
• Location: Oyo, Ogun, Lagos
• Why it’s great:
  • Strong formulation specifically for commercial layers
  • Includes anti-stress additives
  • High egg production rates reported by users

✅ Popular among poultry farms in the Southwest region.

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3. Chikun Feeds (by Olam Group)

• Produced by: Olam Agri Nigeria
• Location: Nationwide distribution
• Why it’s great:
  • Scientifically formulated for Nigerian climates
  • Offers full feeding programs (starter, grower, layer)
  • Excellent results in egg size and shell strength

✅ Ideal for farmers who want commercial-scale performance and proven results.

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4. Animal Care Layer Feed

• Produced by: Animal Care Services Konsult
• Location: Ogere, Ogun State
• Why it’s great:
  • Designed for maximum performance
  • Good balance of calcium and protein
  • Affordable and widely available in Southwest Nigeria

✅ Great for medium to large-scale farmers focused on value and performance.

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5. Livestock Feeds Plc

• Produced by: UAC of Nigeria
• Location: Pan-Nigeria
• Why it’s great:
  • Longstanding brand in Nigeria’s livestock sector
  • Reliable quality and well-distributed
  • Suitable for various poultry systems (deep litter, cage, free-range)

✅ Recommended for farmers looking for availability across multiple states.

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Homemade vs Commercial Layer Feed: Which Is Better?

Some Nigerian farmers consider mixing their own feed to cut costs. While this may seem cheaper, it can backfire if not done properly.

Pros of Commercial Feed:

• Pre-formulated with scientific precision
• Easier to store and manage
• Consistent performance across batches

Cons of Homemade Feed:

• Nutrient imbalance is common
• Requires access to raw materials (maize, soya, fishmeal, etc.)
• More labor-intensive and time-consuming
• Risk of contamination or spoilage

💡 Unless you have a nutritionist or are experienced in feed formulation, commercial feed is safer and more efficient for egg production.

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Tips for Feeding Layers Effectively

Even the best feed won’t work if your feeding method is poor. Follow these best practices to maximize your feed investment:

1. Follow the Right Quantity
   • Feed your layers 110–120 grams per bird per day once they reach the laying stage.
   • Don’t overfeed—wasted feed means wasted money.
2. Provide Clean Drinking Water
   • Hens need clean, fresh water daily. Dehydration reduces egg production quickly.
3. Avoid Feed Contamination
   • Store feed in a dry, cool place.
   • Use sealed containers to prevent rats, mold, and spoilage.
4. Introduce Feed Gradually
   • When switching from one brand to another, do it gradually over 5–7 days to avoid shocking the birds.
5. Observe Egg Output and Adjust
   • Monitor egg size, shell quality, and laying frequency.
   • If you notice a drop, it might be time to review your feed quality or feeding practices.

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Where to Buy Poultry Feed in Nigeria

You can find top poultry feeds in major agricultural markets and from distributors. Here are reliable options:

• Agric Input Shops in Lagos Mainland: Areas like Agege, Mushin, and Ikotun are poultry hubs with feed sellers.
• Olam & Premier Feed Distributors: Available in most Nigerian states through registered dealers.
• Online Platforms:
  • Jiji.ng
  • Farmcrowdy Store
  • Agrorite
  • AgroMall

🛒 Tip: Always check the manufacturing and expiry dates before purchase!

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How to Know if Your Feed is Working

If your feed is of high quality and your layers are well-managed, you should expect:

• Consistent daily egg production
• Normal-sized, hard-shelled eggs
• Bright red combs and healthy feathers
• Minimal feed wastage
• Low disease rates

If you’re not seeing these results, it might be time to try a different feed or check for other underlying issues like disease, water quality, or overcrowding.

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Conclusion

Feeding your layer chickens the right diet is the foundation of a successful poultry business in Nigeria. With many feed brands in the market, it’s important to choose one that delivers on quality, affordability, and performance. Whether you’re raising layers in Lagos, Ibadan, or anywhere across Nigeria, you’ll find dependable options like Topfeeds, Chikun, and Animal Care to keep your flock productive.

As a farmer, always monitor your birds, keep learning, and be willing to adjust when needed. With the right poultry feed, your layers can lay golden profits—one egg at a time.