Longevity in modern layers is no longer a dream. It is a management decision. In this episode of Unplucked, host Andy Vance is joined by two experts from Trouw Nutrition, Dr. Roland Koedijk, global head of poultry nutrition, and Dr. Ellen Hambrecht, global product manager for phyto complex solutions, to talk about how nutrition is reshaping what is possible for both broilers and layers. Dr. Koedijk explains why reaching 500 eggs in 100 weeks is less about pushing hens harder and more about supporting them better, starting with the pullet. He walks through the three pillars that make long cycles realistic, genetics selected for longevity, management that protects uniformity and welfare, and phase-specific nutrition that gives birds exactly what they need at each stage. Listeners get a clear picture of why a well-grown pullet is the best predictor of lifetime performance and how rearing, transitions into lay, gut health, and data-driven adjustments all work together to keep hens productive and resilient later in life.

From there, the conversation turns to plant-based feed additives and the idea of resilience by design. Dr. Hambrecht explains what phyto complexes are, how specialized plant metabolites interact with animal physiology, and why dose and careful plant selection matter. Rather than promising to “replace antibiotics,” she makes a nuanced case for phytogenic additives as a cornerstone of preventative health that can reduce the need for antibiotics by helping birds manage subclinical inflammation and mount stronger vaccine responses. Using examples from poultry and other species, she shows how targeted phyto technology can boost innate defenses, support vaccine take, and help birds handle stressors such as feed changes, transport, and the start of lay. Together, the guests and host connect these tools to the broader future of poultry nutrition, where precision feeding, improved digestibility, and sustainability goals all point toward a single aim, avoiding problems rather than treating them and building birds that stay healthy and productive under real-world pressure.

CREDITS

Host - Andy Vance

Producer - Lyndsey Johnson

Audio Editor & Engineer - Michael Lunt

LEGAL

The information provided in this episode of Unplucked is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we discuss scientific research, public health, and industry practices, this podcast does not substitute for advice from qualified industry and scientific professionals. The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of The Poultry Science Association, their respective affiliates, or employees.