Eggs and calcium
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The Role of Calcium in Egg Production and Quality
Importance of Calcium in Poultry Diets
Calcium is a critical nutrient for poultry, particularly for egg-laying hens. It plays a vital role in eggshell formation, bone health, and overall egg production. Optimizing dietary calcium levels can significantly enhance the quality and quantity of eggs produced by hens.
Optimal Calcium Levels for Egg-Laying Hens
Research indicates that varying levels of dietary calcium can have different impacts on egg production and quality. For instance, a study on Longyan duck breeders found that increasing dietary calcium from 2.8% to 4.4% improved egg production, eggshell thickness, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Similarly, another study on aged Lohmann LSL-lite layers showed that calcium levels between 4.1 to 4.2 g per bird per day improved eggshell quality, although higher intakes could deteriorate eggshell quality and increase renal ash accumulation.
Calcium and Vitamin D Interaction
The interaction between calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maximizing egg production and quality. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, which is essential for eggshell formation and bone health. Studies have shown that supplementing diets with 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) can improve egg weight and production without negatively affecting eggshell quality or bone attributes . Additionally, higher levels of vitamin D3 (1,000 to 1,200 IU) combined with 4% calcium significantly improved laying performance, eggshell quality, and physiological status in late-phase laying hens.
Eggshell Calcium as a Supplement
Eggshells, which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, can be an effective and economical source of calcium for poultry diets. Utilizing eggshell waste for calcium supplementation can reduce environmental waste and provide a rich source of calcium for food fortification. Techniques such as electric discharge assisted mechanical milling and high-intensity pulsed electric fields can be used to extract calcium from eggshells efficiently.
Effects on Bone Health
Calcium not only affects eggshell quality but also plays a significant role in bone health. High dietary calcium levels have been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in laying hens. However, excessive calcium intake without proper balance can lead to issues such as reduced bone quality and increased renal ash accumulation .
Conclusion
In conclusion, optimizing dietary calcium levels is essential for enhancing egg production, eggshell quality, and bone health in laying hens. The interaction between calcium and vitamin D further amplifies these benefits, making it crucial to consider both nutrients in poultry diets. Utilizing eggshells as a calcium source can also be a sustainable and cost-effective strategy. Proper management of calcium intake can lead to significant improvements in the productivity and health of egg-laying hens.
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