Every hen lays a medium-sized egg, which contains about 2-2.2 grams of calcium in the shell. However, the absorption rate of calcium from feed is only around 50%-60%, meaning that for each egg produced, hens require approximately 4-4.4 grams of calcium. While calcium is essential, it's not always beneficial to over-supplement. Too much calcium can reduce feed palatability and lower intake, while too little can lead to poor eggshell quality and reduced egg production. Therefore, the key is to provide timely and balanced calcium supplementation.
First, calcium should be introduced before hens start laying. To ensure high-quality eggs and optimal egg production, calcium should be added two weeks prior to the onset of laying. Research shows that the ideal calcium level in the diet during this period is between 3% and 3.5%. During peak egg-laying (when the laying rate exceeds 85%), the calcium content can be increased to 3.6%-4%. This helps prevent bone calcium depletion and ensures sufficient calcium for eggshell formation. In addition to feeding calcium in the diet, free-choice calcium sources like shell powder, eggshell meal, or bone meal should be available for hens to consume as needed.
Second, daily calcium supplementation is crucial, especially after noon, to account for variations in climate, light, feed quality, and individual absorption rates. After laying an egg, hens don’t need calcium immediately. But during the night, when the eggshell forms, they require more calcium. Since hens can only retain about half of the calcium they consume, especially with powdery forms, it’s best to feed them calcium-rich feed between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This timing allows the calcium to enter the bloodstream just in time for nighttime eggshell formation, reducing the need to draw from bone reserves and maintaining calcium balance.
Third, laying hens require a significant amount of calcium—around 3.5%-4% of their diet. It’s best to feed calcium separately rather than mixing it with other feeds. A common method is to mix one-third of the calcium feed with two-thirds of regular feed and offer it separately, ensuring hens get enough without affecting overall feed intake.
Fourth, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet must be carefully balanced. Phosphorus plays a key role in calcium absorption, so maintaining a 4:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is essential. Bone meal or calcium phosphate should be included to support this balance and improve overall calcium utilization.
Fifth, vitamin C is important for enhancing thyroid activity and promoting calcium metabolism. It helps release calcium from bones into the bloodstream, improving eggshell strength and quality. Adding 50 mg/kg of vitamin C to the feed can significantly benefit eggshell composition.
Sixth, vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption in the intestines and for proper bone calcification. While most chickens get enough vitamin D from sunlight, caged hens may need supplementation. Providing 500 IU of vitamin D per kg of feed helps maintain strong eggshells and high laying rates. If levels are low, cod liver oil or synthetic supplements can be used.
Finally, stress factors such as overcrowding, temperature fluctuations, or environmental changes can negatively impact calcium absorption and eggshell quality. Stress can prolong egg retention in the shell gland, leading to pale shells and reduced productivity. Managing stress by maintaining proper housing conditions, stable temperatures, and adequate space improves both eggshell quality and overall egg production efficiency.
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