Methods of calcium supplement for laying hens

The best calcium supplementation time for laying hens is 12: 00. When hens are allowed to eat calcium freely, they can self-regulate their calcium intake, such as 92% of normal calcium intake during eggshell formation, while only 68% during non-eggshell formation. Hens that weigh less and eat less should be properly fed with more calcium.

Chickens have the best absorption of animal calcium sources and the worst absorption of plant calcium sources, and the eggshell sterilized by high temperature is the best calcium source. The strength of eggshell was the best when shell and limestone accounted for 2 and 3 of calcium sources in diet. When the shell breaking rate of Bmur4 hybrid chicken reached 3.5% in 61 weeks, after adding 2% granular shell powder in the afternoon, the egg breaking rate decreased significantly, the eggshell was smooth, and the average egg breaking rate was only 1.59% at the age of 72 weeks.

The proportion of nutrients in feed should be adjusted for calcium deficiency of laying hens, and fish meal, bone meal, shell powder, eggshell powder or stone powder should be added to ensure the proper content of calcium. When the laying hens are about 18 weeks old, the shell powder should be increased to 2% and enter the laying period after 20 weeks of age, and the bone powder content in the feed should reach 1.5%. After the shell powder reaches 5.5%, the shell powder content can be increased to 6.5% after 38 weeks. When the laying rate reaches 80%, the calcium content in the diet should reach 3.5%; when the laying rate is less than 80% or greater than 65%, the calcium content is 3.4%. When the laying rate is less than 65%, the calcium content is 3.2%.

In addition, multivitamin can be added to the feed, cod liver oil can be added if necessary, and chickens can be exposed to the sun or ultraviolet light to increase the source of vitamin D. All factors that can increase intestinal acidity are conducive to the dissolution of calcium salts and promote the absorption of calcium. Special attention should be paid to preventing excessive calcium when preventing calcium deficiency and calcium supplement.