THE FAILURE OF PULLET-SIZED DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE TO IMPROVE EGG SHELL QUALITY OF HENS 1

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted in which 250 Babcock B-300 hens were used. Three commercial-type layer diets were fed. In the control diet phosphorus was supplied in the form of fine-granular dicalcium phosphate. In a second diet, phosphorus in the form of pullet-sized dicalcium phosphate was substituted for all phosphorus from the fine-granular phosphate present in the control diet. In a third diet, pullet-sized limestone was substituted for an equal amount of calcium from fine-granular limestone present in the control diet (Exp. 2 only). The results of these studies indicated that the inclusion of pullet-sized dicalcium phosphate or pullet-sized limestone in the diet of laying hens had no influence on specific gravity of eggs, egg weight, egg production or serum calcium. Dietary treatment had no significant influence on feed consumption of birds in Exp. 1, however, the inclusion of pullet-sized dicalcium phosphate in the diet of birds in Exp. 2 significantly decreased feed consumption