Effect of calcium supplementation on egg quality in laying hens

This study focuses on the effects that calcium supplementation has on egg characteristics of egg laying hens. Calcium is critical for egg laying hens because of the amount required to produce eggshells. When laying hens are in their peak production, they cannot absorb enough calcium from their diet to make the egg shells. Chickens must draw on their reserves of calcium primarily in their bones. Therefore, layer rations are formulated with a high amount of calcium. Additionally, supplements are manufactured such as DuMOR Oyster Shell Chicken Calcium Supplement. We wanted to see if there is any benefit to feeding oyster shells along with a ration already high in calcium. We had 12 Hy-Line laying hens which were divided into two groups. They were housed in enhanced cages, two to a cage. Group 1 received a standard 16% protein layer ration. Group 2 received the same ration fortified with 4% by weight of oyster shells. After two weeks on the diet the study began and eggs from each day were analyzed for shell breaking strength, whole eggshell weight, shell deformation, albumin height, yolk height, Haugh unit, yolk color, vitelline membrane strength, shell thickness, yolk width, air cell height, and yolk index. We expect there to be differences in shell breaking strength between the two diets. The results of the study will benefit backyard poultry producers because it will help them understand the effect of supplemental calcium on eggshell strength