Egg production is a nutrient-intensive process that requires a well-balanced diet to ensure optimal hen health and productivity. Among the various nutrients needed, calcium plays a critical role in eggshell formation, bone health, and overall well-being of laying hens. However, calcium alone is not sufficient—other essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, must also be supplied to maintain peak egg production and prevent health complications.
This article explores the importance of calcium and other key nutrients required for egg-laying hens, their dietary sources, and how to optimize feed formulation for maximum productivity.
Click HERE to join our WhatsApp group
1. The Role of Calcium in Egg Production
a) Importance of Calcium
Calcium is essential for the formation of strong eggshells and the maintenance of skeletal strength in laying hens. Each egg contains about 2 grams of calcium, which must be sourced from the diet or the hen’s bone reserves. If the diet lacks adequate calcium, hens may lay soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, experience bone fractures, or develop osteoporosis.
b) Calcium Requirements
Young pullets (pre-lay stage): 1% calcium in feed.
Laying hens: 3.5-4.5% calcium in feed to support eggshell formation.
Older hens: Require higher calcium levels due to decreased absorption efficiency.
c) Best Dietary Sources of Calcium
Oyster shells – Slowly releases calcium for sustained absorption.
Limestone powder – A cost-effective calcium supplement.
Bone meal – Provides calcium and phosphorus.
Eggshells (crushed and dried) – Can be recycled as a calcium source but must be properly processed to prevent disease transmission.
READ ALSO: Formulating Balanced Diets for Rabbits
2. Other Essential Nutrients for Egg-Laying Hens
In addition to calcium, several other nutrients are vital for egg production and hen health.
a) Phosphorus
Works in conjunction with calcium to form strong bones and eggshells.
Recommended level: 0.3-0.4% in layer diets.
Sources: Bone meal, fish meal, rock phosphate, and plant-based feed ingredients.
b) Protein and Amino Acids
Required for egg yolk formation, feather maintenance, and muscle health.
Recommended protein level: 16-18% in layer diets.
Key amino acids:
Methionine – Enhances egg production and feather quality.
Lysine – Supports egg size and protein metabolism.
Cysteine and Threonine – Aid in overall hen health.
Sources: Soybean meal, sunflower meal, fish meal, meat and bone meal.
c) Energy Sources
Energy fuels metabolic activities, including egg production.
Recommended dietary energy: 2700-2800 kcal/kg feed.
Sources: Maize, wheat, sorghum, vegetable oils, and fats.
READ ALSO: Introduction to Organic Livestock Farming
d) Vitamins for Egg-Laying Hens
Vitamins play critical roles in egg quality, immune function, and reproductive health.
Vitamin D3 – Aids in calcium absorption for strong eggshells.
Vitamin A – Essential for egg production and immune function.
Vitamin E – Supports reproductive health and protects against oxidative stress.
Vitamin K – Reduces the risk of hemorrhages and promotes bone health.
B-complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin, Niacin, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid) – Enhance metabolism, prevent nervous disorders, and improve hatchability.
Sources: Commercial vitamin premixes, green leafy vegetables, fish meal, yeast, and cereals.
e) Trace Minerals
Trace minerals enhance eggshell strength, immune function, and metabolism.
Manganese – Prevents eggshell cracking.
Zinc – Supports eggshell formation and feather development.
Iron – Prevents anemia and enhances oxygen transport.
Copper – Strengthens bones and aids in enzyme function.
Iodine – Supports thyroid function and egg production.
Sources: Mineral premixes, green vegetables, fish meal, and meat byproducts.
READ ALSO: Bovine Respiratory Disease: Causes and Management
Feed Formulation for Optimal Egg Production
A well-formulated feed ensures laying hens receive all essential nutrients in the right proportions. Below is a sample feed formulation for laying hens:
Sample Layer Feed Formula (Per 100 kg Feed)
Maize – 55 kg (energy source)
Soybean meal – 18 kg (protein source)
Wheat bran – 10 kg (fiber and energy)
Limestone – 8 kg (calcium source)
Fish meal – 5 kg (protein and phosphorus source)
Salt – 0.3 kg (electrolyte balance)
Vitamin and mineral premix – 0.5 kg
Dicalcium phosphate – 1.2 kg (calcium and phosphorus)
Vegetable oil – 2 kg (extra energy)
READ ALSO: Goat Farming for Meat and Milk Production
Feeding Management for Maximum Productivity
a) Feeding Schedule
Feed hens twice a day (morning and afternoon) to ensure a steady nutrient supply.
Provide free access to calcium sources like oyster shells throughout the day.
Ensure clean drinking water is available at all times.
b) Adjusting Feed for Different Production Stages
Pre-lay diet (16-18 weeks old) – Moderate calcium (1%) to support bone development.
Peak production (25-40 weeks old) – High calcium (3.5-4.5%) and protein for maximum laying performance.
Late laying phase (40+ weeks old) – Slightly reduced energy but consistent calcium intake to maintain eggshell strength.
READ ALSO: Supplementary Feeding for Sheep and Goats
Common Nutritional Deficiencies and Their Effects
a) Calcium Deficiency
Symptoms: Soft or thin-shelled eggs, osteoporosis, reduced egg production.
Solution: Increase calcium intake through oyster shells or limestone.
b) Protein Deficiency
Symptoms: Small eggs, weight loss, feather pecking.
Solution: Supplement feed with soybean meal or fish meal.
READ ALSO: Sheep Farming: Wool, Meat, and Dairy Production
c) Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms: Weak bones, poor eggshell formation.
Solution: Ensure exposure to sunlight or supplement with vitamin D3.
d) Trace Mineral Deficiency
Symptoms: Poor eggshell quality, weak immunity, slow growth.
Solution: Use a well-balanced mineral premix.
Conclusion
Calcium is the cornerstone of eggshell formation, but a balanced intake of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and energy is equally essential for maintaining high egg production and hen health. By providing a well-formulated diet, supplementing with essential nutrients, and managing feeding schedules effectively, farmers can ensure consistent, high-quality egg production.
Understanding and meeting the nutritional needs of egg-laying hens not only boosts farm profitability but also improves the welfare and longevity of the birds. Proper feed formulation, combined with efficient management practices, is the key to successful layer farming.
READ ALSO: Swine Fever: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, leading to devastating economic losses in pig farming. The disease is caused by two major viruses: Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and African Swine Fever (ASF). While CSF has an effective vaccine, ASF remains a major challenge due to the lack of a commercially available vaccine or treatment. Understanding the symptoms, preventive measures, and possible treatment options is crucial for controlling outbreaks and ensuring sustainable pig production…
READ ALSO: Swine Production: Best Practices for Profitability
Swine production is a lucrative agricultural enterprise that provides pork, a key protein source worldwide. To achieve maximum profitability, farmers must adopt best management practices covering genetics, nutrition, housing, health, and marketing. This article explores essential strategies for efficient and profitable swine production…
Click HERE to join our WhatsApp group
