The Problem of Easily Broken Eggs in Poultry Layer Farming

 

Layer farmers during their practices often encounter situations when the poultry eggs very often break too easily? Here we summarize few of the key checks which can help in troubleshooting the problem. Firstly, check your facilities and equipment’s to ensure it is not mechanical damage. We seen considerable efforts being wasted in examining ingredients and formulas when the real problem lies in few of faulty equipment pieces.Second, check out and assess overall flock health and behavior. Your veterinarian will consult you regarding what diseases can upset the calcium cycle in the birds. In general impaired gut health can significantly impede calcium absorption, a common problem.

Once you have thoroughly examined the first two check points and have satisfied yourself that the first two check points are not the contributing reasons for the problem then, and only then, start thinking about Nutrition angle. It is imperative to find a nutritionist who understands the delicate daily calcium cycle and the factors that affect it.Also, other nutritional factors can cause eggs to be laid with a thin eggshell. With respect to calcium it is also crucial to remember that limestone is not always just calcium carbonate. Limestone, an inexpensive source of calcium (in the form of calcium carbonate), can vary widely in its calcium concentration and, of course, in impurities.

Finally, we must keep in mind that egg size and eggshell strength are bound in an Inverse relationship: the larger the egg, the thinner the eggshell. This is because a hen spends only two grams of calcium per egg, no more, no less, no matter what egg size is laid each day. These two grams will have to be spread over a larger surface as egg size increases with hen age. Some markets prefer extra-large eggs, and this is where we have been receiving most questions regarding eggshell strength.

Also, the egg quality and nutrition remains one of important topics, and we have the good fortune of working with several clients in India and south-east Asia. But at the end of the day, one can say that most of the problems have to do with reduced calcium absorption or quality of the calcium sources when it comes to this problem statement.

Dr. Anand,

AGM-Technology and Product Development
Advanced Bio-Agro Tech Limited