Importance of eggshell quality
The eggshell protects the egg’s contents from harmful pathogens and external threats. In breeding, lower eggshell quality often leads to fewer top-grade hatching eggs, lower hatchability and diminished chick quality. Eggshell quality typically declines towards the end of the production period when the ratio of eggshell surface area to egg volume is at its lowest. During this phase, a lack of calcium results in a reduction in both the weight and the strength of the eggshell.
A study was conducted at the Srinivasa Breeding Farm in Kolar district, Karnataka, in southern India, with a capacity of approximately 100,000 Cobb 430Y breeding birds. The farm owner approached Gosa Nutribiotech Ltd., a business partner of Maxima Nutrition and Intracare’s Indian poultry distributor, to discuss eggshell quality issues in their 50+ week batches. Eggshell quality was not satisfactory, with colour variation and an excessively high number of B-grade eggs, over 24%, which are not hatchable. Leg weakness and lameness were also noted.
Trial implementation
Following the recommended protocol, it was agreed to conduct a trial using Intra Calferol. In house 1 with 3,000 breeding animals (2,720 females and 280 males) at an age of 57 weeks, 1 litre of the product per 1,000 litres of drinking water was administered for 5 consecutive days. The daily feed intake was approximately 162 g and water intake 350 ml.
Results and analysis
The results showed the development of A-grade and B-grade eggs on the 3 days prior to the test, the 5 days during product administration and the effect during the following 6 days. The impact of the 5-day treatment was clearly observed, starting on the fourth day of dosing. A-grade level production averaged at 65% and improved to 73% after the fourth day, while B-grade eggs fell from an average of 23% to 16%. The photos provided illustrate egg quality before and after the trial.
Positive impact on profitability
This improvement positively affected the profitability of the breeding business. A-grade eggs are valued at Rs20 (€0.23) per egg, while B-grade eggs are downgraded to Rs4 (€0.04) per egg. Additionally, there was a positive downward trend in broken and cracked eggs which gradually decreased from 4% to less than 2.8%.
Boosting A-class eggs
This trial confirms the effectiveness of Intra Calferol in stimulating calcium homeostasis and boosting the level of A-class eggs in 50+ week breeders. It shows that adding the product to the water for 3-7 days is effective in improving poor eggshell quality. Once the eggshells return to normal, a preventive protocol of dosing the product on one or two days a week can be implemented.
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