How to improve eggshell quality with organic minerals in Poultry

Pashu Sandesh, 13 August 2020

Dr V. Rajendra Prasad

Shell consistency is the most important characteristic of an egg for egg producers, as it holds the greatest economic advantage in the market. The trace minerals manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential minerals in the diet of laying hens as they are needed for growth.

Manganese :

a) is a metal activator for contribution to the formation of the organic matrix of bone and eggshell.

b) A lack of manganese leads to defects that may include less shell mass. 

c) A lack of manganese in layer feed can result in eggs without shells.

Zinc :

a) A lack of zinc in layer diets can lead to lower levels of carbonic anhydrase, resulting in shell defects.

b) This is particularly the case in areas with saline drinking water, where eggshell problems tend to be more commonly reported if there is not sufficient zinc supplementation.

c) Zinc is a cofactor of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that are involved in the formation of the eggshell (Robinson and King, 1963).

Copper:

a) is an essential element for reproduction, growth, development of connective tissue and skin pigmentation.

b) The lack of copper in laying diets can lead to a higher incidence of eggs produced with peel malformation.

c) Copper is an integral part of the lysyl oxidase enzyme that is important in the formation of collagen present in the eggshell membrane (Leeson and Summers, 2001).

6. Iron :

a) deficiency can result in microcytic, hypochromic anaemia in poultry.

b) Iron has a rapid turnover rate in the chicken – 10 times per day – so it must be provided in a highly available form in the bird’s diet on a daily basis.

Various studies suggest that organic minerals rather than inorganic forms may offer several benefits. Consequently, there is a greater utilization by the laying hen and lower excretion to the environment, contributing to improved internal and external quality of the egg.

Glymet of Norel is organic minerals with higher bioavailability. Glymet has higher mineral content when compared with other organic minerals.

Dosages of Glymet Zinc:

110 gms, Glymet Manganese 100 to 150 gms, Glymet Ferrous 100 to 150 gms and Glymet Copper 25 to 30 gms for a ton of feed in poultry for better productivity. Field trials have conclusively proved that using Glymet Zn, Mn, Cu significantly improved eggshell thickness and there is an increase in the uniformity of eggs and a decrease in the number of undergrades with a decent return on investment for poultry farmers.