Enhancing eggshell quality
The eggshell structure is a complex arrangement of different layers and components that work together to provide protection, strength and regulation of gases and moisture for the developing embryo inside the egg. The eggshell protein matrix plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the eggshell. A well-developed protein matrix results in a stronger eggshell and promotes the proper deposition of calcium carbonate, resulting in an optimal shell thickness. Several strategies exist that help maintain an optimal eggshell quality: proper lighting, high-quality water, optimal environmental conditions, reduction of stress factors, disease prevention, proper nutrition, a balanced and high-quality diet for laying hens and breeders.
Other Management Tips
- Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced and appropriate diet tailored to the needs of the birds. A well-balanced diet ensures that birds receive all the necessary nutrients, promoting
overall health, growth, and egg production. - Digestive and Gut Health: Maintain a healthy digestive system for efficient nutrient absorption. Introduce probiotics and prebiotics as needed to support gut health and prevent digestive issues.
- Water Quality: Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Ensure birds have constant access to water, as proper hydration aids in digestion and maintains overall health. Regularly check water sources (chemical and microbiological quality). Ensure they are free from contaminants such as bacteria, algae and chemicals.
- Optimal Environmental Conditions: Maintain appropriate temperature, humidity, and ventilation in housing to avoid stress and health issues. Ensure there is sufficient feeder and drinking space to avoid overcrowding and competition among birds.
- Stress Reduction: Minimise sudden changes in routine, excessive noise or other disturbances in the environment that could stress the birds. Provide enrichment activities and opportunities for natural behaviour (e.g., Peckstones, dust bathing, perching) to improve their well-being.
- Proper Lighting Management: Ensure birds receive enough light per day for optimal production (in accordance with breeder guidelines). Adjust light intensity as needed and delay light stimulation if the flock is underweight or lacks uniformity.
- Disease Prevention and Biosecurity: Enforce strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, such as infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease and mycoplasma infections. Use dry hygiene products with a lower pH value to control ammonia levels and promote air quality within the hen house.
- Monitoring Bird Behaviour and Health: Regularly observe bird behaviour, including feed consumption, mobility and overall health status. Provide adequate space to minimise overcrowding, which can lead to competition, stress, and aggressive behaviour, such as pecking. Pay attention to liver and kidney health by ensuring a diet that prevents conditions like fatty liver or kidney damage.
ShellFoss 
ShellFoss is a special formulated premix based on a unique combination of vitamins, trace elements, and a processed plant extract. Instead of offering a simple, single “nutrient solution”, the product provides a multifactorial approach.
ABOUT:
With its unique composition, it supports the mineralisation of eggshells, increases the thickness of the shell and provides a greater elasticity of the eggshell structure resulting in stronger and more stable eggs – even in older hens in the advanced laying phase and parent stocks.
- Enhanced elasticity of the shell structure
- Increases eggshell thickness
- Reduced occurrence of declassified eggs
- Yields more marketable eggs
- Improved persistency of the flock
- More intense shell color (brown egg layers)