Alternative Feeding Regimen of Calcium Source and Phosphorus Level for Better Eggshell Quality in Commercial Layers

Eggshell quality, due to its economical impact on commercial egg production, has always been a matter of great concern. Numerous studies have been conducted to address separately various parameters influencing shell quality including calcium, vitamin D3levels, and blood chemistry. There has been little research conducted to deal with these issues collectively. In this project, eggshell quality, egg production, and egg weight were evaluated as affected by a combination of different calcium sources, phosphorus levels, and time of feeding. Results suggest that there is a potential to improve eggshell quality with reduced economic losses by changing the feeding patterns of commercial layers using alternative calcium sources and phosphorus levels in the morning and evening feedings.