Lucas Delgado
Calcium is an essential nutrient for hens to lay eggs with strong shells. Calcium carbonate is the most common source of calcium fed to laying hens, and it must be broken down into its components (calcium and carbonate) in the hen's intestine before the calcium is absorbed into the bloodstream and used for eggshell formation. The efficiency of calcium absorption depends on factors such as age, sex, health status, and the presence of other substances in the intestines. This process can be optimized by adjusting the particle size of calcium carbonate, with larger particles taking longer to pass through the digestive system and providing a slower release of calcium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of calcium in eggshells | 90% |
| Calcium requirement of laying hens | 4-6 grams per day |
| Common sources of calcium carbonate | Crushed limestone, oyster shell |
| Calcium absorption rate in the gastrointestinal tract | 40% when the eggshell gland is inactive, 72% when active |
| Percentage of calcium in the human body | 1.40-1.66% |
| Percentage of calcium in eggshells in the form of calcium carbonate | 95% |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium is essential for hens to lay eggs
Calcium is a key nutrient required for egg production in hens. It is essential for optimal eggshell quality, with eggshells being made of around 90% calcium. Therefore, a laying hen requires a lot of calcium to produce a strong eggshell, especially if she is laying an egg every other day. If a hen does not get enough calcium, she will take it from her bones to produce eggshells, which can lead to fragile, weak, and easily breakable bones. A calcium deficiency can also weaken a hen's immune system, making her more susceptible to disease.
Hens require precise amounts of essential dietary components to live long, healthy lives and make high-quality, normal-looking eggs. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for eggshell formation, and a laying hen requires 4-5 grams of calcium per day, which is three times more dietary calcium than non-laying hens. While commercially produced layer feed contains some calcium, it may not be sufficient for laying hens, which is why oyster shells, a second source of calcium, are often recommended.
Oyster shells are a good source of supplemental calcium because they stay in the digestive tract the longest, optimising calcium absorption. Crushed eggshells can also be fed to hens as a supplement, but they cannot be the sole source of calcium as they do not remain in the digestive tract long enough to provide adequate calcium. Chipped limestone can also be used as a calcium source, but it is not highly recommended as it moves through the digestive system too quickly, and the calcium content can vary.
Vitamin D and phosphorus are also necessary for calcium to be metabolised and used by the body. Vitamin D regulates how much calcium is released into the bloodstream for eggshell formation and determines whether calcium is released from the bones or conserved to replenish them. Phosphorus binds to calcium, so an imbalance in one leads to an imbalance in the other. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a proper balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio in a hen's diet.
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Oyster shells are a common calcium supplement
Oyster shells are a good source of calcium carbonate, which is the most common form of calcium fed to laying hens. Calcium carbonate must be broken down into its components (calcium + carbonate) in the hen’s intestine before the calcium is absorbed into the blood. The calcium is then either stored in the bones or routed directly to the shell gland through the bloodstream. If a hen does not get enough calcium when she needs it, she will steal it from the calcium stash inside her cortical bones to produce eggshells. This can weaken her bones, making them fragile and prone to breakage.
Oyster shell calcium supplements are also used by humans to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and latent tetany. It is also used to ensure sufficient calcium intake for certain patients, including women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, and people taking certain medications.
The efficiency of calcium absorption in humans depends on several factors, including age, sex, health status, type of supplemented calcium salt, and the presence of other substances in the intestines. Calcium supplements are often taken with food to enhance absorption since stomach acid production increases with food intake, aiding in the breakdown of calcium carbonate. It is generally recommended to split the dosage into smaller amounts taken throughout the day to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of side effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, stomach upset, and gas.
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Calcium carbonate must be broken down before absorption
Calcium is an essential nutrient for hens, playing a vital role in egg-laying and overall health. An eggshell is made of approximately 90% calcium, which is why calcium is crucial in a laying hen's diet. If a hen lays an egg every other day, she needs a significant amount of calcium to form a sturdy shell within 48 hours. Calcium is also necessary for muscle spasms, hormone production, and breeding strong chicks.
Calcium carbonate is a calcium supplement commonly used to treat calcium deficiencies and manage various conditions. When ingested, calcium carbonate tablets break down in the stomach, forming soluble calcium salts. This breakdown process makes calcium available for absorption in the body.
In hens, calcium carbonate must be broken down into its components, calcium and carbonate, in the intestine before absorption into the bloodstream. This breakdown is necessary for the calcium to be utilised by the hen's body. Once absorbed, the calcium is either stored in the bones or directed to the shell gland through the bloodstream.
The efficiency of calcium absorption, or bioabsorption, depends on several factors. These include age, sex, health status, type of supplemented calcium salt, and the presence of certain substances in the intestines. For instance, the presence of bile acids is necessary for proper calcium absorption. Additionally, calcium absorption is hindered by phytates, oxalates, insoluble dietary fibre fractions, high phosphorus content, and increased pH levels in the digestive tract.
To optimise calcium absorption in hens, calcium supplements should be provided in the correct particle size. These particles should be small enough for easy consumption but large enough to remain in the digestive tract for an extended period. Sources such as crushed oyster shells and aragonite are recommended as they stay in the digestive tract longer, allowing for better calcium absorption.
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Calcium absorption is influenced by other substances
Calcium absorption is influenced by the presence of other substances in the intestines, such as lactose, basic amino acids, organic acids, indigestible oligosaccharides, and fatty acids. The proper calcium absorption process also requires the presence of bile acids. Calcium absorption is hindered by the presence of phytates, oxalates, insoluble dietary fiber fractions, high phosphorus content, and an increased pH value in the digestive tract.
Phosphorus, in particular, plays an important role in calcium absorption. Calcium and phosphorus must be balanced for optimal health, as too much or too little phosphorus can interfere with calcium absorption. In addition, vitamin D3 levels influence calcium absorption. Vitamin D3 is needed for calcium absorption and bone health.
The efficiency of calcium bioabsorption is also influenced by a number of factors, including age, sex, and health status. The type of supplemented calcium salt also plays a role, with certain forms having lower bioavailability due to poor solubility in stomach acid, resulting in a low absorption rate in the gastrointestinal tract.
Furthermore, the particle size of calcium supplements can impact absorption rates. Smaller particles are easily consumed but pass through the digestive tract quickly, while larger particles remain in the digestive tract longer, providing a more sustained release of calcium.
Additionally, capsaicinoids, the compounds responsible for the pungent taste of chili peppers, have been found to improve calcium bioavailability in chickens. Capsaicinoids are known to activate anandamide receptors at the intestinal level, increasing glucose absorption and improving calcium absorption.
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Calcium deficiencies can lead to health issues
Calcium is an essential nutrient for hens to lay well and stay healthy. An eggshell is made of approximately 90% calcium, which is why calcium is so important in a laying hen's diet. If a hen is laying an egg every other day, she needs a lot of calcium to make a strong, sturdy eggshell every 48 hours.
In addition to the physical health issues, a calcium deficiency can weaken a hen's immune system, making her more susceptible to disease. It can also lead to a stop in egg-laying.
To avoid or help resolve a calcium deficiency in hens, it is important to provide them with supplemental calcium in their diet. Crushed oyster shells, limestone, and eggshells are common sources of supplemental calcium. However, it is important to ensure that the particle size of the calcium supplement is not too small, as it needs to stay in the digestive tract for a longer period of time to be effective.
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Frequently asked questions
Calcium is an essential nutrient for keeping hens healthy. It helps control muscle spasms, triggers hormone production for a healthy reproductive system, and is needed for breeding hens to lay strong eggs. An eggshell is made of approximately 90% calcium.
The most common sources of calcium carbonate for chickens are crushed limestone and oyster shells. Oyster shells are the best option for providing supplemental calcium as they stay in the digestive tract the longest, optimising calcium absorption.
The particle size of calcium supplements must be considered. They need to be small enough for hens to consume easily, but large enough to stay in the digestive tract for longer. Particles that are about pea-sized or slightly larger are best for providing adequate calcium.
Calcium carbonate must be broken down into its components (calcium + carbonate) in the hen's intestine before the calcium is absorbed into the blood. The calcium is then either stored in the bones or routed directly to the shell gland through the bloodstream.
