Alternative calcium source effects on commercial egg production and quality

Pelícia, KGarcia, EAScherer, MRSMóri, CDalanezi, JAFaitarone, ABGMolino, ABBerto, DA

This study aimed at verifying the possibility of replacing calcitic limestone by marine calcium in the diet of layers. A total number of 321 Hi-sex hens, with 40 weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment, was used. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, with 5 treatments (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 % of calcitic limestone replacement by marine calcium source) and eight replicates of eight birds each. Treatments significantly affected specific gravity (p 0.05), with the inclusion of 60% marine calcium (T5) presenting the worst result as compared to T1, which included only calcitic limestone as calcium source. It was concluded that marine calcium can replace up to 45% of calcitic limestone with no effects on performance or egg quality.

1. eggshell quality
2. Alternative calcium source
3. limestone replacement
4. marine algae
5. marine calcium