Bonus Tydskrif AUTUMN 2024

Shell-less eggs are defined by the lack of a shell, with the albumin and yolk only protected by a thin shell membrane (Photo 9). These eggs can occasionally be seen in young hens coming into lay due to an immature shell gland. However, large quantities of shell-less eggs, especially in established flocks, can be an early warning sign of disease, particularly avian influenza (AI). Newcastle disease, egg-drop syndrome and IB may also be the culprits causing a lack of eggshells. It is important to test birds thoroughly and quickly if this sign is prevalent, to rule out disease as a cause. Bird age The age of the laying hen influences eggshell quality. Young point- of-lay hens will typically lay smaller, misshapen eggs due to an immature shell gland (left egg in Photo 10). Older hens tend to lay larger eggs with relatively thin shells that break or crack (Photos 4 to 6) more easily as the hen loses some of her ability to mobilise calcium from her bones with age to produce calcium carbonate for strong eggshells. Nutrition The nutritional qualities of the feed consumed by layers are important for the formation of a high-quality egg. The balance of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D3 and the complex relationship of these nutrients with the hormonal system of the layer in calcium metabolism during lay, is vital. Feeding less than recommended amounts can cause nutritional imbalances, lower egg production and lower eggshell quality. Conclusion Paying attention to eggshell quality on the farm is crucial to identifying factors that may be affecting laying hens and ultimately the success of the farm. Good nutrition plays an important role in regulating hen performance and consequently eggshell quality. However, it is important to be aware of the many factors that can affect eggshell quality on farm to be able to identify what are normal variations in eggshells and to react, and treat quickly, if variations are a cause for concern. Should you require more information relating to factors affecting eggshell quality in laying hens please contact your nearest De Heus technical specialist. Visit www.deheus.co.za/meet-our- team/ for contact details. s eggs are defined by the lack of a shell, with the albumin and yolk ected by a thin shell membrane. These eggs can occasionally be seen hens coming into lay due to an immature shell gland. However, large s of shell-less eggs, especially in established flocks, can be an early sign of disease, particularly Avian Influenza (AI). Newcastle Disease, p syndrome and IB may also be the culprits causing a lack of s. It is important to test birds thoroughly and quickly if this sign is t to rule out disease as a cause. age The age of the laying hen influences eggshell quality. Young point-of-lay hens will typically lay smaller, isshapen e gs due to an immature shell gland (see Figure 10; left). Older hens tend to lay larger ggs with relatively thin shells that break or crack (see Figure 4 - 6) more easily as the en e so e of her abili y to mobilize calcium from her bones with age to pr duce calcium carbonat for strong eggshells. ition itional qualities of the feed consumed by layers are important for the formation of a high-quality egg. nce of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D3 and the complex relationship of these nutrients with the l system of the layer in calcium metabolism during lay is vital. Feeding less than recommended can cause nutritional imbalances, lower egg production and lower eggshell quality. sion ttention to eggshell quality on the farm is cruci l to identifying factors that m y be aff cting laying hens ately the success of the farm. Good nutrition plays an important role in regulating hen performan e and ently eggshell quality. However, it is important to be aware of the many factors that can affect eggshell n farm to be able to identify what are normal variations in eggshells and to react, and treat quickly, if s are a cause for concern. ou require more information relating to factors affecting eggshell quality in laying hens please contact rest De Heus Technical Specialist - https://www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. Figure 9: Shell-less eggs in the shed e 10: Misshapen eggs 10. Shell-less ggs in the s d. Shell-less eggs are defined by the lack of a shell, with the albumin and yolk only protected by a thin shell membrane. These eggs can occasionally be seen in young hens coming into lay due to an immature shell gland. However, large quantities of shell-less eggs, especially in established flocks, can be an early warning sign of disease, particularly Avian Influenza (AI). Newcastle Disease, egg drop syndrome and IB may also be the culprits causing a lack of eggshells. It is important to t st bird thoroughly and quickly if this sign is prevalent to ru e out dis ase as a cause. 3. Bird age The age of the laying hen influences eggshell quality. Young point-of-lay hens w typically lay smaller, misshapen eggs due to an immature shell gland (see Figure 1 left). Older hens tend to lay larger eggs with relatively thin shells that break or crac (see Figure 4 - 6) more easily as the e lose some of he ability to mobiliz calcium from her bones with age to produc calcium carbonate for strong eggshells. 4. Nutrition The nutritional qualities of the feed consumed by layers are important for the formation of a high-quality eg The balance of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D3 and the complex relationship of these nutrients with t hormonal system of the layer in calcium metabolism during lay is vital. Feeding less than recommend amounts can cause nutritional imbalances, lower egg production and lower eggshell quality. Conclusion Paying attention to eggshell quality on the farm is crucial to identifying factors that may be affecting laying he and ultimately the success of the farm. Good nutrition plays an important role in regulating hen performance a consequently eggshell quality. However, it is important to be aware of the many factors that can affect eggsh quality on farm to be able to identify what are normal variations in eggshells and to react, and treat quickly, variations are a cause for concern. Should you require more information relating to factors affecting eggshell q ality in laying hens please conta your nearest De Heus Technical Specialist - https://www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. Figure 9: Shell-less eggs in the shed Figure 10: Misshapen eggs 11. Misshapen eggs. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com Autumn / Herfs 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 26