Poultry
Layer Programme: Supporting Eggshell Quality in Late Production
Inclusion approach for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in layer diets, with focus on the late production phase.
Background
Eggshell quality typically declines as the flock ages, and calcium metabolism becomes less efficient. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 is the circulating metabolite of vitamin D3 and does not require hepatic conversion, which is why it is widely studied in late-phase layer nutrition.
Practical Recommendation
- Introduce the metabolite at the formulation stage rather than as a top-dress, to ensure uniform distribution.
- Verify mixing uniformity with a defined sampling plan before full-scale use.
- Review the calcium and available phosphorus balance in the same formulation cycle.
- Record eggshell thickness, specific gravity and crack percentage over a defined observation window.
Observed Benefits
- Improved eggshell thickness and specific gravity reported in published layer trials
- Reduced cracked egg percentage observed under controlled farm conditions
- Supports calcium utilisation efficiency in late-phase flocks
Observations are drawn from published trials and internal farm data. Actual results depend on flock status, diet composition and management conditions.
