Zinc methionine for stressed laying hens.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Avian Physiology

Background:

• Dietary calcium is crucial for egg production and quality in laying hens.
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as low calcium, can induce physiological stress in poultry.
• Trace mineral supplementation is a common strategy to enhance poultry performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of zinc methionine product (ZP) supplementation on egg production and quality in Single Comb White Leghorn hens.
• To determine if ZP can mitigate negative effects of dietary stress, specifically low calcium, on hen performance.

Main Methods:

• Single Comb White Leghorn hens were supplemented with zinc methionine product (ZP) across three consecutive laying cycles.
• A low dietary calcium (0.3% Ca) stress period of one month was introduced during the third cycle.
• Egg production (number and size) and hen performance were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• ZP supplementation showed minimal effects during normal laying cycles but significantly improved egg production during low calcium stress (1 g ZP/kg).
• During the recovery phase post-low calcium stress, hens receiving 2 g ZP/kg exhibited the highest egg production.
• Zinc methionine product (ZP) supplementation appeared to help maintain egg size during the low calcium stress period.

Conclusions:

• Zinc methionine product (ZP) demonstrates a beneficial role for laying hens, particularly under nutritional stress like low dietary calcium.
• ZP supplementation can aid in maintaining egg production and size during and after periods of physiological challenge.
• Further research may explore optimal ZP dosages for different stress scenarios in poultry.