Pre-cecal calcium digestibility of eggshell products in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Poultry Science
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Calcium is crucial for broiler development and bone health.
• Eggshell waste presents an opportunity for sustainable nutrient sourcing.
• Evaluating alternative calcium sources is essential for efficient poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the pre-cecal digestibility of calcium (pcdCa) in various eggshell products.
• To compare the efficacy of eggshell products as calcium sources against limestone in broiler diets.
• To assess the contribution of eggshells to circular food production.

Main Methods:

• A broiler study involving 360 birds from day 15 to 23.
• Six experimental diets were formulated: basal, limestone-supplemented, and four eggshell-supplemented diets.
• Pre-cecal digestibility of calcium was calculated using the WPSA protocol, adapted for calcium.

Main Results:

• All eggshell products and limestone improved performance and tibia characteristics compared to the low-calcium basal diet.
• Pre-cecal Ca digestibility values were: limestone (105%), hatchery egg shells fine (103%), hatchery egg shells coarse (97%), consumption egg products press (95%), and consumption egg products centrifuge (96%).
• No significant differences were observed between coarse eggshell products, and fine particle eggshells showed similar digestibility to limestone.

Conclusions:

• Hatchery and consumption eggshells exhibit similar pre-cecal calcium digestibility in broiler diets.
• Fine particle eggshells demonstrate comparable calcium digestibility to limestone.
• Utilizing eggshells as a calcium source supports circular food production and waste reduction.