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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2025

In Ovo Feeding of Commercial Broiler Eggs: An Accurate and Reproducible Method to Affect Muscle Development and Growth

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Pre-cecal calcium digestibility of eggshell products in broilers.

J van Harn¹, J W Spek¹, P Bikker¹

¹Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Livestock Research. PO Box 338 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Poultry Science

|April 7, 2025

Summary

Eggshells are a viable calcium source for broilers, showing digestibility comparable to limestone. This study evaluated various eggshell products, confirming their potential to enhance circularity in food production and reduce waste.

Keywords:

Broiler Calcium digestibility Consumption eggs Egg shells Hatchery eggs

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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.