Sodium requirement for broiler breeder hens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Avian Physiology

Background:

• Sodium (Na) is an essential mineral for poultry, impacting numerous physiological functions.
• Inadequate Na intake can negatively affect egg production and overall hen health.
• Establishing precise Na requirements is vital for efficient poultry farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the daily sodium (Na) requirement for Arbor Acres hens.
• To evaluate the impact of varying Na intakes on egg production and plasma electrolyte levels.
• To identify Na levels supporting maximum egg production and egg mass.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted with Arbor Acres hens over 9 and 12 weeks.
• Dietary sodium chloride was supplemented to provide daily intakes ranging from 35 to 180 mg/hen.
• Egg production, egg mass, and plasma sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels were monitored.

Main Results:

• Egg production significantly decreased at 35 mg Na/d and by week 7 at 65 mg Na/d.
• Plasma Na levels decreased, while plasma K levels increased at low Na intakes (35 and 65 mg/d).
• The daily Na requirement for maximum production was estimated at 113.8 mg (Exp 1) and 96 mg (Exp 2).
• The daily Na requirement for egg mass was estimated at 105 mg (Exp 1) and 100 mg (Exp 2).

Conclusions:

• The optimal daily sodium (Na) requirement for Arbor Acres hens is between 96 and 114 mg for maximum production and egg mass.
• Low sodium diets significantly impair egg production and alter plasma electrolyte balance.
• These findings provide valuable insights for formulating poultry diets to meet Na needs.