Alternative Calcium Source Effects on
Commercial Egg Production and Quality

K  Pelícia; EA  Garcia; MRS  Scherer; C  Móri; JA  Dalanezi; ABG  Faitarone; AB  Molino; DA  Berto

Alternative Calcium Source Effects on Commercial Egg Production and Quality

Autores

Editor

Fundação APINCO de Ciência e Tecnologia Avícolas

Descripción

This study aimed at verifying the possibility of replacing calcitic limestone by marine calcium in the diet of layers. A total number of 321 Hi-sex hens, with 40 weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment, was used. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, with 5 treatments (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 % of calcitic limestone replacement by marine calcium source) and eight replicates of eight birds each. Treatments significantly affected specific gravity (p<0.05), with the inclusion of 60% marine calcium (T5) presenting the worst result as compared to T1, which included only calcitic limestone as calcium source. It was concluded that marine calcium can replace up to 45% of calcitic limestone with no effects on performance or egg quality.