Poultry, such as chickens and ducks, do not have teeth, which means they rely on a gizzard to grind their food. During the early growth stages of chicks and ducklings, it is common to add 0.5% to 1% of fine powder (or sand as an alternative) to their feed. This substance helps in the mechanical grinding of food in the gizzard, aiding in better digestion and nutrient absorption. As hens and ducks reach their laying period, they typically produce one egg per day. The primary component of eggshells is calcium carbonate, which means that their diet must be rich in calcium to support this process.
Limestone powder, which is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, is widely used in poultry feed due to its low cost and availability. It serves as the main source of calcium for egg production. To meet the peak demand during laying, limestone powder should be added at a rate of 8% to 9%. However, if egg production decreases, the amount of limestone powder should be adjusted accordingly to avoid over-supplementation.
It's important to note that during the laying period, limestone powder in the feed should not be replaced by sand. Sand lacks the necessary calcium content and cannot fulfill the nutritional requirements of laying hens and ducks.
In summary, the calcium needs of poultry vary depending on their growth stage and egg-laying performance. Long-term overuse or underuse of limestone powder can lead to serious health issues. Excess calcium may result in conditions like gout, while insufficient calcium can cause soft bones, weakness, fractures, thin-shelled eggs, or even a higher number of broken eggs. Therefore, proper calcium management is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of poultry.
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