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Influence of Calcium on Energy Consumption and Egg Weight of Commercial Leghorns

Poultry Science Department, 341 Animal Sciences Building, Auburn University, AL 36849-5416; Phone: (205) 844-2605; FAX: (205) 844-2641

Correspondence: David A. Roland, Sr.

Several studies have demonstrated the influence of dietary calcium level on feed and energy intake. Because egg size is influenced by feed or energy intake, two experiments were conducted to determine if egg size can be increased by feeding diets marginal to deficient in calcium. Hens were fed six levels of calcium ranging from 2.5 to 4.5% in isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (Experiment 1) and in diets not isocaloric and isonitrogenous (Experiment 2). Results indicated that as dietary calcium level decreased, egg specific gravity decreased and feed consumption and/or energy consumption increased. However, the increased energy consumption had no effect on egg weight or production. Because there were no adverse effects from feeding higher levels of dietary calcium and there were adverse effects (reduced egg specific gravity and increased feed cost) from feeding low dietary calcium levels, it was concluded that the increased feed and/or energy intake of hens fed the lower calcium levels was not beneficial. Therefore, poultry growers should end the practice of feeding marginal dietary calcium levels to stimulate feed and/or energy intake.

Key Words: Calcium • egg production • egg weight • energy • feed consumption

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