An egg serves as a centre for initial embryo development, through proper feeding and proper management practices quality egg shells can be easily attained.
Furthermore, the albumen helps to absorb egg shock while the shell gives an appropriate shape to the egg for reserving nutrients, protecting the egg content. Additionally the egg shell contains both macro and micro mineral ingredients like calcium carbonate, phosphorus, magnesium, organic matter, sodium, potassium, manganese, iron and copper.
Egg shell factors
Time and rate of calcium deposition in shell gland, the longer the time an egg spends in the shell gland the thicker the shell.
Additionally diseases, both infectious and non infectious diseases lower egg shell quality.
Furthermore age of the bird, usually egg shells weaken as the bird gets older due to inability to transport calcium from the bones.
Also drugs like sulphur medications, poor quality water inadequate feed intake also lower egg shell quality.
Egg shell maintenance
Always ensure proper housing and proper handling of eggs during collection.
Additionally ensure proper feed formulation with maize- soya diets and also add calcium grit to chicken feeds to boost calcium content.
Furthermore, provide ascorbic acid to chicken feeds for the formation of egg shells organic matrix.
Lastly, feed birds on required minerals like calcium, manganese, copper to facilitate synthesis of the shell matrix.
