In practical applications, different particle sizes of feed-grade shell powder are selected mainly based on the growth stage and physiological needs of laying poultry. The following are the practical applications of shell powder with particle sizes of 0-2mm, 1-3mm, and 1-5mm, as well as the differences in the types of laying poultry it is fed to:
0-2mm Shell Powder
Practical Application: This fine-particle shell powder has a fast digestion and absorption rate, mainly used to meet the rapid calcium supplementation needs of laying poultry. It is suitable for use during the chick stage of laying poultry or the peak egg-laying period. In the chick stage, the fine-particle shell powder is easier to be digested and absorbed, which helps the rapid development and growth of chicks' bones. For hens in the peak egg-laying period, the demand for calcium is relatively high, and the 0-2mm shell powder can quickly release calcium ions to meet the needs of eggshell formation.
Types of Laying Poultry for Feeding: Suitable for the chick stage of various laying poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese, quails, and pigeons, as well as laying hens and laying ducks in the peak egg-laying period. For example, adding 0-2mm shell powder to the feed of Ruddy King Quails can effectively meet their sensitive demand for calcium and reduce the occurrence of soft-shelled eggs.
1-3mm Shell Powder
Practical Application: The 1-3mm shell powder has a moderate particle size. It can not only play a certain grinding role in the gizzard of laying poultry to help digest feed but also provide a relatively continuous calcium source. It is a commonly used particle size specification in laying poultry feed. It can provide a stable calcium supply for adult laying poultry during their daily growth and egg-laying process, maintaining the quality and strength of eggshells.
Types of Laying Poultry for Feeding: Widely applicable to common adult laying poultry such as laying hens, laying ducks, and laying geese. It is one of the ideal calcium sources for these laying poultry in non-special physiological stages. For instance, adding 1-3mm shell powder to the daily feed of laying hens can increase the eggshell strength by 40% and reduce the soft egg rate to below 1%.
1-5mm Shell Powder
Practical Application: The 1-5mm shell powder stays in the digestive tract of laying poultry for a longer time and can release calcium slowly. It is especially suitable for use in the late egg-laying period of laying poultry. As the egg-laying time of laying poultry extends, their ability to absorb and utilize calcium may decrease. The coarse-particle 1-5mm shell powder can release calcium more persistently in the intestinal tract, which helps maintain the quality of eggshells and reduce the eggshell breakage rate.
Types of Laying Poultry for Feeding: Mainly suitable for laying hens and laying ducks in the late egg-laying period. It can also be used for some waterfowl with relatively strong digestive systems that can adapt to larger particle feed, such as geese. For example, adding 1-5mm shell powder to the feed of laying ducks in the late egg-laying period can effectively improve the eggshell quality and reduce the proportion of soft-shelled eggs and broken-shelled eggs.
