The relationship between eggshell strength and egg production

The relationship between eggshell strength and egg production.

There is a significant correlation between eggshell strength and egg production, which can be comprehensively analyzed from the following aspects:

‌Genetic and Breed Differences‌
Heavy egg-laying breeds (such as Isa Brown and Lohmann Brown) typically have higher egg production (60-70 grams per egg) and superior eggshell strength compared to lighter breeds (such as Nongsan No. 3).
Selection studies show that egg production and eggshell strength are significantly positively correlated (r=0.121, P<0.05), but high-yielding hens may experience thinner eggshells due to increased calcium demand.

‌Age and Egg Production Cycle‌
‌Early laying period‌ (23-25 weeks): Eggshell strength increases with egg production, with laying rates exceeding 90%.
‌Late laying period‌ (after 50 weeks): Eggshell strength declines rapidly with age, as egg production decreases but egg weight increases, leading to thinner eggshells. Older hens (above 92 weeks) show a 2-3% reduction in eggshell strength, with a significant rise in broken egg rates.

‌Nutrition and Metabolic Regulation‌
‌Calcium-phosphorus balance‌: Dietary calcium content must be adjusted according to egg production, peaking at 3.7%-4% during peak laying. A deficiency can reduce eggshell strength by 5-10%.
‌Acidifier application‌: Adding 0.20% acidifiers significantly improves eggshell strength (P<0.05) while reducing feed-to-egg ratio and enhancing breeding efficiency.

‌Environmental and Management Factors‌
‌Heat stress‌: High temperatures (>32°C) reduce feed intake, lower blood calcium levels, and decrease eggshell strength by 15-20%, alongside a drop in egg production.
‌Light management‌: Excessive lighting (>16 hours) accelerates incomplete eggshell calcification, increasing broken egg rates and affecting sustained egg production.

‌Economic Impact Assessment‌
A decrease of 0.5 kg/cm² in eggshell strength raises broken egg rates by 1‰, resulting in annual losses of up to 1,526 yuan per 10,000 chickens.
Selecting breeding hens with eggshell strength between 5.50-6.50 kg/cm² can simultaneously improve egg production and hatchability.

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