Abstract
For eggshell fortification, oyster shell is added to layer diet. In this study, to elucidate the effects of oyster shell supplement in commercial diets on feed intake, laying performance cracked egg frequency and profit, this supplement was added throughout and during peak and late periods of egg production using Single Comb White Leghorn hens at 20 to 88 weeks of age.
Feed intake and egg mass were not influenced, but the incidence of cracked and shell-less eggs during peek production was slightly lessened by oyster shell supplementation. After 61 weeks of age, the incidence of cracked and shell-less eggs was noted to have increased with the supplementation. Profits were not significantly influenced, though there was slight decreased.
The supplement may thus be concluded to have no effect, particularly so after 61 weeks of age in the economical point of view.
