The intermittent feeding of particulate calcium to choice-fed laying hens

Abstract

The use of the intermittent feeding of coarse shellgrit, as a calcium source, was examined in a series of experiments to determine the ability of the laying hen to adjust her calcium intake when denied access to her calcium source for fixed periods extending over several days. The intermittent feeding of shellgrit to laying hens was investigated as a potential means of reducing the problem of calcium separation in feeding systems to laying hens. The problem of the separation of feed ingredients in all types of long feeding systems in modern poultry housing has been recognised since the practice of providing complete, ground rations to layers commenced. This problem was highlighted in a review by Belyavin (1994). ... Hens provided with shellgrit every three or four days produced wet, formless excreta which is a problem for the practical storage and disposal of excreta in modern housing. There was a trend towards marginally lower energy utilisation of the diet selected by hens provided with shellgrit on an intermittent basis. The use of an intermittent supply of a particulate calcium source may provide a possible method of overcoming the problem of calcium separation in modern feeding systems. A rapid visual check of the levels and evenness of distribution of a coarse calcium source allows the producer to be fully cogniscent of calcium availability to his hens.