Improving Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens | ShellBoost Pro

Supporting Eggshell Quality Throughout the Laying Cycle

For every egg producer, eggshell quality has a direct impact on profitability. Cracked eggs, shell defects, and breakage during collection, transport, and grading all result in economic losses that cannot be recovered. Maintaining strong eggshells and consistent shell quality throughout the entire laying cycle is therefore essential for maximizing egg production performance and reducing downgraded eggs.

Why Does Eggshell Quality Decline in Laying Hens?

As laying hens age, their ability to absorb and utilize calcium efficiently gradually decreases. This natural physiological change makes older flocks more vulnerable to eggshell quality problems, even when dietary calcium levels remain unchanged.

Modern high producing layers also have exceptionally high calcium requirements. Every eggshell contains approximately 2 grams of calcium, which must be absorbed, transported, and deposited at precisely the right moment during shell formation. When calcium intake, calcium absorption, or calcium utilization becomes suboptimal, eggshell strength is often one of the first production parameters affected.

Several external factors can further contribute to poor eggshell quality:

·        Heat stress

·        Reduced feed intake

·        Gut health challenges

·        Mineral imbalances

·        Disruptions in feeding programs

·        Disease pressure

These factors may impair calcium metabolism and increase the risk of thin shells, cracked eggs, shell defects, and egg breakage.

Eggshell Formation: Looking Beyond Calcium Levels

An eggshell consists primarily of calcium carbonate, but producing a strong shell requires much more than simply supplying enough calcium in the diet. To build a strong shell, hens must first absorb calcium efficiently from the digestive tract. Next, the calcium needs to be transported and mobilised at the right time to support shell formation.

For successful eggshell formation, laying hens must:

1.      Efficiently absorb calcium from the digestive tract.

2.      Store and mobilize calcium reserves when needed.

3.      Transport calcium to the shell gland at the correct time.

4.      Maintain optimal vitamin and mineral metabolism.

5.      Support the biological processes involved in shell mineralization.

Factors such as gut health, vitamin D metabolism, blood pH balance, and nutrient availability all influence calcium utilization and ultimately determine shell quality .

As hens progress through their laying cycle, the efficiency of these physiological processes can decline. As a result, eggshell quality may deteriorate despite adequate dietary calcium levels.

This is why modern poultry nutrition focuses not only on calcium supply but also on improving calcium absorption, calcium availability, and calcium utilization throughout the eggshell formation process.

By addressing these factors simultaneously, producers can help laying hens maintain stronger shells, particularly during the later stages of production when shell quality challenges are most common.

ShellBoost Pro: Advanced Support for Eggshell Quality

To help poultry producers maintain eggshell quality throughout the laying cycle, Champrix developed ShellBoost Pro. This scientifically formulated feed additive combines carefully selected ingredients that work together to support calcium availability, calcium utilisation, gut health and overall shell formation.

·        Calcium Carbonate – Calcium building block for shells.

·        Hy D – Improves calcium mobilization and absorption.

·        Butyric Acid – Enhances gut health for better nutrient uptake.

·        Sodium Bicarbonate – Buffers blood pH for optimal calcium metabolism.

·        Vitamin E Equivalent – Antioxidant protection for intestinal integrity.

·        Citric Acid – Chelates calcium for increased bioavailability.

By supporting multiple physiological processes involved in shell formation, ShellBoost Pro helps laying hens maintain stronger and more consistent shells throughout the laying cycle.

The Result: Stronger Eggshells and Better Production Performance

Maintaining eggshell quality is not simply a matter of providing more calcium. As laying hens age and production demands remain high, the efficiency of calcium absorption, mobilisation, and utilisation becomes increasingly important.

A nutritional strategy that supports the entire eggshell formation process can help hens maintain stronger, more consistent shells throughout the laying cycle, reducing losses and supporting long term flock performance.

ShellBoost Pro is developed with exactly this objective in mind: helping laying hens make better use of available nutrients to support eggshell quality when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggshell Quality

What causes poor eggshell quality in laying hens?
Poor eggshell quality can be caused by inadequate calcium utilization, heat stress, low feed intake, gut health issues, disease challenges, aging flocks, or imbalances in vitamin and mineral nutrition.

Why do eggshells become weaker as hens get older?
Older laying hens generally absorb and utilize calcium less efficiently, making them more susceptible to thin shells, cracks, and other shell quality defects.

How can eggshell quality be improved?
Improving eggshell quality requires more than increasing calcium levels. Supporting calcium absorption, gut health, mineral metabolism, and shell formation processes can help maintain stronger eggshells throughout the laying cycle.

What is ShellBoost Pro?

ShellBoost Pro is a poultry feed additive developed by Champrix to support eggshell quality through improved calcium utilization, gut health support, and optimisation of the eggshell formation process.

Looking to Improve Eggshell Quality?

Contact our team to discover what ShellBoost Pro can do for your operation.