EGGSHELL AS CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT- AN IMPORTANT POULTRY BY PRODUCT

Getting enough dietary calcium is easy for most people. However, others do not meet their daily requirements because of restrictive diets, low food intake or food shortage. For these people, cheap sources of calcium like eggshells may prove useful. Not to mention, using eggshells as a source of calcium supplement is also an excellent way to reduce your kitchen waste, even by just a little bit.

This article takes a look at the risks and benefits of eggshell supplements.

An eggshell is the hard, outer covering of an egg. It consists mostly of calcium carbonate, a common form of calcium. The rest is made up of protein and other minerals. Calcium is an essential mineral that is abundant in many foods, including dairy products. Lower amounts are also found in many leafy and root vegetables. In the past decades, eggshell powder processed from hen eggs has been used as a natural calcium supplement. Eggshells are roughly 40% calcium.

Egg shell Powder Is an Effective Calcium Supplement

Eggshells consist of calcium carbonate, along with small amounts of protein and other organic compounds. Calcium carbonate is the most common form of calcium in nature, making up seashells, coral reefs and limestone. It is also the cheapest and most widely available form of calcium in supplements.

So Why Are We Discussing Eggshells today?

Well friends you see, to avoid the breakage of eggs before reaching market, the eggshells need to be as strong as possible. The strength of eggshells is mainly determined by the percentage of calcium carbonate in it. Strong shells matter because they impact egg safety. Strong eggshells are better able to keep bacteria out. One way to help keep eggs safe is by feeding hens a layer feed for shell strength.

Sunny side up, over easy or hard boiled? Think about the last time you made eggs. Did the shell break in a crisp, perfect line or was the crack more of a crumble and shatter? If it was the first, your eggshells are strong and protective. If it was the second, your backyard hens could use a calcium boost. Strong shells are an important part of egg safety. When we raise backyard chickens, we are ultimately producing a consumable food product: farm fresh eggs. As flock raisers, it’s our responsibility to produce eggs as safely as we can. One way to help keep eggs safe is by feeding hens for shell strength. Strong shells help keep bacteria out and eggs protected.

The Bottom Line

Eggshells are not only one of the cheapest sources of calcium — they also appear to be among the most effective. If you have a hard time meeting your calcium requirements or if you suffer from osteoporosis, homemade eggshell powder is an effective and inexpensive alternative to commercial supplements. In fact, studies show that eggshell calcium is well absorbed and may strengthen the bones of people with osteoporosis. Preparing eggshell powder at home is easy. After boiling and drying the shells, you can crush them with a pestle and mortar and mix the powder with water or add it to food.

Studies in rats and piglets confirm that eggshells are a rich calcium source. Moreover, they are absorbed as effectively as pure calcium carbonate. In addition to calcium and protein, eggshells also contain small amounts of other minerals, including strontium, fluoride, magnesium and selenium. Just like calcium, these minerals may play a role in bone health.

 

Quick Activity Using Regular Eggshell at Home

When you make your breakfast eggs, save the eggshells! We can hear you asking: “What? Why?” The answer is they are a great addition to your bird-feeding program. Many different species eat crushed eggshells both for the calcium they provide to nesting females and for use as grit in the food-digesting process in the gizzards of seed- and insect-eating birds. Rinse out your eggshells, place them in a metal tray in an oven set at 325 degrees. Bake the shells for 20 to 30 minutes to kill off any bacteria from the domestic chickens that laid them, then crush the shells and spread them on a flat, open surface such as a sidewalk, driveway, deck railing, low roof, or patch of bare soil. Swallows, martins, sparrows, finches, bluebirds, and other backyard birds will visit this new offering. Many species, including tree swallows, eat crushed eggshells both for calcium and for use as grit.

Let’s See What We Have in Store for You

So now that we have understood the role of calcium in the development of egg shells, let us understand certain other phenomenon from a different perspective. Calcium is the major constituent of eggshell. In conjunction with other vital Vitamins & minerals, Calcium plays a crucial role in development of eggshell and skeletal system in birds. High amount of Calcium and Phosphorus are utilized during growth, reproduction, development of musculoskeletal system and eggshell formation. Our signature product Caltiara powder has been developed for this purpose itself. It has a unique formulation that brings in multiple different advantages as under.

• Ensures bioavailability of Calcium & Phosphorus in balanced amount.
• Improves mineral absorption and calcification of bones
• Improves immunity in layers.
• Improves eggshell quality and strength
• Improves hatchability
• Improves Feed Conversion Ration (FCR)

Given we have been discussing extensively about this, we would like to bring out to light some of the common Calcium and Phosphorus deficiency in birds that lead to the following:

• Skeletal abnormalities including rickets
• Tibial dyschondroplasia
• Lameness
• Increased morbidity and mortality
• Thin shelled and leathery eggs
• Poor productivity

You can click here to know more about our other products across various categories. Some of these would belong to the Caltiara family itself such as the Caltiara Liquid, Caltiara Forte Suspension and Caltiara DB Injection. Each one of these addresses a specific concern about our beloved animals. Also feel free to drop in your thoughts in the comment section below. Till then, stay safe and keep loving both mammals and animals.

Disclaimer

Please note that our product is packed with closure safety. Do not use the medicine if seal is Broken. Our products are meant for export use only. One must follow their local veterinarian’s instructions and dosage prescribed. Shake well before use. To get the best utility out of our products one must Store in Cool and Dry Place (suggested in between 15 Degree C to 30 Degree C), Protect from light and do not freeze.