Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati517502, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Two experiments using WL layers were conducted. In the first experiment, the diets contained 11 and 33 g Ca/kg. Shell grit was fed free choice to the birds on 11g Ca/kg diet. In the second experiment, the dietary Ca concentrations were 12, 36 and 48 g/kg with and without supplemental shell grit.
Shell grit intake was inversely related to dietary Ca content of 12 and 36 g/kg. On diet containing the highest Ca (48 g/kg) also, the shell grit intake was observed. Egg production on both the dietary regimen in experiment I was similar. In experiment II, however, egg production improved on.increasing the Ca content from 12 to 36 or 48 g/kg or on provision of supplemental shell grit to the diet with the lowest Ca level (12 g/kg). Egg shell thickness was better on diets providing higher levels of Ca than on diet supplying 12 g Ca/kg. Feed intake, feed/egg, egg weight and body weight remained unaffected by dietary regimen.
Calcium appetite existing in birds was not useful to save feed. The Ca requirement for WL layers did not appear to be more than 36 g/kg
