Researchers have discovered a novel way to improve the performance and well-being of older laying hens – by replacing inorganic mineral supplements with amino acid-complexed minerals (AACM) in their diet. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the poultry industry, as aging hens often face challenges like reduced nutrient absorption, increased stress, and weaker bones, leading to declining egg production and quality.
The study, led by a team of scientists from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco in Brazil, found that replacing just 40% of the standard inorganic mineral supplements with AACM resulted in several key benefits. Hens fed the AACM-supplemented diet produced more eggs, with thicker eggshells and higher bone density in their tibias. This suggests the AACM formula was better absorbed and utilized by the aging hens, supporting their overall health and productivity.
The researchers believe the stability and enhanced bioavailability of the AACM minerals, compared to inorganic sources, play a crucial role in these improvements. By protecting the minerals from dietary antagonists and facilitating better absorption, the AACM supplements were able to more effectively meet the heightened nutritional needs of the older laying hens. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for supporting the long-term performance and welfare of commercial egg-laying flocks. Laying hens, eggshells, and bones are all crucial components of a successful poultry operation.
Addressing the Challenges of Aging Laying Hens
As laying hens grow older, they face a number of physiological challenges that can compromise their performance and overall well-being. These include reduced nutrient absorption, elevated stress levels from long-term confinement, increased mineral requirements to maintain egg size, and the onset of osteoporosis due to the high demand for minerals to form eggshells.
Nutrient Absorption and Mineral Needs
Older hens often experience declines in their ability to efficiently absorb essential minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and selenium from their diet. These trace minerals play critical roles in bone metabolism, enzyme function, hormone regulation, immune system health, and other vital processes. As a result, hens may require higher supplementation levels to meet their needs, but excessive mineral intake can also be detrimental.
Eggshell Quality and Bone Health
The depletion of essential trace minerals can have a significant impact on eggshell quality and bone health in aging laying hens. Thinner eggshells are more prone to cracking and breakage, which can lead to economic losses for producers. Additionally, the gradual loss of bone density, known as osteoporosis, increases the risk of keel bone fractures – a major welfare concern in commercial egg production.
Enhancing Mineral Bioavailability with Amino Acid Complexes
To address these challenges, the researchers investigated the use of amino acid-complexed minerals (AACM) as an alternative to traditional inorganic mineral (IM) supplements in the diets of aging laying hens. The key advantage of AACM is their enhanced bioavailability and stability compared to IM sources.
Unlike inorganic minerals, which can form insoluble complexes with dietary components like phytate and compete for absorption pathways, the AACM minerals are protected by their amino acid ligands. This allows for more efficient uptake and utilization by the hens, potentially reducing the required supplementation levels.
Evaluating the Impact of AACM Supplementation
The researchers conducted a comprehensive study involving 400 Lohmann White laying hens aged 78-98 weeks. The hens were divided into four dietary treatment groups:
1. Control group: Received a diet containing only inorganic mineral (IM) sources.
2. AACM70: 70% of the IM mineral levels were replaced with AACM.
3. AACM50: 50% of the IM mineral levels were replaced with AACM.
4. AACM40: 40% of the IM mineral levels were replaced with AACM.
The researchers then evaluated the impact of these dietary treatments on the hens’ performance, egg quality, bone characteristics, and intestinal health.
Improved Egg Production and Quality
The results of the study were quite remarkable. Hens fed the AACM40 diet exhibited a 7% higher egg production rate compared to the control group. They also laid eggs that were 1.7% heavier on average, resulting in a 9.7% increase in total egg mass.
Importantly, the AACM40 hens produced the thickest eggshells, with a 4.2% improvement over the control group. Eggshell thickness is a crucial factor in determining the strength and resistance to cracking or breakage, which can have significant economic implications for egg producers.
Enhanced Bone Health and Intestinal Integrity
The benefits of the AACM supplements extended beyond just egg production and quality. The researchers also found that hens receiving the AACM40 diet exhibited higher bone density in the medial segment of their tibias, a 21% improvement over the control group.
Analyses of the hens’ intestinal morphology revealed that the AACM40 diet also supported healthier intestinal structures, with increased villus height and width, as well as a higher villus-to-crypt ratio in the ileum. These changes indicate improved nutrient absorption and gut function, which can further contribute to the overall health and productivity of the laying hens.
Implications and Future Directions
The findings of this study have significant implications for the poultry industry. By replacing a portion of the standard inorganic mineral supplements with amino acid-complexed minerals, producers can potentially improve the performance and well-being of their aging laying flocks.
The enhanced bioavailability and stability of the AACM minerals appear to be the key factors driving the observed improvements in egg production, eggshell quality, bone density, and intestinal health. This suggests that carefully formulated AACM supplements could be a valuable tool for supporting the nutritional needs of older hens and mitigating the challenges associated with long-term egg production.
Further research is needed to refine the optimal inclusion levels of AACM and explore its potential synergies with other feed additives, such as phytase enzymes. Additionally, investigating the specific mechanisms by which AACM influences bone metabolism, intestinal morphology, and reproductive performance could lead to even more targeted nutritional strategies for aging laying hens.
Overall, this study highlights the promise of amino acid-complexed minerals as a novel approach to enhancing the productivity and welfare of commercial egg-laying operations, particularly as hens reach their golden years.
This article is based on research by Marcos J B Santos, Carlos B V Rabello, Jamille S S Wanderley, Maria C M M Ludke, Mércia R Barros, Fabiano S Costa, Clariana S Santos, Alba K Fireman.
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