A Systems Approach to Egg Shell Quality Assurance

1
DINATEC Diversified Nutri-Agri Technologies Inc.
Presents
Ovum Plus
A Systems Approach to Egg Shell Quality Assurance
2
WHAT IS Ovum Plus
A nutrient supplement for stressed and/or older
laying hens of all types including light and
heavy breeder hens.
A unique combination of organic minerals,
vitamins, cultured material and other
technologies that make Ovum Plus a great
investment .
A nutritional supplement that provides the extra
nutrients that stressed and/or older hens need
for egg shell formation.
OVUM - PLUSs success story is it gets the trace
minerals, organic minerals, vitamins and other
important nutrients to the hen and helps her
with shell formation.
3
Ovum Plus is not just another Calcium source
Even though Ovum Plus contains between 19-21
Calcium, it is not technically deigned to
function as a direct source of Calcium.
Ovum Plus works in both a direct and indirect
mode of action.
The increase of Calcium and /or Phosphorous
levels alone will not have an impact in improving
egg shell quality (Kashavarz and Nakajima,
1993).
This available Calcium in Ovum Plus is
nonetheless a valuable component given that we
know Calcium makes up between 38-40 of the
eggshell by weight, (Between 2.2-2.4 grams per
egg).
An absolute Calcium value by itself is not
enough.
4
HOW MUCH CLCIUM IS ENOUGH CALCIUM?
Extensive studies have been conducted to
determine optimal Calcium levels for the
formation of egg shells (Keshavarz, 1995).
Physiological changes in the hen should be the
main criteria for varying Calcium levels from one
type of formulation, for example grower, to
another type say layer.
Consideration must be given to adequate residence
time in the digestive system of the adequate
Calcium levels.
The conclusion is that a Calcium level of
3.75-4.00 grams is required daily for optimal egg
shell formation.
5
THE EGG SHELL GLAND
After the secretion of the shell membrane, the
shell is formed in the shell gland.
This process requires anywhere from between 19-20
hours, (Austic and Nesheim, 1990).
We have technically positioned Ovum Plus to
perform in a higher realm of both direct and
indirect physiological activity.
6
OVUM PLUS AND PROTEINATED MINERALS
One of the most important technical contributions
of Ovum Plus is based on its unique combination
of proteinated minerals.
These proteinated minerals can be absorbed at
much higher levels that the inorganic
counterparts.
This facilitates the Calcium transport system
from the digestive system to the skeletal system
and from the skeletal system to the shell forming
gland.
7
This improvement in Ca transport is accomplished
in several ways.   1.            At higher
absorption levels less minerals are needed and
therefore less competition for adsorption sites
of the various competing minerals.
  2.            Some inorganic minerals, for
example Zinc, are not readily absorbed by the hen
and therefore can result in reduced, impaired or
no enzymatic activity for the related
co-dependant enzymes.   3.            Minerals
that are enabled in the hens physiology are then
able to activate codependent chemical processes,
(enzymatic transformation)
8
Zinc Proteinate
Example of one of the functionalities of Ovum
Plus via one of many organic minerals Zinc
Proteinate.
This is a brief discussion of one of the
functionalities of Ovum Plus. We will not discuss
all of them here for proprietary reasons.
In addition to Calcium ions, the shell gland
requires the presence of Carbonate ions in the
glandular fluid in sufficient quantities so that
the required egg shell component, Calcium
Carbonate can be formed.
As we know, Calcium Carbonate is an important
component of the egg shell, (Autic and Nesheim,
1990).
9
How can Ovum Plus help in this situation?
Calcium Carbonate deficiencies are one of the
main culprits in relationship to the problems
associated with egg shell quality, (Balnave,
1996).
One of the most critical sources for Carbonate
ions for egg shell formation is the carbon
dioxide produced during normal cellular
metabolism in the shell forming gland or from the
blood of the hen.
The enzyme Carbonic anhydrase plays a significant
role in egg shell formation, ( Belnave, 1192 and
1996).
This enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the
formation of bicarbonate ions from carbon dioxide
and water.
10
This enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the
formation of bicarbonate ions from carbon dioxide
and water.
The activity or lack thereof of this enzyme will
therefore affect egg shell quality.
The above gives us an understanding of the
important role played by Carbonic anhydrase in
egg shell formation.
The fact that Zinc is a co-dependant factor for
this enzyme gives an an idea of the importance of
the bio-availability of this mineral for this
crucial task.
11
Calcium will compete for absorption sites with
Zinc, Copper and Manganese. This is why formulas
that are excessively high in Calcium can
indirectly inhibit the Carbonic anhydrase enzyme
due to their competition for absorption sites
with Zinc.
To further aggravate this problem, it has been
demonstrated that inorganic Zinc is not absorbed
very well by the hen whereas good quality
organic, (proteinated) Zinc is (Lowe, 1990).
Lowe, demonstrated that Zinc obtained from
inorganic sources has an antagonistic effect to
the effect of Calcium which ultimately interferes
with Zinc absorption itself, (Lowe, 1996).
Proteinated Zinc is absorbed at a much higher
level than inorganic Zinc sources even in the
presence of high levels of Calcium (Lowe, 1996).
12
Studies show an improvement in egg shell quality
as measured in terms of egg shell strength,
specific gravity and shell thickness in
conjunction with the use of specific high quality
forms of proteinated Zinc at the correct ratio.
13
References Austic, R.E. and M.C. Nesheim. 1990.
In Poultry Production. 13th Edition. Lea
Febiger. Philadelphia, London. Pp 47-55. Balnave,
D. 1996. Carbonate limitation as a cause of poor
egg shell quality. In Arkansas Nutrition
Conference Proceedings of the Meeting. September
10-12. Balnave, D., N. Usayyran El-Khatib and D.
Zhang. 1992. Poultry Sci. 712035-2040 (as cited
by Balnave, 1996). Keshavarz, K. 1995. An
overview of calcium and phosphorous nutrition of
growing pullets and laying hens. In Proceedings
of the Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed
manufacturers. October 24-26, Rochester N.Y. pp.
161-170. Klecker, D., L. Zeman and J.
Gomez-Basauri. 1997. Influence of trace mineral
proteinate supplementation on eggshell quality.
Presented at Southern Poultry Science, January
20, Atlanta, GA. Lowe, J.A. 1996. An
investigation into the metabolism of supplemental
protected zinc with reference to the use of
isotopes.
14
EGG SHELL IMPROVEMENT AND RECUPERATION TECHNOLOGY

• Thin, weak, rough, poor textured shells cause
  a great economic loss.

• The percentage of cracked eggs at the grading
  stations for most operations will range between
  5-8.

• This problem is further exacerbated by the fact
  that during the washing and grading processes
  more eggs are broken.

• This 5-8 cracked eggs as the result of poor
  eggshell quality and faulty handling by the
  producer, will have a projected annual loss of
  at least US25,000 for every 100,000 hens in
  production.

15
? Shell quality problems usually occur during
times of stress and/or as the hen becomes older.
It is thought that stressed and/or older hens do
not absorb the nutrients needed for shell
formation as well as younger hens.
? Hence, older hens respond to supplemental
feeding of nutrients to improve shell quality.
? OVUM - PLUS can be mixed in the feed to help
reduce losses from undergrades and cracked eggs.
16
CAUSES OF CRACKED EGGS
Genetics Some genetic strains of birds have the
ability to produce eggs with better shells.
However, as strains are bred and selected for
better egg production, there is a tendency toward
a reduction in eggshell quality.
Position of Egg Within a Clutch
The first eggs of a clutch possess better shell
quality than those laid later in clutch.
As high producing hens must have longer clutches,
the correlation between clutch length and poorer
shell quality is obvious.
This problem cannot be addressed through normal
nutritional practices as doing so would entail
gearing formulas for the weaker eggs which would
be costly.
Ovum Plus can be helpful for a top-laying hen
during peak production.
17
WHY EGGS CRACK
Length of Lay The longer the period of egg
production, the poorer the shell quality becomes.
This has to do with the hens inability to
transport the needed nutrients for eggshell
formation as she gets older.
Temperature The higher the environmental
temperature, the poorer the quality of the
eggshells. When high temperatures occur at the
end of the laying period, both factors work to
decrease shell quality. At these particular
instances, it is of foremost importance to give
the older stressed hen as much help as possible.
Disease Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis
Newcastle have a marked effect on shell quality.
Eggshell Breaking Strength Good shell quality
requires from 6 to 8 lbs. of pressure to break
the eggs. Poor shell quality only 5 lbs.
Normally, eggs laid at the end of the laying
period will break with 5 lbs. or less of
pressure.
18
How to Reduce Egg Breakage
Reducing the number of cracked and lost eggs
should be a real important project for all
poultry farms. The first step is to determine
what the present breakage is, and then start a
campaign to reduce it. Keeping detailed records
and plotting the progress on graph paper is a
very helpful and needed tool. Lets list some of
the methods we can use in order to reduce the
incidence of cracked and lost eggs1
1 North, Mack O. 1972. Commercial Chicken
Production Manual, The Avi Publishing Company,
INC., pgs. 277-278.
19
HOW TO REDUCE EGG BREAKAGE
Genetics Some strains of egg-type layers produce
a higher percentage of cracked eggs. Make a
judicious choice when selecting the genetic
supplier.
Egg Handling Handle eggs more carefully at the
end of the laying period.
Employee Education Program Start an
employee-education program to stress the economic
importance of how to reduce egg breakage. Candle
eggs gathered by different personnel, and compare
results for further feedback.
20
HOW TO REDUCE EGG BREAKAGE
Cushion Bumpers Provide a cushion bumper at the
front of the egg collection area.
Egg Collection Collect eggs from cages more
often. Eggs rolling down to the floor have a
greater chance of creating breakage if there are
eggs in the receiving area. It is estimated that
at least one-half of the breakage is due to this.
Birds per Cage Try some cages with fewer birds.
Crowding increases egg breakage. It may be that
an excessive number of cracked eggs are canceling
the additional income from more birds per cage.
21
HOW TO REDUCE EGG BREAKAGE
Change of Ration Consider changing the ration or
adding Ovum Plus if poor shell quality is a
continuous problem.
Egg Collection Collect eggs on flats to avoid an
extra handling. If baskets must be used, do not
fill them over half full.
Stress Reduction Reduce every stress possible
stresses lower shell quality in most cases and
therefore increase egg breakage. Supplement your
ration during these times with Ovum Plus.
22
HOW TO REDUCE EGG BREAKAGE
Cannibalism Prevent cannibalism. It often causes
birds to pick at freshly laid eggs. Check on the
light intensity. Higher than needed intensity can
incite cannibalism.
Reduce Bird Fright Reduce bird fright. Sporadic
movements and jumping of birds in the cages can
only create more eggs that are cracked.
Automatic Egg Gathering Equipment Be sure any
automatic egg-gathering equipment does not
produce an increase in egg breakage. Check the
belt material, the speed of the belts, and any
angling or corner devices
23
Use Ovum Plus Whenever there is any kind of
unusual stress supplement your feed ration with
at least 2 lbs, (1 kg) to not more than 8 lbs, (4
kg) of Ovum Plus per ton, (metric ton) of feed.
24
OVUM PLUS IS NOT A CALCIUM PRODUCT.
NO CHANGES ARE REQUIRED IN FORMULATION, not even
calcium.
If the hens are consuming between 3.5 and 4.5
grams calcium per day, OVUM PLUS can be added to
the rations without formulation changes.
OVUM PLUS is a non-medicated product.
OVUM PLUS is a convenience package. It lets you
add extra nutrients, without reformulation, to
help stressed and/or older hens with shell
formation.
25
What Results Can You Expect?
The proof of any product is in its field
performance.
OVUM PLUS has proven itself around the world.
Producers tell us you can expect better shells,
save more lost eggs, reduce mortality up to
4.
Give OVUM PLUS a chance to help you with your
shell quality problems. You will be glad you
did. It is convenient and simple.
26
EARLY OVUM PLUS PROGRAM
Add 1 kg, (2lbs.) Of OVUM PLUS per ton to your
complete feed when new pullets are housed (18 -
21 weeks of age) and continue for 5 weeks.
Then at 46 weeks of age, add 1 kg, (2 lbs) of
OVUM PLUS per ton until the end of lay.
This early OVUM PLUS program helps pullets come
into production with extra nutrients.
27
PREVENTIVE PROGRAM
Prior to an anticipated eggshell problem, or when
the hens have reached 4 to 5 months of lay, add
I kg ( 2 lbs.) of OVUM PLUS per ton of complete
ration, and feed to end of lay.
Just add OVUM PLUS, no other ration changes are
necessary.
28
TREATMENT PROGRAM
When a shell problem has developed, add 4 kg (8
lbs.) of OVUM PLUS per ton for one week,
then 2 kg, (4 lbs.) per ton for one week,
then 1 kg, (2 lbs.) per ton until end of lay.
29
MOLTED BIRDS
When birds have reached 50 production,
add 1 kg, (2 lbs.) OVUM PLUS per ton of complete
ration,
and continue feeding until end of lay.
30
Economic analysis for using Ovum Plus
The price differential in the U.S.A. between
cracked eggs and intact eggs is
gt .75/dozen
or 1.50 per hen.
31
Reductions in shell breakage and egg loss of 2
would be equivalent to approximately ½ dozen per
hen per year, equivalent to 35 per hen.
Based on research conducted by Castaldo (1994)
giving a summary on animal populations and feed
use there are over 20 million laying hens in the
states.
Therefore an improvement in shell quality of 2
would be equivalent to 7 million per year in the
US alone.
Reductions in egg shell damage would not only
improve returns to the producer it would increase
the egg handling efficiency.
32
DOES IT PAY?
One ton of OVUM PLUS will feed 62,500 birds for
approximately five months, at 1 KG, ( 2 lbs.)
per ton continuously.
If OVUM PLUS gets an extra egg in 5 months lay,
it pays.
OVUM PLUS can be used on stressed and older hens
of any species. OVUM PLUS will benefit broiler
breeders, turkey breeders, pheasants, and quail.
Four more hatching eggs per Broiler Breeder hen
have been reported.
33
With 1 kilogram of Ovum Plus you can feed
approximately 20 hens during the entire
production cycle.
If 20 hens can recoup 1.85 each or 37.00 total,
then the return on investment for Ovum Plus will
be from 121 to at least 61.
34
Experience the extra profits in your own
operation by using Ovum Plus in your current or
next egg laying production cycle.
Note Ovum Plus can be added after the 46th week
of lay to insure that older hens will be able to
lay eggs with better shells and less cracks.
Add Ovum Plus during peak lay and periods of
stress like vaccination, disease, mycotoxicosis
challenges, extra heat etc. for better egg shells
more total eggs per hen.
35
Guaranteed Analysis
Item Minimum Maximum Calcium(Ca)
19.00 21.50 Salt
01.24 01.26 Sodium(Na)
00.99 01.02 Zinc(Zn) Not
less than 1.0 Magnesium(Mg) Not less than
0.9
36
Ingredient List
Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin D-3, Niacin,
Vitamin B-12, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, lysine
Ferrous Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium
Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate,
Ethoxiquin (preservative), Calcium Carbonate,
Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Bicarbonate, Salt,
Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, EDDI, Magnesium
Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper
Proteinate dried yeast culture and Mineral oil.
37
The End
for now
We at DINATEC INC,. want to thank you for taking
time to view this Ovum Plus presentation