ABSTRACT
Hen nutrition must address a number of different goals including maximising egg production, maintaining egg quality, extending the laying cycle and ensuring hen health and welfare. Chapter 1 reviewed the differing dietary requirements in the pre-laying and laying phases. It also reviewed ways feed intake can be controlled to manage energy consumption affecting parameters such as egg weight. This chapter reviews dietary influences on eggshell quality and bone health in particular. It looks first at the role of phosphorus and calcium in the diet. It then goes on to review other nutritional factors such as fatty acids, vitamins, magnesium and trace elements. After a review of dietary influences on egg yolk colouration, the chapter concludes by discussing the ways nutrition can promote hen health in such areas as the prevention of hepatic steatosis, osteoporosis, keel bone disorders and feather picking.
