Effects of Heat Stress on Plasma Calcium Concentration, Egg Production, and Egg Quality
Modern poultry breeds, known for their high productivity, are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress due to rising global temperatures. Heat stress impairs bird performance by reducing feed intake, feed conversion, body weight, egg production, rooster activity, and hatchability (Nilipour, 1996). Elevated temperatures interfere with calcium absorption, leading to decreased plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus (Bogin et al., 1981; Srivastava, 1994). Abramyan and Kostanyan (1990) observed decreased blood calcium levels in heat-stressed laying hens. Calcium is crucial for hens, constituting about 1.5% of their body weight and 40% of eggshell weight (De Vries et al., 2010; Bolukbasi et al., 2005; Whitehead and Fleming, 2000). Economic losses from poor eggshell quality due to reduced calcium deposition are significant.
Vitamin D: Essential for Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism
Vitamin D is critical for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, especially under heat stress. High temperatures can lead to reduced feed consumption, impacting egg production and quality. Adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D3 are essential for proper eggshell formation. Vitamin D3 facilitates calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization (Nascimento et al., 2014). Supplementation is important as poultry cannot synthesize enough Vitamin D. Deficiencies in Vitamin D can result in poor eggshell quality, reduced hatchability, and skeletal diseases (Sahin et al., 2009). Supplementing with Vitamin D during summer stress is recommended (Bar et al., 1999).
Botanical Analogues of Vitamin D for Optimized Calcium Absorption
Phytogenic Vitamin D sources offer a natural alternative to synthetic supplements. These plant-based options can stabilize poultry performance during hot weather. MagaCal AFI, a herbal feed supplement from M/S Indian Herbs Specialities Ltd., helps prevent calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. It enhances the absorption and bioavailability of these minerals and improves bone health, egg quality, and overall productivity. Studies show that MagaCal AFI improves eggshell quality and feed conversion by optimizing calcium and phosphorus levels (Ashan et al., 2009).
Conclusion
Calcium and phosphorus availability is crucial for laying hens, particularly during heat stress. Although diets are supplemented with calcium and Vitamin D, deficiencies and poor egg quality are common in heat-stressed layers. Phytogenic additives like MagaCal AFI provide an effective solution by enhancing the bioavailability of dietary minerals, thus sustaining egg production and quality during high metabolic pressure.
Vitamin D: Essential for Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism
Vitamin D is critical for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, especially under heat stress. High temperatures can lead to reduced feed consumption, impacting egg production and quality. Adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D3 are essential for proper eggshell formation. Vitamin D3 facilitates calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization (Nascimento et al., 2014). Supplementation is important as poultry cannot synthesize enough Vitamin D. Deficiencies in Vitamin D can result in poor eggshell quality, reduced hatchability, and skeletal diseases (Sahin et al., 2009). Supplementing with Vitamin D during summer stress is recommended (Bar et al., 1999).
Botanical Analogues of Vitamin D for Optimized Calcium Absorption
Phytogenic Vitamin D sources offer a natural alternative to synthetic supplements. These plant-based options can stabilize poultry performance during hot weather. MagaCal AFI, a herbal feed supplement from M/S Indian Herbs Specialities Ltd., helps prevent calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. It enhances the absorption and bioavailability of these minerals and improves bone health, egg quality, and overall productivity. Studies show that MagaCal AFI improves eggshell quality and feed conversion by optimizing calcium and phosphorus levels (Ashan et al., 2009).
Conclusion
Calcium and phosphorus availability is crucial for laying hens, particularly during heat stress. Although diets are supplemented with calcium and Vitamin D, deficiencies and poor egg quality are common in heat-stressed layers. Phytogenic additives like MagaCal AFI provide an effective solution by enhancing the bioavailability of dietary minerals, thus sustaining egg production and quality during high metabolic pressure.
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