Review article

Organic minerals in the feeding of laying hens

Dalibor Bedeković ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska *
Katarina Buha ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jasna Pintar ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Goran Kiš ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ivan Širić ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Zlatko Janječić ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Table egg production depends on the breeding of hybrid laying hens, with the ongoing efforts invested in increasing the egg production per hen. This production pressure negatively affects both hen health and the quality of product, particularly the eggshell quality. Approximately 10–15% of all production losses are directly attributable to a poor eggshell quality, representing a significant economic loss for producers. Therefore, improving the eggshell quality should be prioritized through both genetics and hen nutrition. Until recently, the focus was placed on enhancing nutrition with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3, but, in recent years, greater attention has been given to the use of trace minerals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se) that are directly involved in eggshell formation. In laying hen feeding, trace minerals are primarily used in inorganic forms, such as oxides, carbonates, sulphates, and phosphates, which generally have a relatively poor absorption from the digestive tract. Breeders attempt to meet the increased requirements by providing larger quantities of inorganic minerals in feed mixes. However, this often leads to the excretion of large amounts of minerals in feces, negatively impacting the environment. As a solution, organic minerals, that is, minerals bound to the organic substances, most
often amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates or yeasts, have been adopted. In this form, they are better utilized, which allows for the inclusion of smaller amounts of minerals in feed mixes, with a positive effect on eggshell quality and environmental preservation. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the advantages of using the trace minerals of organic origin in laying hen nutrition.

Keywords

laying hens; eggshell quality; organic minerals

Hrčak ID:

349365

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/349365

Publication date:

30.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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