In egg production, egg breakage is an inevitable issue that can lower the value of the eggs. The normal egg breakage rate typically ranges from 2% to 5%, and an increased breakage rate directly impacts the farm’s production efficiency. Egg breakage is not a random occurrence and can be minimized with proper management. So, how can we reduce the egg breakage rate?
1. Reduce Egg Breakage：Improve Feed Nutrition
Eggshells are calcium-rich, and if hens lack calcium, it severely affects eggshell quality, leading to higher egg breakage rates. The main factors contributing to calcium deficiency are the calcium-phosphorus ratio in the feed and the hen’s ability to absorb these nutrients. A lack of vitamin D in the feed also affects calcium absorption.
Recommendation: Supplement calcium after 4 p.m. to improve eggshell quality. Hens should consume 0.25-0.45g of effective phosphorus daily. As hens age, the calcium content in their diet should gradually increase, while phosphorus should decrease.
2. Reduce Egg Breakage：Minimize Stress
Stress directly affects the body’s normal metabolism and can interfere with eggshell formation, resulting in poor eggshell quality.
- Heat Stress: During the summer, heat stress increases the breakage rate. When hens experience heat stress, their water intake increases, but their feed intake decreases, leading to lower calcium-phosphorus intake and poor absorption. This results in thinner eggshells and a higher breakage rate.
- Environmental Stress: Strong noise, bright lights, and sudden disturbances can cause abnormal contractions of the oviduct, leading to premature egg release, thin or soft eggshells, or broken eggs.
Recommendation: In hot weather, focus on cooling the hens and avoid stressors like sudden disturbances or loud noises.
3. Reduce Egg Breakage：Prevent Pecking
Pecking is a form of abnormal eating behavior. If hens develop a pecking habit, it can lead to higher egg breakage. This is often due to mineral deficiencies in the feed and lighting intensity.
Recommendation: Add minerals to the feed and consider culling hens with low egg production and pecking habits. Additionally, regular egg collection reduces the risk of egg breakage due to collisions and pecking.
4. Maintain Hen Health
Egg defects such as sand-shell eggs or spotted eggs are often caused by oviduct infections. Diseases such as E. coli, Salmonella, and infectious bronchitis can also affect eggshell quality, leading to increased breakage rates.
Recommendation: Regularly disinfect the henhouse and follow proper hygiene and vaccination protocols according to local disease control guidelines.
5. Install Proper Equipment
Many egg breakages occur outside the cage or in hallways, which is often due to improper installation or inadequate cage design. An excessive cage slope or large gaps between cages can cause eggs to fall and break.
Recommendation: The cage bottom slope should be 8-9 degrees to prevent egg breakage. Also, ensure that the gaps between cages are appropriately adjusted to avoid dislocation and large spaces. Shuohui’s stacking and stepped cages feature an 8-9 degree slope, with a cage wire gap of 2mm, effectively preventing eggs from falling and breaking.
Conclusion
Reducing the egg breakage rate is crucial for maintaining profitability in poultry farming. By improving feed quality, minimizing stress, preventing pecking, ensuring the health of the flock, and installing proper equipment, farms can significantly reduce egg breakage and improve overall production efficiency. Using quality equipment, such as those provided by Shuohui, ensures optimal conditions for egg collection and reduces breakage risk.
Shuohui’s automated egg collection system is designed to significantly reduce egg breakage. By ensuring a smooth and gentle handling process, the system minimizes the risk of eggs falling or being damaged during collection. The system’s precision in timing and handling also prevents eggs from being subjected to unnecessary stress or impact, preserving their quality. Additionally, the automation reduces human intervention, which can be a common cause of egg breakage. With Shuohui’s advanced technology, egg collection becomes more efficient, ensuring higher-quality eggs and reducing waste, ultimately boosting your farm’s productivity and profitability.
Take Control of Your Egg Production with Shuohui Poultry Equipment
Ensuring your egg production is efficient and profitable starts with the right tools. Shuohui offers advanced poultry equipment that helps reduce egg breakage, enhance egg quality, and streamline the entire production process. With our expertly designed stacking and stepped cages, smart feeding systems, and reliable temperature control solutions, you can create an optimal environment for your hens to thrive.
Don’t let poor equipment or management practices hurt your bottom line. By choosing Shuohui, you’re investing in the long-term health and productivity of your flock. Contact us today to learn more about how our products can help you reduce egg breakage, increase egg quality, and maximize your farm’s economic efficiency. Let’s build a successful, sustainable poultry farm together!
