Table 4 Laying performance and eggshell quality

Laying rate^a, %

99.6 ± 0.4

85.3 ± 2.5

< 0.05

Average egg weight^a, g

58.2 ± 1.0

54.4 ± 1.0

< 0.05

Daily egg production^a, g/d

57.9 ± 1.1

46.5 ± 2.1

< 0.05

Eggshell strength^b, kg/cm²

4.9 ± 0.1

4.2 ± 0.1

< 0.05

Eggshell thickness^b, mm

0.43 ± 0.00

0.38 ± 0.01

< 0.05

Eggshell weight^b, g

6.7 ± 0.1

5.7 ± 0.2

< 0.05

Plasma calcium^a, mg/dL

2.8 ± 0.2

2.1 ± 0.2

< 0.05

Plasma phosphate^a, mg/dL

2.3 ± 0.4

1.2 ± 0.2

< 0.05