immer_mehr | BigStock.com
Decades of intensive genetic selection in commercial layers has resulted in earlier maturation, while sustaining high lay performance in extended production cycles until 100 weeks of age, in order to make egg production more sustainable. However, intensive egg production challenges hen health and, particularly, skeletal integrity. Eggshell formation requires mobilizing large amounts of calcium, coming in part from the diet and from bone, which could induce skeletal problems such as osteoporosis and bone fractures. Also, eggs with poorer quality eggshell with cracks or defects are more frequently laid by older hens. These eggs need to be downgraded, causing important economic losses.