Increase egg production
Background on the challenge
Hens producing `500 eggs and more` is becoming a reality. Modern genetics can produce more than 30 kg of eggs during a hen’s life. Apart from pullet quality, optimal health management, housing, and nutrition are needed to produce good quality table eggs (eggshell strength and internal egg quality) as long as possible. As each eggshell contains about 2g of calcium (Ca), efficient Ca absorption and a dynamic exchange of Ca with bone tissue are essential from the first until the last day of production. However, one of the reasons for reduced Ca metabolism in old laying hens is a lack of enzyme activity needed for vitamin D3 activation to form the metabolically active 1,25(OH)2D3.
The implication for the industry
Despite the genetic potential, many flocks don’t last that long due to poor eggshell strength. This implies lower egg prices, as eggs for processing are generally paid up to 25% less than table eggs. Besides, early replacement of hens requires higher investments for new pullets, a negative impact on sustainability, and additional down-time. Dietary supply with 1,25(OH)2D3-glycosides can support eggshell strength in old laying hens by positively influencing calcium metabolism, as it is not dependent on the presence of the above-mentioned enzyme activities needed for vitamin D3 activation.
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fast time to action
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improves Ca-metabolism
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increases saleable eggs
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increases eggshell quality
Panbonis® is a complementary feed that contains a standardized level of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol-glycosides (1,25(OH)2D3-gly) from dried and ground Solanum glaucophyllum leaves. 1,25(OH)2D3-gly can only be absorbed after the sugar molecule is released from 1,25(OH)2D3 by specific enzymes that are present in the intestine. This is a gradual process, ensuring a slow release of the bioactive component. Once it is absorbed, it does not need additional activation steps, like vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) do, which means that Panbonis® can directly support the animal even in periods when specific activation enzymes in liver and kidney are limited.
Supplementing a commercial layer diet with 100 g/t of Panbonis® 10 supports the Ca-metabolism of the hen and helps to maintain eggshell quality.
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Supports the crucial role of vitamin D3
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100% Natural
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GMO-free
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Standardized content of the active ingredient
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Gradually absorbed from the intestine
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Considered a complementary feed in the EU
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High processing and storage stability
Mode of action
Vitamin D3 needs two conversion steps to become metabolically active. The first step happens in the liver, where vitamin D3 is converted to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3). 25(OH)D3 is the storage form of vitamin D3 and gives a good indication of the vitamin D3 status of the animal. The second activation step happens in the kidney, where the 25(OH) is converted into 1,25(OH)2D3. 1,25(OH)2D3 then interacts with the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), which is – among others – located in the gut cells. There 1,25(OH)2D3 increases the expression of calbindin, a Ca-binding protein in the cell that transports the Ca from the gut to the blood. When providing Panbonis, which naturally contains 1,25(OH)2D3-gly, only the glycosides need to be cleaved by endogenous enzymes, and the free 1,25(OH)2D3 can be absorbed and is directly available at the site of Ca-absorption.
Trial results
A corn/soy diet was fed as such or supplemented with 100 g/MT of Panbonis® to Hyline Brown laying hens from 74 to 95 weeks of age. Eggshell quality was monitored during the entire 21-week experimental period (see Table).
Table. Eggshell defects (%) in Hyline Brown laying hens from 74 to 95 weeks of age.
- fast time to action
- improves Ca-metabolism
- increases saleable eggs
- increases eggshell quality