Performance and Egg Quality Responses of Laying Hens to High Copper Supplementation during the Early Production Phase
Abstract
As the poultry industry moves toward antibiotic-free production systems, identifying effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters has become a priority. Copper, an essential trace mineral, has gained attention for its antimicrobial properties and potential to enhance poultry performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high copper hydroxychloride supplementation on the performance and egg quality of laying hens during the early production phase. A total of 400 Hy-line laying hens at 16 weeks of age were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control group receiving a basal diet with 180g/T Virginiamycin (AGP) and a test group supplemented with IntelliBond copper at 216g/T (IBC). The trial lasted for 24 weeks including a 4-week adaptation period, with performance parameters including hen-day egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, egg mass, and egg quality traits monitored throughout. Results showed no significant differences in egg production rate or feed intake between treatments. However, hens fed the IBC-supplemented diet exhibited a significantly improved FCR, heavier eggs, and greater egg mass. Additionally, IBC supplementation enhanced yolk weight and yolk color without affecting eggshell quality, albumen height, or the incidence of defective eggs.
In conclusion, IBC offers a reliable alternative to AGPs inlaying hen diets. It improves feed efficiency and egg quality, particularly yolk color, while maintaining egg integrity and production performance, making it a valuable strategy for sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production.
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Introduction
Optimal nutrition is the foundation of productivity and well-being inlaying hens, especially during the early laying phase when the birds experience rapid physiological changes to support the demands of egg production. For decades, the poultry industry has relied on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to enhance feed efficiency, control disease, and maintain flock performance. However, mounting concerns over antimicrobial resistance and the potential presence of antibiotic residues in animal-derived food products have led to tighter regulations and growing consumer awareness (Donoghue, 2003; Castanon, 2007). This shift has placed increasing emphasis on identifying safe, effective, and economically sustainable alternatives to AGPs in poultry production systems. Among the strategies being explored, high copper supplementation has gained considerable attention. Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in immune function, antioxidant defense, bone health, iron metabolism, and the activity of several critical enzymes involved in physiological and metabolic processes (Arredondo and Núñez, 2005). While copper is typically supplied in poultry diets at nutritional levels ranging from 5 to 30 ppm to meet basic physiological needs, research has shown that higher dietary copper levels can deliver additional benefits beyond simple nutrient supplementation. When provided at level above standard nutritional requirements, copper exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties, which can help improve gut health, enhance feed conversion, and support growth and egg production by modulating intestinal microbiota and reducing harmful microbial metabolites (Pesti and Bakalli, 1996; Wang et al., 2008).
IntelliBond Copper hydroxychloride (Trouw Nutrition, The Netherlands) has emerged as a preferred copper source due to its superior stability, bioavailability, and lower risk of antagonistic interactions compared to conventional inorganic copper sources (Klasing, 1998; Lim and Paik, 2006). Although widely used in broiler diets, limited research has explored the effects of high dietary copper levels from hydroxychloride sources inlaying hens, especially during the early production phase. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the impact of high-level copper supplementation on the performance and egg quality of laying hens during the early production phase. The aim is to provide practical, evidence-based insights for poultry producers seeking effective, antibiotic-free nutritional strategies to support flock health and productivity.
Conclusion
The findings of this study demonstrate that high IBC supplementation is an effective alternative to antibiotics inlaying hen diets during the early laying phase. While overall egg production and feed intake remained comparable between the AGP and copper-supplemented groups, hens receiving IBC exhibited significantly better feed conversion efficiency, along with improvements in egg weight and egg mass.
In addition to performance benefits, IBC supplementation positively influenced specific egg quality traits, notably yolk weight and yolk color, without compromising eggshell strength, internal egg freshness, or increasing the occurrence of defective eggs. The enhanced yolk pigmentation is particularly valuable in markets where yolk appearance plays a key role in consumer p
