| This project, a full cycle laying hen study, was conducted to evaluate crab meal (CM) and lobster meal (LM) as feed ingredients for laying hens by assigning 432 White Leghorns to 1 of 6 diets (Control, 2.5% CM, 2.5% LM, 5% CM, 5% LM, 2.5% CM + 2.5% LM). Production performance, egg quality and composition, Ca balance and bone health were examined. An in vitro solubility trial examined the potential of shellfish by-products as calcium sources, which included crab meal, crab shell, lobster meal, lobster shell, blue mussel shell, surf clam shell, soft clam shell, scallop shell, commercial ground limestone, raw oyster shell, commercial oyster shell, quahog shell, whelk shell and abalone shell. CM and LM supported performance, egg production, egg pigmentation, positive Ca balance, adequate bone strength and the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into egg yolks. In vitro solubility identified shells such as blue mussel shell and whelk shell that could be Ca replacements for commercial ground limestone and oyster shell. |
