Novus scientists compare chelated with inorganic trace minerals

Eggshell quality remains a key aspect of successful egg production for any layer operation. Broken and cracked eggs represent a significant loss to both the industry and to individual producers. As hens age, these losses grow more significant. With recent egg supply shortages and rising consumer prices, it is important for producers to optimize production. The most effective way to achieve the highest production possible is by boosting flock performance through optimal nutrition.
Zinc, copper and manganese are vital to realize optimal performance, particularly in layers, as these trace minerals have specific roles in metabolic activities directly related to eggshell formation. In a recent study, Novus International, Inc. investigated the impact of long-term use of MINTREX® chelated trace minerals compared to inorganic trace minerals on layer performance, eggshell quality, tibia breaking strength and immune response. Laying hens were allocated to six treatments with supplemental zinc, copper and manganese.
Results indicated hens fed either no supplemental trace minerals or lower levels of supplemental inorganic trace minerals had lower shell thickness when compared to high levels of sulfates. Further, analysis showed an improvement in shell breaking strength, shell thickness, tibia breaking strength and improved immune response in hens fed MINTREX®  chelated trace minerals, when compared to inorganic trace minerals.
The full research study was published in The Journal of Applied Poultry Research (JAPR), and is available for download. The JAPR publishes original research reports, field reports, and reviews on breeding, hatching, health and disease, layer management, meat bird processing and products, meat bird management, microbiology, food safety, nutrition, environment, sanitation, welfare and economics.
For more information on MINTREX chelated trace minerals, visit www.novusint.com.

Researchers evaluate best practices for shell egg sanitization

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, that evaluated best practices for shell egg sanitization. The project is part of USPOULTRY's comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A brief summary of the completed project is shown below. A complete report, along with information on other USPOULTRY research, may be obtained by going to USPOULTRY's website. The project summary is as follows:
Project #F041: Development of Best Practices for Shell Egg Disinfection Based Upon Efficacy, Egg Quality and Economics
(Dr. Craig Coufal and Dr. Christine Alvarado, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas)
In a recently completed research project funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation, researchers investigated current and alternative practices of shell egg sanitization. Dr. Craig Coufal and Dr. Christine Alvarado of Texas A&M University surveyed egg processors across the U.S. to determine current practices and costs of shell egg sanitization. In addition, they conducted a microbial survey to evaluate the effectiveness of current practices. Their research also involved evaluating the effectiveness of prewash egg disinfection procedures, determining the efficacy and quality parameters of current methods compared to alternative methods and conducting an economic analysis to compare current and alternate methods of shell egg sanitization. Their findings will provide guidance in formulating future best practices for the industry.

UK scientists study ways to turn egg shells into plastics

Scientists at the University of Leicester are looking at ways to use egg shells as fillers to bulk up different grades of plastic, something which could have practical applications in everything from food packaging to construction materials, according to the research. Overall, the project aims to find useful ways of recycling egg shells which are currently regarded as waste by food producers and which they have to pay to dispose of in landfills.
“Egg shell is classified as a waste material by the food industry but is in fact a highly sophisticated composite,” said Richard Worrall, director of Food and Drink iNet, which is funding the project. “The scientists at the University of Leicester have identified a number of uses for egg shell waste...This could have potential benefit on many levels, both for food manufacturers and a much wider industry.” The researchers are also looking at the possibility of extracting materials from the egg shells that could have uses in the pharmaceutical industry.