Pidolin PCa: A study on the effect of Pidolin PCa on the growth of pullets (future laying hens)

Two trials were conducted by Dietaxion in Colombia (2021 and 2023) to highlight the benefits of targeted supplementation of pullets with Pidolin Pca at two key stages of their growth. The aim is to optimize skeletal quality, a key factor in the performance of future laying hens.

Extending laying cycles and maintaining good shell quality at the end of the laying cycle are among the major challenges facing the commercial egg industry. Several levers can be activated to achieve these objectives. Numerous scientific publications highlight the fundamental role of a strong skeleton and effective filling of the medullary bones.

This stage of skeletal development primarily occurs during the first few months of an animal’s life. By 12 weeks of age, 95% of a laying hen’s skeleton is formed. The bone filling stage occurs between 17 and 20 weeks of age.

Pidolin PCA at the start of life, a lever for optimal skeletal development in pullets

The first trial showed the positive impact of Pidolin PCa supplementation (500g/T feed) for the first 35 days. At 10 weeks of age, tibia measurements (length and fracture strength) were taken on 10 animals per treatment. Results showed a 3.6% increase in tibia length in pullets supplemented with Pidolin PCa.

This growth was accompanied by an improved 5% increase in fracture strength, indicating skeletal reinforcement without compromising bone strength.

This first trial confirms the benefits of supplementing with Pidolin PCa from the first days of life to promote optimal skeletal development. A well-formed skeleton in the early stages improves calcium storage capacity in the bones, a key factor in supporting egg production performance throughout the hens’ productive life.

Pidolin PCa’s role in medullary bone mineralization during the laying phase is a key aspect of preparation

The second trial evaluated the effects of Pidolin PCa supplementation (300 g/ton of feed) during the pre-laying phase, specifically at 17 and 18 weeks of age. This period is crucial for filling the medullary bone, which is a vital source of calcium for shell formation and laying quality. At 25 weeks of age, measurements taken on a sample of hens reveal an improvement in bone strength: the supplemented group shows 15% greater fracture resistance than the control group.

This trial confirms the importance of Pidolin PCa supplementation during the pre-laying phase, a key period for the bone filling stage. This strategy promotes optimal calcium storage, strengthens the quality of the hens’ skeletons, and helps to extend their productive life.