VIV EUROPE 2026: Meet Dietaxion in Utrecht to discover our latest results in laying hens

Trial 1 — Extending the laying cycle in laying hens: shell quality as a key factor

At the end of the laying period, eggshell quality becomes a determining factor for flock profitability and longevity. Pidolin PCa (calcium pidolate) plays a key role in phosphorus-calcium metabolism. It promotes active calcium transport and, as a precursor of proline, contributes to collagen synthesis. Both mechanisms are directly linked to shell quality and bone strength.

A trial was conducted on 192 birds (8 replicates × 8 birds × 3 treatments) from 50 to 62 weeks of age. The objective of this trial was to update zootechnical data on the effects of Pidolin PCa on egg quality and bone health at the end of the laying period.

To challenge its current recommendations, Dietaxion tested two supplementation programs:

• P150/300: CTRL + 150 g/T of Pidolin® PCa feed supplementation from week 50 to week 56, then 300 g/T from week 57 to week 62

• P300: CTRL + 300 g/T of Pidolin® PCa feed supplementation from week 50 to week 62

Key results

• Improvement in feed conversion ratio:

• • -0.05 points (P150/300)

• • -0.06 points (P300)

• Increased shell thickness and improved shell strength

• Improved bone density and bone strength, with a marked advantage for the P300 program

Trial 2 — Feed efficiency and laying rate: key profitability drivers at the end of the production period

During the late production phase, the progressive deterioration of feed efficiency directly impacts the profitability of laying hen farms. Maintaining a good feed conversion ratio and supporting laying rate beyond 50 weeks of age are two essential conditions for economically justifying an extended laying period.

Butylin 54 (double-buffered sodium butyrate) responds to these challenges. By stimulating digestive enzyme secretion from the upper sections of the digestive tract, it improves nutrient digestibility and optimizes feed utilisation — two key mechanisms for maintaining laying performance at the end of the cycle.

A trial was conducted on 128 birds (8 replicates × 8 birds × 2 treatments) from 50 to 62 weeks of age. Its objective was to confirm the effects of Butylin 54 on performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health in laying hens. The Butylin 54 group received a basal diet supplemented with Butylin 54 at an inclusion rate of 600 g/ton of feed. The results were then compared to those of a control group that was not supplemented.

Key results

Supplementation with Butylin 54 showed positive and measurable effects on the two zootechnical parameters evaluated.

• 2% lower feed intake while maintaining and slightly improving laying rate

• Improvement in feed conversion ratio by 0.03 points

These results confirm the effectiveness of Butylin 54 in maintaining laying performance and feed efficiency at the end of the laying period.

Through these two trials, Dietaxion confirms that targeted nutritional solutions are valuable in extending the laying period.