Improve Egg Quality and Reduce Cracked Eggs in Laying Hens

Egg quality is one of the most important indicators of a successful layer operation. Strong eggshells, clean eggs, attractive yolk color, and minimal breakage all contribute directly to higher profits and greater customer satisfaction.

When laying hens are healthy, comfortable, and receiving the right nutrition, they can consistently produce high-quality eggs. However, poor shell quality, cracked eggs, dirty eggs, or internal abnormalities often signal that something in the flock's management, nutrition, or environment needs attention.

Why Eggshell Quality Matters

The eggshell is the first thing consumers notice when purchasing eggs. A strong, clean, and uniform shell creates confidence in the product and protects the egg from bacterial contamination during storage and transport.

Poor eggshell quality can result in:

• Cracked or broken eggs

• Increased downgrades and losses

• Reduced hatchability

• Lower market value

• Increased risk of contamination

Because eggshell quality often reflects the overall health and nutritional status of the laying hen, a decline in shell quality should always be investigated.

The Importance of Calcium for Strong Eggshells

Each eggshell contains approximately 2,3 grams of calcium. To maintain production and replenish calcium reserves in the bones, a laying hen typically requires around 4 grams of calcium per day.

Insufficient calcium intake can lead to:

• Thin eggshells

• Increased egg breakage

• Reduced shell strength

• Lower production performance

However, calcium supply is not only about the quantity. The type of calcium source, particle size, and overall feed formulation all influence how much calcium the hen can absorb and utilize. Keep in mind that older hens require more calcium for eggshell production. Proper layer diets should supply sufficient calcium to the laying hen.

Different sources of calcium, can be utilized more / less efficiently by laying hens. Calcium carbonate (= limestone) is often the most economically attractive source of calcium. It may not always be the best source of calcium, but when used correctly it can certainly make a good contribution to the calcium supply.

At Champrix, our nutritionists carefully select calcium sources and formulate layer feeds to optimize calcium availability throughout the laying cycle. Older hens particularly benefit from nutritional strategies that support efficient calcium utilization and maintain shell quality later in production.

Healthy Intestines Are Essential for Calcium Absorption

Even the best mineral program will have limited results if intestinal health is compromised.

The intestines are responsible for absorbing calcium and other essential nutrients. When gut health is affected by disease, stress, mycotoxins, or poor feed quality, nutrient absorption declines and eggshell quality often follows.

A healthy digestive system helps:

• Improve calcium uptake

• Increase nutrient utilization

• Support immunity

• Maintain laying performance

• Reduce wet droppings and intestinal disturbances

Champrix layer feeding programs are designed to support gut integrity and gut function throughout production. Good intestinal health creates the foundation for consistent egg quality and strong eggshell formation.

More generally, health is important for a high eggshell quality. Health challenges are more likely to use the nutrients in the laying hen’s metabolism to cope with the challenge, rather than in the production of quality eggs.  

Common Causes of Eggshell Problems (Outer Shell Abnormalities)

The first thing a consumer sees when buying an egg is the outer shell. Therefore, the quality of eggshells is important. Consider the weight, colour, shape, strength and cleanliness of the shell.

In general, laying hens are easily affected by stress or disease. Laying hens are not egg-laying machines. They are animals with needs that need to be tended to. Stress, disease or challenges will have a negative impact on shell quality.

Several factors can cause shell abnormalities and increase the number of cracked or defective eggs.

Each abnormality has its own influence factor. The most common causes of abnormalities are:

• Stress (heat stress)

• Overcrowding

• Sudden changes in lighting programs or sudden increase in daylight

• Newcastle disease or other infections

• Mycotoxin contamination

• Poor hygiene in cage or trays

• Wet droppings (salt water)

• Excessive calcium levels

• Copper deficiencies

• Advanced hen age

Most common eggshell abnormalities are:

• Dirty eggs

• Cracked eggs

• Shell-less eggs

• Wrinkled eggs

• Pimpled eggs

• Pink or purple eggs

• Blood spots

• Ridged eggs

Identifying the root cause early can prevent significant economic losses.

Protect Birds Against Hidden Mycotoxin Challenges

Mycotoxins remain one of the most underestimated threats to egg quality. Even low contamination levels can negatively affect intestinal health, nutrient utilization, immunity, and overall production performance.

To help manage this risk, Champrix developed the Champ-Tox range. Products such as Champ-Tox Plus, Champ-Tox Advanced, and Champ-Tox Premium provide broad-spectrum support against multiple mycotoxins and help maintain gut health and bird performance.

Supporting gut health allows hens to make better use of nutrients necessary for strong eggshell formation and efficient egg production.

Support Eggshell Quality with Champrix-BoneShell Boost

For additional mineral support, Champrix-BoneShell Boost provides essential minerals and trace elements that contribute to:

• Stronger eggshells

• Improved shell consistency

• Better skeletal strength

• Improved mineral balance

• Support during periods of stress

Champrix-BoneShell Boost is specifically developed to support bone development, eggshell formation, and mineral nutrition in poultry production systems.

Do not Forget Internal Egg Quality (Inner Egg Abnormalities)

Consumers expect more than a strong shell. Internal egg quality also plays a major role in customer satisfaction. Eggs arrive at the consumers directly from the hen without any processing. This means that certain internal egg qualities are important, such as flavour, residues, germs, inclusions and album viscosity.

Important quality parameters include:

• Yolk color

• Albumen quality

• Freshness

• Absence of blood or flesh spots

• Food safety

Fresh eggs should be stored correctly to maintain quality. While 18°C is generally acceptable, eggs stored for longer periods benefit from temperatures between 10 and 12°C.

Occasional blood or flesh specks can occur naturally and do not necessarily indicate poor flock health. However, frequent occurrences may signal stress, disease challenges, or infectious bronchitis and should be investigated.

Blood and flesh specks: Flesh specks are pieces of the layer that come loose in the oviduct. It occurs naturally and does not necessarily indicate poor health.

Blood in the egg means that the yolk has come loose at a place with blood vessels. This can happen naturally in healthy birds. However, be alert if you notice it happens often. Blood specks can also be caused by stress or Avian infectious bronchitis. Blood specks can be seen by candling if they are not too small.

Proper nutrition, flock health management, and correct egg storage all contribute to preserving internal egg quality throughout the marketing chain.

Improve Egg Quality with Champrix

Producing premium-quality eggs starts with healthy hens, balanced nutrition, and excellent intestinal health. By combining optimized calcium nutrition, effective mycotoxin management, and targeted mineral support, producers can significantly reduce egg losses and improve flock performance.

Whether you are looking to strengthen eggshells, support gut health, reduce mycotoxin risks, or improve overall layer performance, Champrix offers practical solutions tailored to your production goals.

Ready to Improve Eggshell Quality?

Contact the Champrix team today to discuss your layer operation and discover how Champrix-BoneShell Boost, Champ-Tox, and our customized layer nutrition programs can help reduce cracked eggs and maximize profitability.

Get in touch with a Champrix nutrition specialist and start producing stronger eggs today.