minerals, reducing their absorption. This in turn can have a direct impact on other structural components of the egg, diminishing quality. In order for the hen to uptake her minerals effectively, she must have a healthy gut. Between 50-80% of the immune system functions in some way through the gut. Such a high immune presence means that it is simple for defences to re- spond to both actual challenges and things that perhaps should not be eliciting a response. Immune response in the gut generally takes the form of inflammation which produc- es additional mucous layers. Mucous provides an extra barri- er for the minerals to pass through before being absorbed. This means that if an inflammatory response is underway, it


is unlikely that the bird will receive its full mineral require- ment, impacting eggshell structure and thus strength and quality. Many factors can trigger the immune system, such as mycotoxins, new diets and high levels of potentially patho- genic bacteria, known as dysbacteriosis. Having a balanced microbiome (the microbial population in the gut), will go a long way towards preventing dysbacteriosis and in many studies has been shown to aid in modulating the immune system, reducing the impact on absorption. In a natural setting the microbiome is developed from the mother as the chick is raised in the nest. Our modern pro- duction systems mean that this does not happen and so the creation and maintenance of the microbiome needs to be


▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 4, 2020


The laying hen can naturally continue to pro- duce eggs for many years. However, her peak production will naturally decline with age.


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