Nutritional factors affecting the breaking strength of bone in laying hens

The bone is a mineral reserve for metabolic requirements and eggshell formation as well as providing support to the bodies of birds. Bone weakness in laying hens has caused many problems such as bone deformation, osteoporosis, cage layer fatigue and fractures. These problems result in economic losses and are detrimental to animal welfare. Breaking strength is a good indicator of the health and strength of bone and an increase in breaking strength in laying hens would be important to decrease economic losses and improve the welfare of animals. One of the main factors affecting bone breaking strength is nutrition, as it is closely related to dietary calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and particle size of the calcium source, particularly when the dietary calcium is insufficient. It has been accepted that the composition of the diet, trace elements, especially boron, vitamins, and feed additives play important roles in maintaining bone health and improving the breaking strength of bone in laying hens. This article reviews the results of studies in laying hens wherein the effect of nutrition on the breaking strength of bone were examined.