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Laying hens require calcium throughout the day, but the greatest demand occurs while the eggshell is being formed, much of it during the dark period. A calcium source that dissolves too rapidly may pass through the digestive system before this demand peaks. The hen must then rely more heavily on medullary bone. A source that dissolves too slowly may not release enough calcium when required.
Limestone is therefore more than a low-cost carrier of calcium. Its release pattern can influence shell quality, skeletal reserves and the value obtained from the complete mineral program.
