Calcimate® Grits for Poultry
Calcimate® Grits is a high calcium coarse poultry supplement made from clean limestone (CaCO3) with a particle size between 1-3mm.
Calcimate® Grits is the preferred method of calcium delivery for laying hens to support the demands of egg production and eggshell formation. To optimise eggshell quality and overall health, it is essential for laying hens to have a diet that provides adequate calcium to assist them to meet the high metabolic demands of egg production and maintain their well-being throughout their laying cycle.
Calcimate® Fine Limestone for Poultry
Calcimate® Fine Limestone is a high calcium animal supplement made from clean limestone (CaCO3) with a particle size around 150um.
Broiler chickens and pullets require a high-quality limestone source due to their rapid growth rate. Calcium is a vital nutrient for optimal growth of broilers and pullets for blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, enzyme activation, metabolic reactions, protein synthesis and maintenance of osmotic and acid-base balance.
Maintain layer productivity
Support healthy egg formation, shell quality and strength
Aid skeletal health
Laying Hens and Broiler Breeders
Calcimate® may provide some or all of the animal’s dietary calcium and should be made available when hens are laying eggs. Initially blend Calcimate® Grit and Calcimate® Fine Limestone at a 50:50 ratio at point of lay, and increase the grit to fines ratio by late lay to 70:30. Gradually increase the Grit:Fine ratio as the hens age.
Broilers and Pullets
Calcium® is an important nutrient throughout the lifecycle of the broiler however requirements vary depending on the breed, age and growth stage of the bird. Feed Calcimate® Fine Limestone as per the guidelines and note that calcium requirements taper as the bird ages.
WARNING: BEFORE FEEDING CALCIMATE® CHECK THE CALCIUM LEVELS OF OTHER FEEDS.
Young poultry should not be fed a high calcium layer diet, as an excess of dietary calcium can impede digestion, uptake and metabolism of phosphorus and may cause rickets. Excess calcium in the growing period can result in kidney damage, visceral gout, calcium deposits in the ureter and mortality.
For specific advice on nutrition and feed ratios for commercial broiler poultry i.e. breeders, replacement breeder pullets, broiler starters, growers and finishers, consult your poultry nutritionist.
Laying Hens and Broiler Breeders
Calcimate® can be fed to hens as part of a balanced diet supplying 3.2 – 4.5% daily dietary calcium. For hens fed predominantly whole grains, seeds, forage and vegetables, Calcimate® can be offered by free choice in a separate dish or feeder. Hens may regulate their own calcium intake according to egg production requirements. Calcimate® should be available when hens are laying.
Broilers and Pullets
The calcium requirements in the broiler and pullet diets decrease as the bird ages. Broilers can self-regulate their calcium intake by ingesting a calcium rich source when required. Calcimate® can be offered in a separate dish or feeder.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are general. For specific advice on nutrition and feed ratios consult your animal nutritionist or feed expert.