Eggs are an amazing self-contained food source. Each one represents the most complete source of protein available in a single form. That's why it is so important to meet the needs of a growing population by consistently providing eggs that are of the highest quality, both internally and externally.

Whether they are bound for the table or a hatchery, high quality eggs begin with a well-structured hen nutrition program. Maintaining mineral balances supports shell strength, the internal structure of the egg and tissue integrity of the un-hatched chick. And, as laying hens age, mineral nutrition plays an increasingly important role, ensuring continued production of plentiful, high quality eggs and the overall well-being of the hen. Optimal nutrition means optimal performance.

MINTREX® improves egg quality.

Egg quality, both internal and external, determines the degree of profitability in commercial layer operations. Trace minerals play an important role in enzyme activities that are responsible for maintaining egg shell formation and membrane quality. The risks associated with trace mineral deficiency include reduced egg mass and poor egg shell quality. Improved egg shell quality in-turn leads to reduced incidences of broken and cracked eggs (Fig 1).

MINTREX® enhances egg freshness.

Multiple trials have clearly shown that, birds supplemented with MINTREX® had better egg quality indicators, including egg shell strength and egg shell thickness, than those supplemented with inorganic trace minerals, thus MINTREX® supplementation leads to fewer 'under grade' defective eggs. Eggs from hens fed with MINTREX® show an increase in freshness as seen in higher Haugh unit values, suggesting a long shelf life (Fig. 2).

MINTREX® helps increasing egg production.

High performing layers face challenges that affect gut health and egg shell quality, which affect performance. The trace minerals zinc, copper, and manganese help developing key tissues that benefit the overall health and productivity of laying hens. However, due to variability in nutrient content of ingredients, dietary levels of trace minerals may be insufficient without supplementation to meet the demand of high producing hens.

MINTREX® supplementation leads to significant increase in egg production across the whole production cycle (Fig 3)

MINTREX® improves egg shell strength.

The egg shell provides the first line of protection against physical damage and micro bial contamination, so its strength is critical for maximizing profitability for modern layer production. Increasing shell strength can also help reducing losses caused by poor shell quality, and one way to do that is through trace mineral nutrition. Zinc is a co-factor of an enzyme that is associated with improved shell quality, and manganese help activating proper formation of egg shell and has been shown to significantly increase its thickness.

MINTREX® supplementation leads to significantly stronger egg shells in particular after 66 weeks of age.

Novus offers MINTREX® chelated trace minerals, a highly bioavailable source of zinc, copper and manganese, which are essential for the synthesis and deposition of connective tissue and bone. In a field study with layer, low dosage of MINTREX has shown improved egg shell breaking strength (kg/cm²)(Fig 4).