Testimonial by Hugh Duthie:

Reduced Ca absorption with age is caused by the reduced efficiency to activate vitamin D.

Old hens are no longer able to absorb enough Ca from the intestines, which is the real reason for the reduced eggshell quality. Supplementing hens with different types of Ca sources on top of the diet, neglecting the reduced efficiency of vitamin D metabolism will not solve the real problem. Using Panbonis® can effectively reduce the number of seconds and delay the decrease in eggshell quality.

Hugh Duthie had used Panbonis previously in a fire fighting situation late in a flock where a shell improving product had not been included by error and saw good results immediately, so the following year used the product in earlier lay to access its full potential. A trial was set up using different rates and indeed different products between four identical sheds with the same breed of bird. The results from incorporating Panbonis into ration showed how effective the product was at strengthening eggshell, leading to fewer cracks and improved gradings. Panbonis is now used as standard, and it pays for itself many times over. Seeing more saleable eggs, improved packing efficiency and ultimately heightened profitability.



16,000 Burford Brown laying hens were used in a free-range system for this trial. The trial lasted in total 15 weeks, from an age of 60 to 75 weeks. The commercial diets were according to breed recommendations.

Results and Improvements

Panbonis® alleviated the decrease of eggshell quality with age, as it reduced the number of seconds in the worse barn tested.
Panbonis®, egg breaking strength improved in hens with 75 weeks old when compared to those at 60 weeks old.

When calculating the revenue based on egg profit and cost of treatment of each product, Panbonis® gave a 16% higher return compared to current solution with Ca pidolate. Supporting vitamin D metabolism in aged laying hens using Panbonis® can effectively reduce the number of seconds and delay the decrease in eggshell quality.

We use Panbonis® in our rations now as a standard and it pays for itself many times over. We have more saleable eggs, improved packing efficiency and ultimately heightened profitability.
Hugh Duthie