The influence on shell formation of the pre‐laying period for which a low‐manganese diet is given

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Abstract
The effect of a low‐Mn diet on egg shells was assessed by recording the number of soft shells laid at the beginning of lay, and the shell thickness of subsequent eggs. Observations were made on eggs from two batches of pullets: one that had been fed the low‐Mn diet from 1 month before egg laying began and the other from 2 months before onset of lay. The 2 month period gave fewer soft shells but thinner firm shells than the 1‐month period. Similar observations were made with groups having mean pre‐laying periods on the low‐Mn diet of 46, 33, 21 and o d. There was a tendency for more soft shells and thinner shells to be produced the longer the period of low‐Mn feeding before laying began. Pullets that had been in lay for 6 months or low‐ or high‐Mn diets were given an enforced rest period for 6 weeks. On recommencing to lay the low‐Mn birds produced a large number of soft shells and slightly thinner shells than similar birds that had been allowed to continue laying on the same diet.

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