Chicken anatomy and egg formation: How does a chicken digest feed?
Like 2 Dislike 0 Published on 27 Jul 2017
Laying hens eat chicken feed. They then lay an egg 24-26 hours later. But what happens in between? Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., flock nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition, recently discussed chicken anatomy, chicken feed digestion and egg formation with The Chicken Chick, Kathy Shea Mormino, and The Garden Fairy, Julie Harrison.
During a Facebook Live tour of the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Mo., Biggs explained once a chicken feed is consumed by a laying hen, it travels through a unique pathway for digestion with each ingredient serving a specific purpose.
Topics covered include:
• 0:14 – Anatomy of a chicken: What is the crop? What is the gizzard?
• 1:48 – Anatomy of a chicken: Is the crop different from the stomach?
• 2:47 – Do chickens need grit?
• 4:32 – Anatomy of a chicken: Where is the eggshell formed?
• 5:04 – How many ova are baby chicks born with?
• 5:49 – How are chicken eggs fertilized?
• 6:19 – How do chickens make eggs?
• 7:02 – How long does it take a hen to make an egg? How often do hens lay eggs?
• 7:18 –Why are some eggs brown, blue or green? Which chicken breeds lay colored eggs?
The most important nutrient in eggshell formation is calcium. If you feed a Purina® layer feed with the Oyster Strong® System, all the calcium hens need is included in the bag – no need to supplement. Learn more at www.oysterstrong.com.
Stay connected with Purina Poultry:
• Website: http://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/purinapoultry
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/purinapoultry
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/purinafeedgreatness
Connect with The Chicken Chick®:
• Website: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheChickenChick
Connect with Julie, The Garden Fairy:
• Website: www.juliethegardenfairy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieTheGardenFairy/