Aquaculture
Bone and eggshell strength
Strong skeletons and shells for productivity, welfare and product value.
Strong bones and shells are essential for productivity, welfare and product value across livestock and aquaculture. Bone strength determines an animal’s ability to grow, move and produce without fractures or lameness, while shell quality (eggshells in poultry and exoskeletons in crustaceans) protects the product, reduces breakage and supports survival during molting and handling.
90–95%
of a hen's eggshell is calcium carbonate, embedded in a protein matrix that determines its strength.
Lohmann Breeders4–5 g
of calcium a day is needed by a commercial laying hen, which lays an egg almost every day.
Lohmann BreedersWhy bone and shell strength matter
High-producing animals in livestock and aquaculture face intense mineral demands: rapid growth, milk production and daily eggshell formation in layers, which relies heavily on calcium drawn from feed and bone reserves.
When calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and supporting nutrients are inadequate, imbalanced or poorly absorbed, animals develop weak bones (osteoporosis or osteomalacia), lameness, fractures and poor shell or exoskeleton quality, leading to downgrades, mortality and culling.
How we support bone and shell strength, naturally
Our all-natural portfolio complements sound mineral nutrition by improving the use of calcium and phosphorus, supporting gut-driven absorption, and reducing the oxidative and inflammatory stress that undermines skeletal and shell formation.
Phytogenics
Plant-derived compounds that help optimise digestive function and mineral availability while supporting antioxidant defences in bone-forming tissues.
Pre- and probiotics
Beneficial microbes and fibres that enhance gut integrity and calcium and phosphorus absorption, with documented improvements in bone metrics and in eggshell strength and thickness in layers.
Vitamin blends
Balanced levels of vitamin D and co-factors that regulate calcium–phosphorus metabolism, bone remodelling, and shell and exoskeleton mineralisation during high-demand phases (rearing, peak lay, lactation, molting).
What farmers gain
When bone and shell strength are optimised with these natural tools, farmers typically see:
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Fewer fractures, lameness and culls
Stronger skeletons in livestock and aquaculture reduce welfare issues, treatments and premature removals.
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Better eggshell and exoskeleton quality
Thicker, stronger shells and more robust molting in shrimp mean fewer cracks, less breakage and higher grading.
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Improved mineral efficiency
Better use of dietary calcium and phosphorus lowers waste, supports consistent production and reduces the risk of deficiencies during peak demand.
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More consistent production and longevity
Layers lay longer with fewer late-lay shell defects, livestock stay mobile and productive, and aquaculture stocks survive handling and molting with fewer losses.
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Higher product value and lower losses
Reduced egg breakage, better carcass integrity and improved shell or exoskeleton quality translate directly into higher returns and fewer downgrades.
By supporting the gut–bone–shell axis with natural, species-appropriate solutions, our products help you turn skeletal and shell strength into measurable return: fewer losses, longer productive life and more uniform, high-quality output.
Bone and eggshell strength products
All bone and eggshell strength products
Osteoplus®
Osteoplus® is a well thought, optimal balanced high quality mineral blend to support bone development and assure optimal bone health in farm animals.
Ascorbicliq-D.Cal®
Ascorbicliq-D.Cal® contains high amounts of vitamin D3 with beneficial effects on calcium metabolism; gut integrity and maintenance of acquired immunity.
Mercopurely D3®
Vitamin D3 for pigs, calves, sheep, goats and poultry. In case of lack of vitamin D3 deficiency, in case of stress, improvement of feed conversion and also for improvement of shell quality (preferably in combination with vitamin C)
Osteo D3
OsteoD3® is a blend of key minerals for bone minerallization combined with vitamin D3 needed for optimal mineral absorption in the gut.
Sources
- Wageningen University & Research (edepot)
- Journal of Tropical Aquaculture Science and Fisheries Technology (Untirta)
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi
- Reanin: Feed minerals market report
- Animals (2021), via Universidad de Granada
- Taylor & Francis (2025)
- Cambridge: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
- Hy-Line International
- PubMed Central: PMC13165107
- PubMed Central: PMC12382959
- PubMed Central: PMC12714311
- IntechOpen
- Springer Nature: Calcified Tissue International
- University of Florida IFAS Extension
Turn skeletal and shell strength into measurable return
Talk to our team about the right bone and shell solution for your market and application.