My comments were pulled a little out of context.
As has been said, the feed industry has little concern for the rooster's diet in a laying operation. Except, of course, when fertile eggs are the intent in a breeder house.
Since replacement pullets (and roos) are readily available and egg production of the hens drops off after 1 or 2 molts, it is doubtful that the roosters have much of a lifespan in the breeder house. I'd imagine that they seldom make it to 24 months.
Let's go back to that idea that the rooster's diet is not of much concern as we look at what
the Merck Veterinary Manual has to say about excessive calcium. Of course, they aren't just talking about pullet broiler chicks since cockerels are also used:
"Excessive calcium intake in broiler chicks results in urolithiasis with urate deposits on the abdominal viscera and in the joints. Tetanic convulsions can also be seen in chicks consuming excess calcium. Calcium levels >2% will induce these lesions in broilers. Feeding calcium in excess of 3% before the onset of egg production will induce the same lesions in egg-type or meat-type pullets."
Layer feed is about 3.5% plus.
Okay, "the onset of egg production" phrase: Does one have to point out that the rooster will NEVER reach "the onset of egg production?" Kidney damage may occur long before mortality since kidney failure is usually a progressive thing.
Steve
