Urinary stones can develop in fast-growing pullets that receive pre-lay diets rich in calcium, in excess of their needs, to increase their reserves for oncoming egg production.Urolithiasis in growing pullets can be caused by a metabolic disorder related to kidney dysfunction and during the early laying period. This problem often is associated with elevated calcium levels in pre-lay feed, along with an associated imbalance of dietary electrolytes (sodium, chlorine and potassium).Under certain growing systems, pre-lay feed is rich in calcium beyond the immediate needs of pullets. This is done to increase calcium reserves in anticipation to high early egg production. If this calcium-rich feed is fed too early, and there is more sodium and potassium than chloride in feed, then uroliths can form. Urolithiasis can reduce life egg production in affectedbirds and in some cases increase mortality.
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