Functional energy and egg quality: the role of SOLERGY in laying hens
The physical, internal and nutritional quality of eggs also depends on the bird’s metabolic ability to transform available energy and nutrients.
In modern egg production, profitability does not depend solely on the number of eggs. Egg weight, albumen quality, yolk colour and the content of fatty acids and vitamins are increasingly important attributes for the industry and consumers.
Egg quality: much more than a physical parameter
During the production cycle, hens face stress and phases of high physiological demand that can compromise their ability to sustain both egg output and quality. Correct diet formulation may not be enough: the bird must also use available energy and nutrients efficiently.
Egg formation requires intense synthesis, transport and nutrient deposition. The hen must mobilize lipids, proteins, pigments, vitamins and minerals while coordinating multiple metabolic pathways in a short period.
When this metabolic machinery works optimally, the result is an egg with better internal quality, higher nutritional value and greater commercial value.
When metabolic efficiency declines because of age, stress or high production load, albumen quality, yolk colour and nutritional value may progressively deteriorate.
SOLERGY: a strategy based on functional energy
SOLERGY combines gluconeogenic and phytogenic compounds to support functional energy availability and improve metabolic efficiency. Rather than simply adding energy to the diet, it supports the bird’s physiological response.
- Gluconeogenic precursors that promote hepatic glucose synthesis.
- Phytogenic extracts with digestive, antioxidant and metabolic-modulating activity.
The liver, a key organ in egg quality
In layers, the liver is one of the most metabolically active organs. It is involved in the synthesis of yolk lipids, lipoprotein production, fat-soluble vitamin metabolism and energy balance regulation.
- Synthesis of lipids destined for the yolk.
- Production of lipoproteins involved in nutrient transport.
- Metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Regulation of the bird’s energy balance.
Studies in avian cell models showed increased ATP production, an improved ATP/ADP ratio, greater glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes and protection against oxidative damage.
Practical evidence in laying hens
SOLERGY was evaluated in Hy-Line W-36 hens between 44 and 58 weeks of age. Birds received a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 1 kg/t of SOLERGY.
The trial reported simultaneous improvements in physical characteristics, internal quality and nutritional value:
What these results mean in practice
- Better internal egg qualityHigher Haugh units indicate improved albumen structure, with implications for freshness and technological quality.
- Better commercial presentationHigher egg weight and improved yolk colour are closely linked to consumer and industry perceptions of quality.
- Increased nutritional valueIncreases in omega-3, DHA, vitamin E and vitamin D suggest a greater ability to transfer nutrients to the egg.
- Greater stability throughout the cycleThe positive effect was maintained over the evaluation period, suggesting sustained metabolic support in older phases.
When the right formulation is not enough
Under field conditions, a correctly formulated diet does not always guarantee full productive expression and high egg quality. This is particularly relevant in middle- or advanced-age flocks, high-demand programs, heat-stress situations and systems producing eggs with added nutritional value.
Functional energy is not only about how much energy the diet contains, but how much can actually be transformed into quality and performance.
Conclusion
Egg quality largely reflects the metabolic efficiency of the hen. SOLERGY supports energy and liver metabolism, with consistent improvements in egg weight, Haugh units, yolk colour, lipid profile and vitamin content. This approach can contribute to more efficient, stable and value-added production systems.
A solution aligned with this challenge: SOLERGY
A combination of gluconeogenic precursors and phytogenics to optimize energy metabolism.
View solution SOLERGY
