Plasma iron turnover and egg production in hens

Abstract

The laying period in birds produces an increase in the plasma iron turnover that is proportional to the egg production. A rise in the plasma iron values and a longer clearance rate is the characteristic modification of the iron metabolism in this state. The copper metabolism is also modified during the laying period with higher plasma values but the levels remain practically constant at different laying frequencies. The iron and copper contents in eggs were independent from the egg production.