78 78 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE › NUTRITION › PRODUCTION PERIOD CROP & GIZZARD Hens consume feed to meet their nutritional needs for maintenance, growth, and egg production. Two primary organs control their feed intake capacity. The development of both the crop and gizzard depends on fibre content (structural ingredients), feed presentation, particle size distribution (its development has been proven in many studies using coarse ingredients (see feed form and presentation chapter), lighting and feeding pattern. GIZZARD CROP The crop’s function is related to the storage and moistening of the feed, while enhancing the exogenous enzymes activity. The consumption of a mash diet can contribute to a well-developed gizzard leading to associated benefits such as gut motility improvement, increased contact time between nutrients and enzymes and a better nutrient digestibility. The main role of the gizzard is the mechanical digestive process of reducing particle size and regulating feed particle flow. GRIT Grit, composed of small stones, helps pullets and hens to grind and digest food in their gizzard, ensuring that hens get the maximum nutritional benefit from their diet. Therefore, including grit in the diet of laying hens is highly beneficial for maintaining their wellbeing and productivity. Insoluble grit or fine gravel should be provided for free access feeding, also for fully grown laying hens. Grit
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