Gradient hardness combined pecking stone based on growth stage of laying hens and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a gradient hardness combined pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens and a preparation method of the gradient hardness combined pecking stone. The combined pecking stone comprises a first product unit, a second product unit, a third product unit and a fourth product unit, the first product unit is prepared from the following components in percentage by weight: 45 to 55 percent of calcium carbonate, 10 to 20 percent of monocalcium phosphate, 1 to 8 percent of sodium chloride, 5 to 10 percent of cane molasses, 1 to 3 percent of magnesium oxide, 12 to 18 percent of natural clay, 0.5 to 1.5 percent of vitamin premix, 0.2 to 0.6 percent of ferrous sulfate and 0.2 to 0.6 percent of natural plant perfume; the second product unit comprises the following components in percentage by weight: 40-45% of calcium carbonate, 10-20% of oyster shell powder, 10-15% of calcium hydrophosphate, 5-10% of sodium chloride, 5-8% of cane molasses, 1.5-5% of magnesium oxide, 5-8% of natural plant fibers, 0.5-3% of a vitamin premix and 0.2-0.6% of zinc sulfate and copper sulfate. Product units with the hardness, the components and the functions precisely matched are designed for all key growth stages of laying hens, so that the pecking stone can meet the requirements of all the key growth stages in each stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of poultry farming technology, specifically to a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Feather pecking and vent pecking in laying hens are common welfare and production problems in large-scale poultry farming, seriously affecting flock health and production performance. Providing pecking stones or pecking blocks is a common environmental enrichment method aimed at alleviating these behaviors by satisfying the chickens' natural pecking desires and supplementing minerals.

[0003] Most laying hen pecking products on the market are general-purpose, meaning that one type of pecking product with a specific hardness and formula is suitable for laying hens of all ages. However, through long-term observation and practice, the applicant has discovered that laying hens at different growth stages have significantly different needs for pecking stones:

[0004] Brooding period (1-10 weeks old): Chicks have delicate beaks. Hard pecking stones may damage their beaks or cause them to become fearful and refuse to peck, thus failing to provide early guidance and training for beak development. A higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is required during this stage to support rapid bone development.

[0005] Growing period (10-20 weeks old): Chickens grow rapidly, their beak strength increases, and their curiosity and activity levels reach their peak, making this a period prone to pecking. General-purpose rock-pecking may be quickly broken due to insufficient hardness, failing to continuously attract attention or effectively exercise beak strength and expend excess energy.

[0006] During the laying period (after 20 weeks of age): the need for calcium increases dramatically to maintain eggshell quality, and aggressive behavior may increase due to factors such as laying stress and density. At this time, extremely hard pebbles with high calcium content are needed to provide a persistent pecking target and a key calcium source.

[0007] In summary, existing single-component pecking products cannot simultaneously meet the aforementioned stage-specific needs. If high-hardness products are used for chicks, palatability is poor and beaks are easily damaged; if low-hardness products are used for adult chickens, consumption is too rapid, and the enrichment and calcium supplementation effects are limited. Furthermore, the single functional component of pecking products reduces the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and is ineffective in controlling severe pecking behavior. For flocks exhibiting aggressive behaviors such as feather pecking and vent pecking, relying solely on pecking products is insufficient to effectively alleviate their internal stress or neurological excitation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address this issue, the present invention provides a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stages of laying hens and its preparation method, in order to solve the problems in the prior art that it is impossible to simultaneously meet the stage-specific needs of laying hens throughout their entire growth cycle, while the pecking stone has a single functional component, thereby reducing the effectiveness of behavioral intervention.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0010] Firstly, a gradient hardness combination stone-pecking system based on the growth stages of laying hens includes a first product unit, a second product unit, a third product unit, and a fourth product unit.

[0011] The first product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 45-55% calcium carbonate, 10-20% calcium dihydrogen phosphate, 1-8% sodium chloride, 5-10% sugarcane molasses, 1-3% magnesium oxide, 12-18% natural clay, 0.5-1.5% vitamin premix, 0.2-0.6% ferrous sulfate, and 0.2-0.6% natural plant fragrance;

[0012] The second product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 40-45% calcium carbonate, 10-20% oyster shell powder, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-10% sodium chloride, 5-8% sugarcane molasses, 1.5-5% magnesium oxide, 5-8% natural plant fiber, 0.5-3% vitamin premix, and 0.2-0.6% zinc sulfate and copper sulfate combined.

[0013] The third product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 15-22% basalt powder, 5-45% dicalcium phosphate, 8-10% sodium chloride, 3-8% magnesium oxide, 1-2% natural peppermint powder, 1-2% vitamin premix, 2-5% sodium sulfate, and 5-10% natural clay;

[0014] The fourth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 20-25% silicate mineral powder, 5-12% tricalcium phosphate, 5-8% sodium chloride, 0.5-2% microencapsulated L-tryptophan, 0.5-2% chamomile extract, 2-5% prebiotics, 3-5% magnesium oxide, and 10-18% natural clay.

[0015] Furthermore, the first product unit has a hardness index of 2-3 and a particle diameter of 8-15 mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the second product unit has a Mohs hardness index of 3-4, a calcium content of ≥22%, and a particle diameter of 15-25mm.

[0017] Furthermore, the third product unit has a hardness index of 4-5, a particle diameter of 25-40 mm, and a calcium content of ≥25%.

[0018] Furthermore, the fourth product unit has a hardness index of 5-6 and a particle diameter of 25-35 mm.

[0019] Furthermore, the stone-pecking device also includes a fifth product unit and a sixth product unit;

[0020] The fifth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 10-18% shell powder, 3-8% citric acid, 2-5% peppermint powder, 2-5% baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), 2-8% sodium chloride, 15-20% natural clay, 0.5-2% vitamin C, and 0.5-2% natural fragrance. The hardness index of the fifth product unit is 3-4, and the vitamin C content is ≥0.8%.

[0021] The sixth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-55% calcium carbonate, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-8% sea salt, 5-15% sugarcane molasses, 15-25% natural clay, 1-5% magnesium oxide, 0.5-2% vitamin premix, and 0.5-2% natural plant fiber; with a hardness index of 2.5-3.5.

[0022] Secondly, the preparation method of a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens includes the following steps:

[0023] S1: Weigh the qualified raw materials according to the proportion, put them into a twin-shaft paddle mixer for dry premixing, and then perform wet conditioning to obtain a mixture.

[0024] S2: Based on the preset hardness index of the target product unit, select the corresponding molding equipment and pressure parameters to perform molding and obtain a semi-finished product;

[0025] S3: The shaped semi-finished product is sent to the drying equipment and dried at a low temperature of ≤70℃;

[0026] S4: After drying, the product is cooled and then enters the screening process. After screening, a sample is taken to test the final moisture content of the product.

[0027] S5: Sampling and testing of qualified products after screening, inspection according to the predetermined quality control standards of each product unit, and quantitative packaging using moisture-proof packaging materials after all indicators have passed the inspection, and then storage in the warehouse.

[0028] Furthermore, before weighing the raw materials, S1 can also receive the growth stage identifier corresponding to the target product unit and automatically retrieve the preset formula database and process parameter set.

[0029] The present invention has the following advantages: By designing product units with precise matching of hardness, composition and function for key growth stages such as the brooding period, rearing period and laying period of laying hens, the present invention fundamentally solves the contradiction of single product, so that the stone pecking can play the optimal role in physical enrichment, nutritional supplementation and behavioral guidance at each stage, thereby more effectively reducing the incidence of pecking at each stage, promoting healthy beak development, and accurately ensuring calcium supply during the laying period.

[0030] Meanwhile, the fourth product unit incorporates microencapsulated L-tryptophan and chamomile extract, which facilitates the pacification of chickens and reduces aggression at the root through neurotransmitter pathways. This, combined with the calming effect of chamomile extract and the strong physical stimulation provided by the product's ultra-high hardness (5-6), forms a dual intervention, improving the ability to control persistent pecking behavior.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more intuitively illustrate the prior art and this application, exemplary drawings are provided below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the drawings should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing this application; for example, based on the technical concept disclosed in this application and the exemplary drawings, those skilled in the art are able to easily make conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / classification, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, size ratios, etc. of certain units (components).

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the preparation method of the gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely for further explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Technical engineers in the field can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present invention based on the above-described content. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] The gradient hardness combination of the pecking stone based on the growth stages of laying hens includes a first product unit suitable for the brooding period from 1 day to 8-10 weeks of age, a second product unit suitable for the rearing period from 8-10 weeks to 20 weeks of age, a third product unit suitable for the laying period of over 20 weeks of age, and a fourth product unit suitable for the laying period of over 20 weeks of age and with high aggressive behavior.

[0036] The first product unit contains the following components by weight percentage: 45-55% calcium carbonate, 10-20% calcium dihydrogen phosphate, 1-8% sodium chloride, 5-10% sugarcane molasses, 1-3% magnesium oxide, 12-18% natural clay, 0.5-1.5% vitamin premix, 0.2-0.6% ferrous sulfate, and 0.2-0.6% natural plant fragrance. Its hardness index is 2-3 (Mohs hardness), particle diameter is 8-15mm, and calcium content is ≥20%, primarily composed of easily absorbed fine-grained calcium carbonate. It is used to guide chicks to peck gently, promote normal beak development, and provide the basic calcium and phosphorus required for bone growth.

[0037] The second product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 40-45% calcium carbonate, 10-20% oyster shell powder, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-10% sodium chloride, 5-8% sugarcane molasses, 1.5-5% magnesium oxide, 5-8% natural plant fiber, 0.5-3% vitamin premix, and 0.2-0.6% zinc sulfate and copper sulfate combined. Its hardness index is 3-4 on the Mohs scale, with a calcium content ≥22%; the particle diameter is 15-25mm. The addition of oyster shell powder enhances hardness and abrasion resistance, matching the increased beak strength at this stage, allowing for more sustained pecking to expend excess energy and effectively reducing behavioral problems such as feather pecking.

[0038] The third product unit contains the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 15-22% basalt powder, 5-45% dicalcium phosphate, 8-10% sodium chloride, 3-8% magnesium oxide, 1-2% natural peppermint powder, 1-2% vitamin premix, 2-5% sodium sulfate, and 5-10% natural clay. Its hardness index is 4-5 on the Mohs scale, with the largest particles (25-40mm in diameter) and a calcium content ≥25%. It is designed to meet the extremely high calcium requirements during the egg-laying period. Simultaneously, the high hardness provides strong physical stimulation and long-lasting enrichment, helping to alleviate potentially increased aggressive behavior during the egg-laying period.

[0039] The fourth product unit contains the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 20-25% silicate mineral powder, 5-12% tricalcium phosphate, 5-8% sodium chloride, 0.5-2% microencapsulated L-tryptophan, 0.5-2% chamomile extract, 2-5% prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides), 3-5% magnesium oxide, and 10-18% natural clay. The hardness index is 5-6 on the Mohs scale, and the particle diameter is 25-35mm. The L-tryptophan encapsulated in microcapsules is a key element in the synthesis of serotonin. It can regulate the central nervous system of laying hens through a slow-release effect, soothe emotions, reduce stress and aggressive impulses (such as vent pecking) from the root. Moreover, the microcapsule technology protects the activity of L-tryptophan during the production process and achieves its slow release in the digestive tract. Chamomile extract, as a natural plant sedative component, enhances the anti-stress effect through compounds such as apigenin it contains, and soothes nervous tension. Together, they work synergistically through neurochemical and phytophagic pathways to intervene in behavioral problems such as severe pecking.

[0040] The gradient hardness combination stone-pecking product also includes a fifth product unit for hens aged 20 weeks and above, in their laying period (especially during the hot summer season), and a sixth product unit for hens aged 1 day to 15 weeks (suitable for the entire rearing period). The fifth product unit contains the following components by weight percentage: calcium carbonate 35-45%, shell powder 10-18%, citric acid 3-8%, peppermint powder 2-5%, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 2-5%, sodium chloride 2-8%, natural clay 15-20%, vitamin C 0.5-2%, and natural flavoring 0.5-2%. Its hardness index is 3-4, and its vitamin C content is ≥0.8%, used to alleviate heat stress, provide a refreshing taste, and efficiently supplement calcium. Citric acid helps regulate the body's acid-base balance, baking soda can neutralize respiratory alkalosis caused by heat-induced asthma, and vitamin C is a highly effective anti-stress antioxidant. The three work synergistically to effectively reduce the adverse effects of high temperatures on the physiological functions of laying hens and maintain stable egg production.

[0041] The sixth product unit contains the following components by weight percentage: 35-55% calcium carbonate, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-8% sea salt, 5-15% sugarcane molasses, 15-25% natural clay, 1-5% magnesium oxide, 0.5-2% vitamin premix, and 0.5-2% natural plant fiber. With a hardness index of 2.5-3.5, it safely meets the initial pecking and developmental needs of chicks' beaks while continuously guiding the pecking behavior of growing chickens, directing their pecking desire towards harmless objects, thereby systematically preventing pecking disorder. The added natural plant fiber helps promote gastrointestinal motility and development in chicks and growing chickens, maintaining intestinal health.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 A method for preparing a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stages of laying hens includes the following steps:

[0043] S1: Raw material weighing and premixing: After weighing the qualified raw materials according to the proportion, put them into a twin-shaft paddle mixer for dry premixing, and then perform wet conditioning to obtain a mixture.

[0044] Based on the detailed formulations of each product unit, the solid components, including calcium carbonate, phosphate, sodium chloride, mineral additives, vitamin premix, natural clay, plant fiber, and functional additives (such as L-tryptophan microcapsules and chamomile extract), are weighed. The weighed solid raw materials are then fed into a twin-shaft paddle mixer for thorough dry premixing to obtain a dry powder. The mixing time is 10-15 minutes; the twin-shaft paddle mixer speed is 20-30 rpm.

[0045] After mixing, samples are taken to test the mixing uniformity, requiring a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 7% (according to GB / T5918 Method for Determination of Feed Mixing Uniformity) to ensure that minerals, vitamins and trace active ingredients are uniformly distributed in subsequent products and to guarantee the functional consistency of each stone.

[0046] After dry premixing, the product enters the wet conditioning process: The specified amount of liquid component is added to the uniformly mixed dry powder material, and the mixture is stirred in a conditioning machine at 50-60℃ for 5-10 minutes to fully integrate the liquid component with the dry powder material, resulting in a mixture where the liquid evenly penetrates and coats the solid particles. The moisture content of the mixture is 15%-35%. The liquid component includes water and liquid binders and palatability enhancers included in the formula, such as sugarcane molasses. The addition of molasses not only provides a binding effect, but its natural sweetness also improves the palatability of the product.

[0047] Before weighing the raw materials, S1 can receive the growth stage identifier (brooding period, growing period, egg-laying period, and high aggression period) corresponding to the target product unit, and automatically retrieve the preset formula database and process parameter set. The process parameter set includes the type and proportion of calcium source, molding pressure range, and upper limit of drying temperature.

[0048] S2: Based on the preset hardness index of the target product unit, select the corresponding molding equipment and pressure parameters to perform molding and obtain a semi-finished product;

[0049] The first product unit, with a hardness index of 2-3 and a particle diameter of 8-15mm, is produced using a single-screw extrusion molding machine with a die diameter of 8-15mm. The extrusion is carried out in strips and then cut at a relatively low molding pressure of 5-10 MPa.

[0050] The sixth product unit, which produces a hardness index of 2.5-3.5, requires a specially designed double-roller tablet / block press. By carving a mesh-like pre-cutting pattern of a specific depth on the surface of the rollers, the material is pressed into large-sized sheet or block shapes with predetermined fracture lines under an inter-roller pressure of 8-12 MPa. This facilitates manual breaking along the marks later, making it suitable for chickens of different ages.

[0051] The second and fifth product units, with a hardness index of 3-4 and a particle diameter of 15-25 mm, are produced using a double-roller pressing method. The pressure between the rollers is adjusted to 10-15 MPa to obtain a denser structure.

[0052] For the production of third and fourth product units with a hardness index of 4-6 and a compressive strength ≥5MPa, a hydraulic compression molding machine is used, with the molding pressure adjusted to 15-30MPa. The mold aperture or tablet thickness is customized according to the target particle diameter (8-40mm), and the tablets are allowed to cool naturally for 1-2 minutes after molding to set.

[0053] S3: The shaped semi-finished product is sent to a drying device and dried at a low temperature of ≤70℃, with the drying temperature controlled at 50-70℃ and the drying time at 2-4 hours. For the fourth product unit containing L-tryptophan microcapsules and chamomile extract, a vacuum low-temperature dryer is used, drying at 50-60℃ under vacuum for 3-4 hours to avoid damage to the active ingredients.

[0054] S4: After drying and cooling, the product enters the screening process. A grading and screening device removes debris and particles that do not meet size requirements generated during drying, ensuring that the particle diameter of each product unit meets the standard range. After screening, samples are taken to test the final moisture content of the product; the moisture content of each product unit is ≤12%.

[0055] S5: Sampling and testing of qualified products after screening are conducted according to the predetermined quality control standards for each product unit. These standards include, but are not limited to, hardness index, calcium content, sodium content, and hygiene indicators (Salmonella must not be detected, total mold count <1000 CFU / g). After all indicators pass the tests, the products are quantitatively packaged using moisture-proof packaging materials, labeled with the product model, production date, and applicable stage, and finally stored in the warehouse.

[0056] This invention fundamentally solves the problem of product monotony by designing product units with precisely matched hardness, composition and function for key growth stages of laying hens, such as the brooding period, growing period and laying period (including special needs). This allows the stone pecking stone to play an optimal role in physical enrichment, nutritional supplementation and behavioral guidance at each stage, thereby more effectively reducing the incidence of pecking at each stage, promoting healthy beak development, and precisely ensuring calcium supply during the laying period.

[0057] Meanwhile, microencapsulated L-tryptophan and chamomile extract are introduced into the fourth product unit, which can conveniently soothe the emotions of chickens and reduce aggression at the root through the neurotransmitter pathway. This forms a dual intervention with the sedative effect of chamomile extract and the strong physical stimulation provided by the ultra-high hardness (5-6) of the product itself, improving the control ability of intractable pecking behavior.

[0058] The following also gives an example, taking the production of 100 kg of each product unit as an example.

[0059] 1) Preparation of the first product unit:

[0060] Formula: Weigh 50 kg of calcium carbonate (fine particles, 200 mesh), 15 kg of monocalcium phosphate, 5 kg of sodium chloride, 8 kg of cane molasses, 2 kg of magnesium oxide, 15 kg of natural clay, 1 kg of vitamin premix (A, D, E), 0.5 kg of ferrous sulfate, and 0.5 kg of natural mint extract.

[0061] Preparation: According to step S1, the materials are dry-mixed by a double-shaft paddle mixer (20-30 rpm, 12 minutes) until CV≤7%, and then molasses and water are added and conditioned at 55°C for 8 minutes, with a moisture content of about 22%. According to step S2, a single-screw extrusion molding machine (die hole 10 mm, pressure about 8 MPa) is used to extrude into strips and cut into particles about 10 mm. According to step S3, it is dried in a dryer at 65°C for 2.5 hours. After S4 cooling and screening (8-15 mm sieve), the moisture content is measured to be 11%. In S5, the hardness index is inspected to be 2.5, and the calcium content is 21%. After passing the inspection, it is packaged.

[0062] 2) Preparation of the second product unit:

[0063] Formula: Weigh 45 kg of calcium carbonate (medium particles), 15 kg of oyster shell powder, 12 kg of dicalcium phosphate, 8 kg of sodium chloride, 6 kg of cane molasses, 3 kg of magnesium oxide, 8 kg of rice husk powder, 1.5 kg of vitamin premix, 0.3 kg of zinc sulfate, and 0.2 kg of copper sulfate.

[0064] Preparation: After dry-mixing in S1, it is conditioned with a moisture content of about 20%. In S2, a pair-roll briquetting machine is used to adjust the pressure to 12 MPa and pressed into blocks about 20 mm. In S3, it is dried in a tray dryer at 68°C for 3 hours. In S4, it is screened (15-25 mm), and the moisture content is 9.5%. In S5, the hardness index is inspected to be 3.5, the calcium content is 23%, and the peck resistance >50 hours. It is qualified.

[0065] 3) Preparation of the third product unit:

[0066] Formula: Weigh out 40kg of calcium carbonate (coarse particles), 20kg of basalt powder, 10kg of dicalcium phosphate, 10kg of sodium chloride, 5kg of magnesium oxide, 2kg of natural peppermint powder, 2kg of vitamin premix, 3kg of sodium sulfate, and 8kg of natural clay.

[0067] Preparation: S1 has a moisture content of approximately 18% after conditioning. S2 is formed into 35mm blocks using a hydraulic molding machine at a pressure of 25MPa, and then naturally cooled for 1.5 minutes to set. S3 is dried at 70℃ for 3.5 hours. S4 is sieved (25-40mm), with a moisture content of 10%. S5 is tested and found to have a hardness index of 4.5, compressive strength of 5.8MPa, and calcium content of 26%, which is acceptable.

[0068] 4) Preparation of the fourth product unit:

[0069] Formula: Weigh out 35kg of calcium carbonate, 25kg of silicate mineral powder, 10kg of tricalcium phosphate, 6kg of sodium chloride, 1kg of microencapsulated L-tryptophan, 1kg of chamomile extract, 3kg of fructooligosaccharides, 4kg of magnesium oxide, and 15kg of natural clay.

[0070] Preparation: S1. Microcapsules were added during dry mixing, and the conditioning temperature was strictly controlled to ≤55℃, with a moisture content of approximately 19%. S2. Hydraulic molding (22MPa) was used, with mold temperature controlled by circulating cooling water, to form 30mm blocks, followed by cooling for 2 minutes. S3. A vacuum low-temperature dryer was used, drying at 55℃ and -0.08MPa for 4 hours. S4. Sieving (25-35mm), moisture content 9%. S5. Hardness index 5.5, L-tryptophan content 0.85%, qualified.

[0071] 5) Preparation of the fifth product unit:

[0072] Formula: Weigh out 40kg of calcium carbonate, 15kg of shell powder, 5kg of citric acid, 3kg of peppermint powder, 4kg of baking soda, 5kg of sodium chloride, 18kg of natural clay, 1kg of vitamin C, and 1kg of natural fragrance.

[0073] Preparation: S1 has a moisture content of approximately 21% after conditioning. S2 is compressed into tablets using a roller press at a pressure of 13 MPa, and then crushed into particles of approximately 20 mm. S3 is dried in a tray drying oven at 60°C for 2.5 hours to preserve flavor. S4 is sieved, with a moisture content of 10.5%. S5 is tested for hardness index of 3.5, pH value of 7.0, and vitamin C content of 0.9%, which is qualified.

[0074] 6) Preparation of the sixth product unit:

[0075] Formula: Weigh out 50kg of calcium carbonate, 12kg of dicalcium phosphate, 6kg of sea salt, 10kg of sugarcane molasses, 18kg of natural clay, 2kg of magnesium oxide, 1.5kg of vitamin premix, and 0.5kg of natural plant fiber.

[0076] Preparation: S1 has a moisture content of approximately 23% after conditioning. S2 is pressed into large, divisible blocks using rollers with pre-cut texture at 10 MPa. S3 is dried at 65°C for 3 hours. S4, after cooling, is manually broken into blocks of varying sizes along the pre-cut lines, with a moisture content of 11%. S5 has a hardness index of 3.0, meeting the standards for organic raw materials and is therefore qualified.

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stages of laying hens, characterized in that, It includes a first product unit, a second product unit, a third product unit, and a fourth product unit; The first product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 45-55% calcium carbonate, 10-20% calcium dihydrogen phosphate, 1-8% sodium chloride, 5-10% sugarcane molasses, 1-3% magnesium oxide, 12-18% natural clay, 0.5-1.5% vitamin premix, 0.2-0.6% ferrous sulfate, and 0.2-0.6% natural plant fragrance; The second product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 40-45% calcium carbonate, 10-20% oyster shell powder, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-10% sodium chloride, 5-8% sugarcane molasses, 1.5-5% magnesium oxide, 5-8% natural plant fiber, 0.5-3% vitamin premix, and 0.2-0.6% zinc sulfate and copper sulfate combined. The third product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 15-22% basalt powder, 5-45% dicalcium phosphate, 8-10% sodium chloride, 3-8% magnesium oxide, 1-2% natural peppermint powder, 1-2% vitamin premix, 2-5% sodium sulfate, and 5-10% natural clay; The fourth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 20-25% silicate mineral powder, 5-12% tricalcium phosphate, 5-8% sodium chloride, 0.5-2% microencapsulated L-tryptophan, 0.5-2% chamomile extract, 2-5% prebiotics, 3-5% magnesium oxide, and 10-18% natural clay.

2. The gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first product unit has a hardness index of 2-3 and a particle diameter of 8-15 mm.

3. The gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second product unit has a Mohs hardness index of 3-4, a calcium content of ≥22%, and a particle diameter of 15-25mm.

4. The gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third product unit has a hardness index of 4-5, a particle diameter of 25-40 mm, and a calcium content of ≥25%.

5. The gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth product unit has a hardness index of 5-6 and a particle diameter of 25-35 mm.

6. The gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stone-pecking device also includes a fifth product unit and a sixth product unit; The fifth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-45% calcium carbonate, 10-18% shell powder, 3-8% citric acid, 2-5% peppermint powder, 2-5% baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), 2-8% sodium chloride, 15-20% natural clay, 0.5-2% vitamin C, and 0.5-2% natural fragrance. The hardness index of the fifth product unit is 3-4, and the vitamin C content is ≥0.8%. The sixth product unit comprises the following components by weight percentage: 35-55% calcium carbonate, 10-15% dicalcium phosphate, 5-8% sea salt, 5-15% sugarcane molasses, 15-25% natural clay, 1-5% magnesium oxide, 0.5-2% vitamin premix, and 0.5-2% natural plant fiber; with a hardness index of 2.5-3.

5.

7. A method for preparing a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stages of laying hens, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Weigh the qualified raw materials according to the proportion, put them into a twin-shaft paddle mixer for dry premixing, and then perform wet conditioning to obtain a mixture. S2: Based on the preset hardness index of the target product unit, select the corresponding molding equipment and pressure parameters to perform molding and obtain a semi-finished product; S3: The shaped semi-finished product is sent to the drying equipment and dried at a low temperature of ≤70℃; S4: After drying, the product is cooled and then enters the screening process. After screening, a sample is taken to test the final moisture content of the product. S5: Sampling and testing of qualified products after screening, inspection according to the predetermined quality control standards of each product unit, and quantitative packaging using moisture-proof packaging materials after all indicators have passed the inspection, and then storage in the warehouse.

8. The method for preparing a gradient hardness combination pecking stone based on the growth stage of laying hens according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before weighing the raw materials, S1 can also receive the growth stage identifier corresponding to the target product unit and automatically retrieve the preset formula database and process parameter set.

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