Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, Gyeongsang National University and Ecofarm join forces

Abalone shells assessed as potential replacement for conventional feed calcium

Eggshell strength, thickness and freshness to be measured through year-end

Fresh abalones. The image is not directly related to this article. [Getty Images Bank]
Fresh abalones. The image is not directly related to this article. [Getty Images Bank]

Abalone shells that have long been discarded as waste are set to be tested as a calcium source in chicken feed, with researchers analyzing whether eggs laid by hens fed the shells meet the quality standards of conventional calcium supplements.

The Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation announced Friday that it will carry out a joint field trial with Gyeongsang National University and local company Ecofarm through the end of the year, feeding laying hens a diet that incorporates processed abalone shells and evaluating the resulting eggs.

Abalone shells are a seafood byproduct with high calcium content, but a lack of practical uses has left producers bearing disposal costs and an environmental burden. To turn the material into a livestock resource, the institute is pursuing a "regional anchor project" with the university and the local firm — a government-backed initiative designed to drive regional innovation by connecting anchor institutions with universities and local businesses for shared growth.

The Food Technology Laboratory in the Department of Marine Food Science and Technology at Gyeongsang National University will research the feasibility of using abalone shells in laying-hen feed, while Ecofarm will feed the shell-based diet to hens at an actual farm and collect the eggs.

The institute will then use specialized equipment and quality-assessment technology to analyze changes in egg quality. Measurements will include eggshell strength and thickness as well as Haugh units — an index that uses the height and weight of egg whites to gauge freshness — to determine whether abalone shells can serve as a viable feed-grade calcium source.

If the trial confirms that abalone shells can replace conventional calcium supplements in feed, the findings could help expand uses for discarded seafood byproducts and reduce the environmental costs of their disposal. The project is also expected to strengthen the competitiveness of local companies through eco-friendly feed development and give farmers a broader range of feed options.

"This collaboration is meaningful because it transforms locally discarded resources into new value and connects our institute's expertise with the capabilities of universities and businesses," said Park Su-jin, president of the institute. "We will continue to work with a wide range of partners to pursue projects that make a real difference in revitalizing local economies."


adastra@heraldcorp.com