BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the mechanism of organic zinc and manganese (OZM) influencing eggshell quality of laying hens. A total of 384 21-week-old Jingfen-1 laying hens were randomly divided into four groups (8 replicates per group, 12 hens per replicate): control group (60 mg kg(-1) Zn as zinc sulfate and 80 mg kg(-1) Mn as manganese sulfate) and OZM groups (5, 10 and 15 mg kg(-1) Zn as yeast zinc and 80 mg kg(-1) Mn as manganese methionine). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, OZM_5 and OZM_10 groups significantly...