English

Abstract

In this research, we made a comprehensive study about the egg quality and nutrient factors of Bashang long-tailed chickens in different housing systems (in-cage and free-range). The results showed that: 1) there was no significant difference in egg weight, egg shape index, egg yolk weight, egg yolk color, egg yolk ratio, egg white ratio, and Hahn unit between free-range and cage (P > 0.05). Protein weight, protein height, eggshell weight, eggshell color and eggshell ratio were significantly higher in the cage than in free-range (P < 0.05) and the differences in eggshell weight, eggshell color, and eggshell ratio were extremely significant (P < 0.01). However, the thickness and strength of eggshell in free-range breeding were significantly higher than those caged (P < 0.05). 2) The content of water and crude protein in the eggs of the caged Bashang long-tail chicken was significantly higher than that of the free-range chicken (P < 0.05). 3) The content of crude fat content of free-range was significantly higher than that of caged chickens (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in cholesterol and vitamin A content. 4) Zinc content of eggs of Bashang long-tail chickens of free-range was significantly higher than that of caged chickens (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the content of calcium and phosphorus. So it’s better than the caged chicken in the free-range feeding condition, and the free-range feeding is suitable for the production of Bashang long-tail chicken. This study could be used as a reference to improve egg quality in the future. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers